Technologies Available for License

2022-011: A Low-noise Solid-state Avalanche Detector

Invention: 2022-011

Patent Status: PCT filed on May 19, 2022

For technical and licensing related questions, email tcp@bnl.gov.

Summary

Efficient sensing and imaging of low-light signals down to the single photon level with a true solid-state photomultiplier has been a long-standing quest with a wide range of applications in astronomy and spectroscopy, medical imaging, and the rapidly developing field of quantum optics and quantum information science. In this joint invention, BNL and Stony Brook University researchers provide a low-noise amorphous selenium based solid-state avalanche detector. This detector will potentially overcome the challenges of sensing, timing, and quantifying low-light signals down to the single photon level with high dynamic range, linear-mode operation, ultra-low dark current at room temperature, and low-noise avalanche gain.

Description

The low-noise amorphous selenium (a-Se) based avalanche detector acts very similar like a vacuum PMT device. It uses a high-k hole-blocking n-layer (e.g., STO) where a-Se is the only material experience the high field and all the metal contacts will have a low-field interface and thus, low injection. The high-κ non-insulating STO layer is used to substantially decrease the electric field at the hole-blocking-layer/high-voltage-metal-electrode interface. With this detector design, reliable and repeatable impact ionization gain without irreversible breakdown can be achieved.