SINGLE PHOTON DETECTOR USING AN AVALANCHE PHOTODIODE, A PHOTON NUMBER RESOLVING DETECTOR, AND A PHOTON DETECTING METHOD

摘要

PURPOSE: A single photon detector, a photon number resolving detector, and a photon detecting method are provided to determine whether an avalanche is generated or not even through the amplitude of avalanche signals is smaller than the maximum amplitude of a capacitive response and to measure the number of inputted photons by utilizing the size of differential signals.;CONSTITUTION: A single photon detector (200) includes an avalanche photodiode (201), a similar signal generating unit (203), a differential unit (205), and an avalanche determination unit (207). The avalanche photodiode outputs electrical signals including avalanche signals generated by responding to inputted photons. The similar signal generating unit generates similar signals of a waveform similar to a capacitive response of the avalanche photodiode. The differential unit generates differential signals corresponding to a difference between the electric signals outputted by the avalanche photodiode and the similar signals. The avalanche determination unit determines whether the photons are inputted or not by using the differential signals.;COPYRIGHT KIPO 2013;[Reference numerals] (203) Similar signal generating unit; (205) Differential unit; (207) Avalanche determination unit; (209) Gate signal generating unit