title: Time-gated single-photon detection module with 110 ps transition time and up to 80 MHz repetition rate.
abstract: We present the design and characterization of a complete single-photon counting module capable of time-gating a silicon single-photon avalanche diode with ON and OFF transition times down to 110 ps, at repetition rates up to 80 MHz. Thanks to this sharp temporal filtering of incoming photons, it is possible to reject undesired strong light pulses preceding (or following) the signal of interest, allowing to increase the dynamic range of optical acquisitions up to 7 decades. A complete experimental characterization of the module highlights its very flat temporal response, with a time resolution of the order of 30 ps. The instrument is fully user-configurable via a PC interface and can be easily integrated in any optical setup, thanks to its small and compact form factor.
authors.affiliation: Politecnico di Milano, Dipartimento di Elettronica, Informazione e Bioingegneria, Piazza Leonardo Da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy.
authors.forename: Mauro
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Buttafava
authors.affiliation: Politecnico di Milano, Dipartimento di Elettronica, Informazione e Bioingegneria, Piazza Leonardo Da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy.
authors.forename: Gianluca
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Boso
authors.affiliation: Politecnico di Milano, Dipartimento di Elettronica, Informazione e Bioingegneria, Piazza Leonardo Da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy.
authors.forename: Alessandro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ruggeri
authors.affiliation: Politecnico di Milano, Dipartimento di Fisica, Piazza Leonardo Da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy.
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dalla Mora
authors.affiliation: Politecnico di Milano, Dipartimento di Elettronica, Informazione e Bioingegneria, Piazza Leonardo Da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy.
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tosi