Surfaces and interfaces governing the OMVPE growth of APD-free GaP on AsH3-cleaned vicinal Si(100)
Not Available
McMahon, William E.↗
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Comment on “Temperature dependence of APD-based PET scanners” [Med. Phys. 40(9) 092506 (13pp.) (2013)]
No abstract prepared.
62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗
Response to “Comment on ‘Temperature dependence of APD-based PET scanners’ ” [Med. Phys. 40(9), 092506 (13pp.) (2013)]
No abstract prepared.
62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗
Studies of Avalanche Photodiodes (APDS) as Readout Devices for Scintillating Fibers for High Energy Gamma-Ray Astronomy Telescopes
New gamma ray and charged particle telescope designs based on scintillating fiber arrays could provide low cost, high resolution, lightweight, very large area and multi radiation length instrumentation for planned NASA space exploration. The scintillating fibers low visible light output requires readout sensors with single photon detection sensitivity and low noise. The sensitivity of silicon Avalanche Photodiodes (APDS) matches well the spectral output of the scintillating fibers. Moreover, APDs have demonstrated single photon capability. The global aim of our work is to make available to NASA a novel optical detector concept to be used as scintillating fiber readouts and meeting the requirements of the new generations of space-borne gamma ray telescopes. We proposed to evaluate the feasibility of using RMD's small area APDs ((mu)APD) as scintillating fiber readouts and to study possible alternative (mu)APD array configurations for space borne readout scintillating fiber systems, requiring several hundred thousand to one million channels. The evaluation has been conducted in accordance with the task description and technical specifications detailed in the NASA solicitation "Studies of Avalanche Photodiodes (APD as readout devices for scintillating fibers for High Energy Gamma-Ray Astronomy Telescopes" (#8-W-7-ES-13672NAIS) posted on October 23, 1997. The feasibility study we propose builds on recent developments of silicon APD arrays and light concentrators advances at RMD, Inc. and on more than 5 years of expertise in scintillating fiber detectors. In a previous program we carried out the initial research to develop a high resolution, small pixel, solid-state, silicon APD array which exhibited very high sensitivity in the UV-VIS spectrum. This (mu)APD array is operated in Geiger mode and results in high gain (greater than 10(exp 8)), extremely low noise, single photon detection capability, low quiescent power (less than 10 (mu)W/pixel for 30 micrometers sensitive area diameter) and output in the 1-5 volt range. If successful, this feasibility study will make possible the development of a scintillating fiber detector with unsurpassed sensitivity, extremely low power usage, a crucial factor of merit for space based sensors and telescopes.
Vasile, Stefan↗
HgCdTe e-APD Detector Arrays with Single Photon Sensitivity for Space Lidar Applications
A multi-element HgCdTe electron initiated avalanche photodiode (e-APD) array has been developed for space lidar applications. The detector array was fabricated with 4.3-μm cutoff HgCdTe which covered a spectral response from 0.4 to 4.3 μm. We have characterized a 4x4 detector array with 80 μm square elements and an integrated custom cryogenic silicon read-out integrated circuit (ROIC). The device operated at 77K inside a small closed-cycle Dewar. Measurements showed a unity gain quantum efficiency of about 90% at 1.55 μm. The bulk dark current of the HgCdTe e-APD at 77K was less than 50,000 input referred electrons/s at 12 V APD bias where the APD gain was 620 and the measured noise equivalent power (NEP) was 0.4 fW/Hz1/2. The electrical bandwidth of the ROIC was about 6 MHz, which was chosen to match the laser pulse width of our CO2 lidar. Even with the relatively low bandwidth, the high APD gain and low dark current enabled the device to detect single photon events. Because the APD was biased below the break-down voltage, the detector output was linear with the input optical signal and there was no dead-time and afterpulsing. A new series of HgCdTe e-APDs are being developed with a much wider bandwidth ROIC and higher gain HgCdTe e-APD array, which is expected to give a much better performance in linear mode photon counting applications.
HgCdTe↗
A Highly Sensitive Multi-Element HgCdTe E-APD Detector for IPDA Lidar Applications
An HgCdTe electron avalanche photodiode (e-APD) detector has been developed for lidar receivers, one application of which is integrated path differential absorption lidar measurements of such atmospheric trace gases as CO2 and CH4. The HgCdTe APD has a wide, visible to mid-wave-infrared, spectral response, high dynamic range, substantially improved sensitivity, and an expected improvement in operational lifetime. A demonstration sensor-chip assembly consisting of a 4.3 lm cutoff HgCdTe 4 9 4 APD detector array with 80 micrometer pitch pixels and a custom complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor readout integrated circuit was developed. For one typical array the APD gain was 654 at 12 V with corresponding gain normalized dark currents ranging from 1.2 fA to 3.2 fA. The 4 9 4 detector system was characterized at 77 K with a 1.55 micrometer wavelength, 1 microsecond wide, laser pulse. The measured unit gain detector photon conversion efficiency was 91.1%. At 11 V bias the mean measured APD gain at 77 K was 307.8 with sigma/mean uniformity of 1.23%. The average, noise-bandwidth normalized, system noise-equivalent power (NEP) was 1.04 fW/Hz(exp 1/2) with a sigma/mean of 3.8%. The measured, electronics-limited, bandwidth of 6.8 MHz was more than adequate for 1 microsecond pulse detection. The system had an NEP (3 MHz) of 0.4 fW/Hz(exp 1/2) at 12 V APD bias and a linear dynamic range close to 1000. A gain-independent quantum-limited SNR of 80% of full theoretical was indicative of a gain-independent excess noise factor very close to 1.0 and the expected APD mode quantum efficiency.
NEP↗
Temperature dependence of APD-based PET scanners
Purpose: Solid state detectors such as avalanche photodiodes (APDs) are increasingly being used in PET detectors. One of the disadvantages of APDs is the strong decrease of their gain factor with increasing ambient temperature. The light yield of most scintillation crystals also decreases when ambient temperature is increased. Both effects lead to considerable temperature dependence of the performance of APD-based PET scanners. In this paper, the authors propose a model for this dependence and the performance of the LabPET8 APD-based small animal PET scanner is evaluated at different temperatures.Methods: The model proposes that the effect of increasing temperature on the energy histogram of an APD-based PET scanner is a compression of the histogram along the energy axis. The energy histogram of the LabPET system was acquired at 21 °C and 25 °C to verify the validity of this model. Using the proposed model, the effect of temperature on system sensitivity was simulated for different detector temperature coefficients and temperatures. Subsequently, the effect of short term and long term temperature changes on the peak sensitivity of the LabPET system was measured. The axial sensitivity profile was measured at 21 °C and 24 °C following the NEMA NU 4-2008 standard. System spatial resolution was also evaluated. Furthermore, scatter fraction, count losses and random coincidences were evaluated at different temperatures. Image quality was also investigated.Results: As predicted by the model, the photopeak energy at 25 °C is lower than at 21 °C with a shift of approximately 6% per °C. Simulations showed that this results in an approximately linear decrease of sensitivity when temperature is increased from 21 °C to 24 °C and energy thresholds are constant. Experimental evaluation of the peak sensitivity at different temperatures showed a strong linear correlation for short term (2.32 kcps/MBq/°C = 12%/°C, R = −0.95) and long term (1.92 kcps/MBq/°C = 10%/°C , R = −0.96) temperature changes. Count rate evaluation showed that although the total count rate is consistently higher at 21 °C than at 24 °C for different source activity concentrations, this is mainly due to an increase in scattered and random coincidences. The peak total count rate is 400 kcps at both temperatures but is reached at lower activity at 21 °C. The peak true count rate is 138 kcps (at 100 MBq) at 21 °C and 180 kcps (at 125 MBq) at 24 °C. The peak noise equivalent count rate is also lower at 21 °C (70 kcps at 70 MBq) than at 24 °C (100 kcps at 100 MBq). At realistic activity levels, the scatter fraction is lower at higher temperatures, but at the cost of a strong decrease in true count rate.Conclusions: A model was proposed for the temperature dependence of APD-based PET scanners and evaluated using the LabPET small animal PET scanner. System sensitivity and count rate performance are strongly dependent on ambient temperature while system resolution is not. The authors’ results indicate that it is important to assure stable ambient temperature to obtain reproducible results in imaging studies with APD-based PET scanners.
46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
Gaussian approximation versus nearly exact performance analysis of optical communication systems with PPM signaling and APD receivers
A 25-Mb/s direct-detection optical communication system that used Q = 4 PPM (pulse-position modulation) signaling was constructed and its performance measured under laboratory conditions. The system used a single-mode AlGaAs laser diode (lambda = 834 nm) and low-noise silicon avalanche photodiode (APD). A procedure for numerically computing system performance is given that uses the nearly exact Webb approximation of the true Conradi distribution for the APD output and does not require excessive amounts of computer time. Comparison revealed that modeling the APD ouptut as a Gaussian process under conditions of negligible background radiation and low (less than 10 to the -12 A) APD bulk leakage currents leads to substantial underestimates of optimal APD gain and overestimates of system bit error probability. Examples illustrate the breakdown of the Gaussian approximation in assessing system performance. The measured performance was in excellent agreement with that predicted by the computational procedure. The system achieved a bit error probability of 10 to the -6 at a received signal energy, corresponding to an average of 60 absorbed photons/bit and optimal APD gain of 700.
Davidson, Frederic M.↗
Development of a novel depth of interaction PET detector using highly multiplexed G-APD cross-strip encoding
Purpose: The aim of this study was to develop a prototype PET detector module for a combined small animal positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI) system. The most important factor for small animal imaging applications is the detection sensitivity of the PET camera, which can be optimized by utilizing longer scintillation crystals. At the same time, small animal PET systems must yield a high spatial resolution. The measured object is very close to the PET detector because the bore diameter of a high field animal MR scanner is limited. When used in combination with long scintillation crystals, these small-bore PET systems generate parallax errors that ultimately lead to a decreased spatial resolution. Thus, we developed a depth of interaction (DoI) encoding PET detector module that has a uniform spatial resolution across the whole field of view (FOV), high detection sensitivity, compactness, and insensitivity to magnetic fields. Methods: The approach was based on Geiger mode avalanche photodiode (G-APD) detectors with cross-strip encoding. The number of readout channels was reduced by a factor of 36 for the chosen block elements. Two 12 × 2 G-APD strip arrays (25μm cells) were placed perpendicular on each face of a 12 × 12 lutetium oxyorthosilicate crystal block with a crystal size of 1.55 × 1.55 × 20 mm. The strip arrays were multiplexed into two channels and used to calculate the x, y coordinates for each array and the deposited energy. The DoI was measured in step sizes of 1.8 mm by a collimated {sup 18}F source. The coincident resolved time (CRT) was analyzed at all DoI positions by acquiring the waveform for each event and applying a digital leading edge discriminator. Results: All 144 crystals were well resolved in the crystal flood map. The average full width half maximum (FWHM) energy resolution of the detector was 12.8% ± 1.5% with a FWHM CRT of 1.14 ± 0.02 ns. The average FWHM DoI resolution over 12 crystals was 2.90 ± 0.15 mm. Conclusions: The novel DoI PET detector, which is based on strip G-APD arrays, yielded a DoI resolution of 2.9 mm and excellent timing and energy resolution. Its high multiplexing factor reduces the number of electronic channels. Thus, this cross-strip approach enables low-cost, high-performance PET detectors for dedicated small animal PET and PET/MRI and potentially clinical PET/MRI systems.
46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
Automated Predictive Diagnosis (APD): A 3-tiered shell for building expert systems for automated predictions and decision making
The APD software features include: On-line help, Three level architecture, (Logic environments, Setup/Application environment, Data environment), Explanation capability, and File handling. The kinds of experimentation and record keeping that leads to effective expert systems is facilitated by: (1) a library of inferencing modules (in the logic environment); (2) an explanation capability which reveals logic strategies to users; (3) automated file naming conventions; (4) an information retrieval system; and (5) on-line help. These aid with effective use of knowledge, debugging and experimentation. Since the APD software anticipates the logical rules becoming complicated, it is embedded in a production system language (CLIPS) to insure the full power of the production system paradigm of CLIPS and availability of the procedural language C. The development is discussed of the APD software and three example applications: toy, experimental, and operational prototype for submarine maintenance predictions.
Steib, Michael↗
Advances in HgCdTe APDs and LADAR Receivers
Raytheon is developing NIR sensor chip assemblies (SCAs) for scanning and staring 3D LADAR systems. High sensitivity is obtained by integrating high performance detectors with gain i.e. APDs with very low noise Readout Integrated Circuits. Unique aspects of these designs include: independent acquisition (non-gated) of pulse returns, multiple pulse returns with both time and intensity reported to enable full 3D reconstruction of the image. Recent breakthrough in device design has resulted in HgCdTe APDs operating at 300K with essentially no excess noise to gains in excess of 100, low NEP <1nW and GHz bandwidths and have demonstrated linear mode photon counting. SCAs utilizing these high performance APDs have been integrated and demonstrated excellent spatial and range resolution enabling detailed 3D imagery both at short range and long ranges. In this presentation we will review progress in high resolution scanning, staring and ultra-high sensitivity photon counting LADAR sensors.
Bailey, Steven↗
Laboratory characterization of silicon avalanche photodiodes (APD) for pulse position modulation (PPM) detection
Two commercially available large area silicon avalanche photodiodes (APD) were characterized in the laboratory. Specifically, the response of the APD’s to a sequence of 8-bit pulse position modulated (256-PPM) laser pulses, with and without background noise, was recorded and stored for post analysis. Empirical probability distribution functions (pdf) were constructed from the signal and noise slot data and compared to pdf’s predicted by an analytical model based on Webb/Gaussian statistics. The limited pulse sequence was also used to generate bit-error rate (BER) versus signal photons per pulse values, albeit with large error bars. These BER measurements were also compared to results predicted using the Gaussian and Webb/Gaussian models for APD channel statistics. While the measurements qualitatively reflect features predicted by theory, significant quantitative deviations are displayed between the measurements and theory. The source of these discrepancies is not currently well understood, but it is surmised that inaccurate knowledge of detector parameters such as gain and noise equivalent temperature models may explain the discrepancies.
Biswas, A.↗
Si-APD linear-array x-ray detector with 10-100 μm spatial and sub-nanosecond time resolution
We developed a silicon avalanche photodiode (Si-APD) linear-array detector to be used for time-resolved X-ray scattering experiments using synchrotron X-rays. The Si-APD linear array consists of 64 pixels (pixel size: 100 × 200 μm{sup 2}) with a pixel pitch of 150 μm and a depletion depth of 10 μm. The multichannel scaler counted X-ray pulses over continuous 2046 time bins for every 0.5 ns and recorded a time spectrum at each pixel with a time resolution of 0.5 ns (FWHM) for 8.0 keV X-rays. Using the detector system, we were able to observe X-ray peaks clearly separated with 2 ns interval in the multibunch-mode operation of the Photon Factory ring. The small-angle X-ray scattering for polyvinylidene fluoride film was also observed with the detector.
46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
Poster - 01: LabPET II Pixelated APD-Based PET Scanner for High-Resolution Preclinical Imaging
Purpose: LabPET II is a new generation APD-based PET scanner designed to achieve sub-mm spatial resolution using truly pixelated detectors and highly integrated parallel front-end processing electronics. Methods: The basic element uses a 4×8 array of 1.12×1.12 mm{sup 2} Lu{sub 1.9}Y{sub 0.1}SiO{sub 5}:Ce (LYSO) scintillator pixels with one-to-one coupling to a 4×8 pixelated monolithic APD array mounted on a ceramic carrier. Four detector arrays are mounted on a daughter board carrying two flip-chip, 64-channel, mixed-signal, application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC) on the backside interfacing to two detector arrays each. Fully parallel signal processing was implemented in silico by encoding time and energy information using a dual-threshold Time-over-Threshold (ToT) scheme. The self-contained 128-channel detector module was designed as a generic component for ultra-high resolution PET imaging of small to medium-size animals. Results: Energy and timing performance were optimized by carefully setting ToT thresholds to minimize the noise/slope ratio. ToT spectra clearly show resolved 511 keV photopeak and Compton edge with ToT resolution well below 10%. After correction for nonlinear ToT response, energy resolution is typically 24±2% FWHM. Coincidence time resolution between opposing 128-channel modules is below 4 ns FWHM. Initial imaging results demonstrate that 0.8 mm hot spots of a Derenzo phantom can be resolved. Conclusion: A new generation PET scanner featuring truly pixelated detectors was developed and shown to achieve a spatial resolution approaching the physical limit of PET. Future plans are to integrate a small-bore dedicated mouse version of the scanner within a PET/CT platform.
46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
Pilot Readiness Development Program for Autonomous Pathogen Detection System (APDS) (Final Report)
The purpose of this CRADA was to develop, integrate, and test design changes to LLNL’s field prototype autonomous pathogen detection system (APDS). The desired result of this project was an improved design of the APDS, along with test data characterizing performance of the new hardware, software, and processes. This improved design was to be closer to the final production design for operation. The third amendment to the Statement of Work (SOW) significantly redefined the scope of the work from general improvements to creating a NGSS built system that included the improvements from before and prepared the system for head to head testing for the BioWatch Gen-3 program. All deliverables were met on time and on budget.
Henderer, Bruce D.↗
Pilot Readiness Development Program for Autonomous Pathogen Detection System (APDS) Final Report CRADA No. TC02115.0
The purpose of this CRADA was to develop, integrate, and test design changes to LLNL’s field prototype autonomous pathogen detection system (APDS). The desired result of this project was an improved design of the APDS, along with test data characterizing performance of the new hardware, software, and processes. This improved design was to be closer to the final production design for operation. The third amendment to the Statement of Work (SOW) significantly redefined the scope of the work from general improvements to creating a NGSS built system that included the improvements from before and prepared the system for head to head testing for the BioWatch Gen-3 program. All deliverables were met on time and on budget.
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
Performance of OOK and low-order PPM modulations in optical communications when using APD-based receivers
The paper computes direct detection laser communications receiver performance when using avalanche photodiode (APD) detectors. The performances are compared in terms of bit error probability vs average signal required per bit when the transmitter uses either on-off keying (OOK) or low-order PPM formats. It is shown that QPPM requires 3 dB less signal than OOK, while BPPM requires the same or slightly more than OOK for the same performance. Optimum APD gain values range from 200 to 400. When using QPPM, k(eff) = 0.006, and optimum gain, 60 signal counts/bit are required at 500 Mbits/s for a 0.000001 bit error probability. It is concluded that QPPM may be an attractive signaling format for some fiber or free space laser communication applications.
Abshire, J. B.↗
A new look at coding for APD-based direct-detection optical channels
Coding for avalanche-photodiode (APD)-based direct-detection optical channels is investigated using a simple channel model that clearly points out the difference between the signal-dependent optical noise channel model and the additive white Gaussian noise channel model. Coding and modulation are viewed as a single entity, and the coding/modulation gain (CMG) is used to analyze and construct good codes for APD-based optical receivers. It is shown that the structure of block codes, when used in conjunction with on-off keying signaling, renders these codes fairly inefficient with respect to obtaining reasonable CMG on the optical channel. In contrast, codes (or modulations) that use fewer channel ones (pulses) than information ones per block can offer substantial CMG on the optical channel. For bandwidth-constrained applications, it is proposed that pulse-position modulation be used with more than one pulse per word to obtain reasonable CMG while consuming small amounts of bandwidth.
Herro, Mark A.↗