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 Single Event Effects
In this example, we demonstrate an Avalanche Photo Detector (APD) operated in steady state conditions, capable of single photon detection. In other words, it is capable of detecting single photons whilst being operated at a constant bias point.
The creation, design trade-offs and operational physics of this particular APD are fully described in the April 2021 edition of Silvaco’s “Simulation Standard ” publication, available for download from our web site at any time.
The example makes the assumption that the single photon is capable of being absorbed in the active region of the device. In other words, the photon is of suitable wavelength for detection by this silicon based detector.
The APD is biased in series with a load resistor in order to generate a voltage signal when a single photon strike creates a temporary change of current. It is shown that a single photon can create a sufficient voltage output pulse for simple detection.
The single photon strike is simulated by taking advantage of the “single event upset ” capability in Victory Device and emulating a 3D cylindrically symmetric device with a centrally located photon strike. The length and total charge generated with the photon strike are designed such that the total charge generated by the strike is equivalent to the creation of only one electron-hole pair. In other words the creation of 1.6e-19C of total track charge, corresponding to the detection of a single photon.
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