Every software package contains a full set of examples suitable for that version and are installed with the software. If you see examples here that are not in your installation you should consider updating to a later version of the software. These examples can be used by beginners and advanced users for product evaluation, teaching purposes, and self-training.

Required Modules

Victory Device

• 2D Simulator
• 2D Optical

This example demonstrates the Geiger mode capability in Victory Device for a 3D avalanche photodiode operated as a single photon counter at biases beyond breakdown – the Geiger counter mode.

This 3D APD was made from silicon and simulated in 2 cylindrical coordinates (r,y). The anode is a diffused p+ disc in 6 microns of epitaxial n- silicon on n+ silicon substrate.

IV characteristics (dark as well under illumination) are simulated by ramping the cathode voltage up to around 36V where the diode starts to break down and then beyond to 45V where the Geiger mode comes into play.

For the Geiger mode simulation, a probe statement was added so that the electron avalanche probabilities at the designated point versus bias could be seen on the log file. The cathode was ramped to 70V, a bias at which single electrons or holes at some points in the device have a 100% chance of initiating an avalanche. The probabilities can be seen in the 2D plots at several biases as well as in the log file at the probed coordinates.

Images