Breadboard of Microchip and Avalanche Photodiode in Linear and Geiger Mode for LiDAR Applications

This paper reports the implementation of two critical technologies used in LiDARs: 1) A microchip Q-switched laser breadboard and 2) breadboard of an Indium gallium arsenide avalanche photodiode working at 300 K with high reverse polarization voltages. Microchip Q-switched lasers are small solid state back pumped lasers, that can generate high energy short pulses. The implemented breadboard used an Erbium and Ytterbium co doped phosphate glass, a COMALO crystal with 98% (initial transparency) and an output coupler of 98% reflectivity. For the sensor test, a system for the simultaneous operation in vacuum and wide range of temperatures was developed. Avalanche photodiodes are reverse polarized photodiodes with high internal gain, due to their multiple layer composition, capable of building up high values of photocurrent from small optical signals by exploiting the avalanche breakdown effects. The test avalanche photodetector was assembled to be operated in two modes: Linear and Geiger mode, to achieve this behavior, a transimpedance amplifier circuit was implemented. These two technologies are critical for mobile LiDAR applications, due to its low mass and high efficiency. The paper describes the breadboard implementation method and sensor characterization at low temperature and high voltage (beyond breakdown voltage).