Silicon avalanche photodiode operation and lifetime analysis for small satellites.
Silicon avalanche photodiodes (APDs) are sensitive to operating temperature fluctuations and are also susceptible to radiation flux expected in satellite-based quantum experiments. We introduce a low power voltage adjusting mechanism to overcome the effects of in-orbit temperature fluctuations. We also present data on the performance of Si APDs after irradiation (γ-ray and proton beam). Combined with an analysis of expected orbital irradiation, we propose that a Si APD in a 400 km equatorial orbit may operate beyond the lifetime of the satellite.
Centre for Quantum Technologies, National University of Singapore, Block S15, 3 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117543. cqttyc@nus.edu.sg
Yue Chuan
YC
Tan
Rakhitha
R
Chandrasekara
Cliff
C
Cheng
Alexander
A
Ling
D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D005720:Gamma Rays; D010783:Photometry / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012666:Semiconductors; D012825:Silicon / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000528:radiation effects*; D018531:Spacecraft / Q000295:instrumentation*
D012825:Silicon