Electro-Optical Simulation and Characterization of DCR and Secondary Emission in SPADs

We demonstrate the use of simulations in the modeling and characterization of important aspects of Single Photon Avalanche Detectors (SPADs). Electrically, we discuss the use of drift-diffusion and avalanche triggering probability solvers and results for dark count rate (DCR) and their comparison to measurements. Optically, we discuss the use of full wave electromagnetic solvers to simulate the transmission function for secondary emission photons that cause crosstalk. Combined with optical measurements, we demonstrate how to calculate the avalanche photon production spectrum.