Comparing a radiation damage model for avalanche photodiodes through in-situ observation of CubeSat based devices

TL;DR

This paper introduces a radiation damage model for avalanche photodiodes used in space, validated by in-situ observations from CubeSat devices, aiding long-term performance prediction in space quantum technologies.

Contribution

The study develops a model that predicts radiation effects on GM-APDs considering shielding differences, validated with CubeSat in-orbit data.

Findings

Model accurately predicts dark count rate trends.

In-situ data confirms model's effectiveness.

Radiation shielding significantly impacts device longevity.

Abstract

Space-based quantum technologies are essential building blocks for global quantum networks. However, the optoelectronic components used can be susceptible to radiation damage. Predicting long-term instrument performance in the presence of radiation remains a challenging part of space missions. We present a model that accounts for differences in radiation shielding and can predict the trends for dark count rates of space-based silicon Geiger-mode avalanche photodiodes (GM-APD). We find that the predicted trends are correlated with in-situ observations from GM-APDs on-board the SpooQy-1 CubeSat mission.