# Novel APD Array Configurations for Improved Detection Area and Frequency Response

## TL;DR

This paper introduces new APD array designs that improve detection area and bandwidth, surpassing the limitations of traditional photodetectors.

## Contribution

The paper proposes two novel APD array configurations that enhance bandwidth while increasing detection area.

## Key findings

- One APD array achieved a 780 MHz bandwidth, a 1.41 times improvement.
- Another array reached 1.21 GHz bandwidth, a 1.35 times improvement.
- Structure 2 outperformed Structure 1 with lower noise and better SNR.

## Abstract

This paper presents two novel avalanche photodiode (APD) array structures designed to significantly enhance both detection area and bandwidth, overcoming the common trade-off between these parameters in conventional photodetectors. The impact of various parameters on the bandwidths of the two distinct array structures was theoretically simulated. Experimental validation using the self-fabricated 2 × 2 array on PCB board confirmed the bandwidth enhancement realized through inductor integration, with one APD array demonstrating an increase to 780 MHz (1.41 times greater) and another showing an increase to 1.21 GHz (1.35 times greater). Unlike prior works where array bandwidth is often lower than single detectors, our structures maintain high bandwidth while expanding the detection area. Structure 2 is particularly recommended over Structure 1 because of its lower noise, better signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and reduced power consumption.