Adaptive optics wavefront sensors based on photon-counting detector arrays

Abstract

For adaptive optics systems, there is a growing demand for wavefront sensors that operate at higher frame rates and with more pixels while maintaining low readout noise. Lincoln Laboratory has been investigating Geiger-mode avalanche photodiode arrays integrated with CMOS readout circuits as a potential solution. This type of sensor counts photons digitally within the pixel, enabling data to be read out at high rates without the penalty of readout noise. After a brief overview of adaptive optics sensor development at Lincoln Laboratory, we will present the status of silicon Geiger-Mode-APD technology along with future plans to improve performance.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2010
Accession Number
ADA523975

Entities

People

  • Brian F. Aull
  • Daniel R. Schuette
  • Robert K. Reich
  • Robert L. Johnson

Organizations

  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Circuit Boards
  • Compound Semiconductors
  • Detection
  • Detectors
  • Diodes
  • Electric Fields
  • Electronics Laboratories
  • Electrons
  • Guard Rings
  • Ion Implantation
  • Logic
  • Military Research
  • Optical Absorption
  • Optics
  • Semiconductors
  • Transistors

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Integrated Circuit Design and Technology.
  • Optical Fiber Sensing and Electromagnetic Propagation.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy