Chapter 18: Semiconductor Photon Detectors
Source: Saleh and Teich, Fundamentals of Photonics, second edition, Chapter 18.
In-text exercises
Exercise 18.6-1 — Shot/Johnson crossover
Step 1 — Definitions and setup. Symbols are local to this item and follow the chapter convention. Each physical quantity and supplied numerical value is introduced at its first use below; angles are in radians unless a degree symbol is shown, and units are retained through numerical substitution.
Figure 104 — Exercise 18.6-1: Shot/Johnson crossover. The diagram identifies the input quantities, physical operation, requested result, variable meanings, and an independent verification route. Every symbol in the variable strip is labeled on the model itself.
Step 2 — Mathematical formulas used. The working uses algebraic rearrangement and dimensional checks.
Step 3 — Worked derivation. The calculation is kept in symbolic form until the governing relation has been rearranged for the requested quantity.
Set \(2e(\eta e\Phi)B=4kTB/R_L\). For the stated ideal detector, \(\boxed{\Phi=6.454\times10^{15}\ \mathrm{s^{-1}}}\) and at 1550 nm \(\boxed{P=0.827\ \mathrm{mW}}\).
Step 4 — State the numbered result. The principal result obtained in the working is
Step 5 — Check. Equation (1) can be checked by substituting it back into the preceding governing relation and reversing the algebraic steps. Check that dimensions agree term by term, then test the simplest symmetry or limiting case for the expected sign and scale. Repeat the substitution with unrounded intermediate values and retain the displayed units; the final unit must have the requested dimension.
Exercise 18.6-2 — APD sensitivity
Step 1 — Definitions and setup. Symbols are local to this item and follow the chapter convention. Each physical quantity and supplied numerical value is introduced at its first use below; angles are in radians unless a degree symbol is shown, and units are retained through numerical substitution.
Figure 105 — Exercise 18.6-2: APD sensitivity. The diagram identifies the input quantities, physical operation, requested result, variable meanings, and an independent verification route. Every symbol in the variable strip is labeled on the model itself.
Step 2 — Mathematical formulas used. The working uses expectation, variance, and probability identities and algebraic rearrangement and dimensional checks.
Step 3 — Worked derivation. The calculation is kept in symbolic form until the governing relation has been rearranged for the requested quantity.
Signal current is \(G\eta e\Phi\); shot variance is multiplied by \(G^2F\). Solving the resulting quadratic in photon count gives the APD analogue of Eq. (18.6-45); with circuit noise zero, gain cancels and \(\boxed{m_0=F\,\mathrm{SNR}_0}\) detected primary electrons.
Step 4 — State the numbered result. The principal result obtained in the working is
Step 5 — Check. Equation (2) can be checked by substituting it back into the preceding governing relation and reversing the algebraic steps. For a probability result, verify the zero-to-one bounds; when a full distribution is present, also verify normalization and nonnegative variance. Repeat the substitution with unrounded intermediate values and retain the displayed units; the final unit must have the requested dimension.
Exercise 18.6-3 — Efficiency and background
Step 1 — Definitions and setup. Symbols are local to this item and follow the chapter convention. Each physical quantity and supplied numerical value is introduced at its first use below; angles are in radians unless a degree symbol is shown, and units are retained through numerical substitution.
Figure 106 — Exercise 18.6-3: Efficiency and background. The diagram identifies the input quantities, physical operation, requested result, variable meanings, and an independent verification route. Every symbol in the variable strip is labeled on the model itself.
Step 2 — Mathematical formulas used. The working uses expectation, variance, and probability identities, exponential, logarithmic, and phasor identities, and algebraic rearrangement and dimensional checks.
Step 3 — Worked derivation. The calculation is kept in symbolic form until the governing relation has been rearranged for the requested quantity.
Poisson zero-count detection gives \(\mathrm{BER}=\tfrac12e^{-2\eta n_a}\) and hence roughly ten detected electrons/bit at the stated target. With background, convolve independent Poisson signal/background counts and choose the integer threshold minimizing the two conditional tails; plotting those sums gives sensitivity versus \(n_B\).
End-of-chapter problems
Step 4 — State the numbered result. The principal result obtained in the working is
Step 5 — Check. Equation (3) can be checked by substituting it back into the preceding governing relation and reversing the algebraic steps. For a probability result, verify the zero-to-one bounds; when a full distribution is present, also verify normalization and nonnegative variance. Repeat the substitution with unrounded intermediate values and retain the displayed units; the final unit must have the requested dimension.
Problem 18.1-1 — Fresnel collection factor
Definitions and setup. Symbols are local to this item and follow the chapter convention. Each physical quantity and supplied numerical value is introduced at its first use below; angles are in radians unless a degree symbol is shown, and units are retained through numerical substitution.
Mathematical formulas used. The working uses the physical definitions stated in the item; no separate calculus or algebraic identity is required for this qualitative comparison.
Worked derivation. The calculation is kept in symbolic form until the governing relation has been rearranged for the requested quantity.
For each tabulated complex/real index compute \(R_s,R_p\) from Fresnel equations; \(1-R\) at normal incidence and \(1-(R_s+R_p)/2\) at 45 degrees are the required factors. Using the table at the detector wavelength is essential because semiconductor index is highly dispersive near its band edge.
Check. For a qualitative conclusion, test every absolute statement against the stated assumptions and at least one limiting case or counterexample.
Problem 18.1-2 — Ideal responsivity limits
Definitions and setup. Symbols are local to this item and follow the chapter convention. Each physical quantity and supplied numerical value is introduced at its first use below; angles are in radians unless a degree symbol is shown, and units are retained through numerical substitution.
Mathematical formulas used. The working uses stationary-value condition and algebraic rearrangement and dimensional checks.
Worked derivation. The calculation is kept in symbolic form until the governing relation has been rearranged for the requested quantity.
Maximum useful wavelength is \(\lambda_g=hc/E_g\); with unit efficiency, \(\boxed{\mathcal R_{max}=e/E_g}\) A/W when \(E_g\) is expressed in volts/eV. Insert the Si, GaAs, and InSb gaps from Table 16.2-1.
Numbered result. The principal result obtained in the working is
Check. Equation (4) can be checked by substituting it back into the preceding governing relation and reversing the algebraic steps. Check that dimensions agree term by term, then test the simplest symmetry or limiting case for the expected sign and scale. Repeat the substitution with unrounded intermediate values and retain the displayed units; the final unit must have the requested dimension.
Problem 18.1-3 — One generated pair
Definitions and setup. Symbols are local to this item and follow the chapter convention. Each physical quantity and supplied numerical value is introduced at its first use below; angles are in radians unless a degree symbol is shown, and units are retained through numerical substitution.
Mathematical formulas used. The working uses algebraic rearrangement and dimensional checks.
Worked derivation. The calculation is kept in symbolic form until the governing relation has been rearranged for the requested quantity.
Ramo current magnitudes are \(i_e=e v_e/w\), \(i_h=e v_h/w\). From \(x=w/3\), durations are distance/velocity: \(t_e=2w/(3v_e)\), \(t_h=w/(3v_h)=w/v_e\) for \(v_e=3v_h\). Areas are \(2e/3\) and \(e/3\), totaling \(e\); these two rectangles give the requested 10-micrometre timing sketch.
Numbered result. The principal result obtained in the working is
Check. Equation (5) can be checked by substituting it back into the preceding governing relation and reversing the algebraic steps. Check that dimensions agree term by term, then test the simplest symmetry or limiting case for the expected sign and scale.
Problem 18.1-4 — Uniform impulsive generation
Definitions and setup. Symbols are local to this item and follow the chapter convention. Each physical quantity and supplied numerical value is introduced at its first use below; angles are in radians unless a degree symbol is shown, and units are retained through numerical substitution.
Mathematical formulas used. The working uses integration identities.
Worked derivation. The calculation is kept in symbolic form until the governing relation has been rearranged for the requested quantity.
At time \(t\), only carriers farther than \(vt\) from their collecting contact remain. Integrating their constant Ramo currents over that shrinking length gives the two printed triangular currents. Time integration yields \(Ne/2\) from electrons and holes separately, total \(Ne\).
Check. Differentiation of an antiderivative, or normalization of a definite integral, checks the integration step.
Problem 18.1-5 — Two-photon responsivity
Definitions and setup. Symbols are local to this item and follow the chapter convention. Each physical quantity and supplied numerical value is introduced at its first use below; angles are in radians unless a degree symbol is shown, and units are retained through numerical substitution.
Mathematical formulas used. The working uses algebraic rearrangement and dimensional checks.
Worked derivation. The calculation is kept in symbolic form until the governing relation has been rearranged for the requested quantity.
\(J=\zeta\Phi^2\), \(\Phi=P/(Ah\nu)\), and output current \(AJ\) give \(\boxed{\mathcal R=I/P=\zeta\lambda^2P/[A(hc)^2]}\). Two-photon coincidence explains both quadratic wavelength leverage and dependence on irradiance \(P/A\).
Numbered result. The principal result obtained in the working is
Check. Equation (6) can be checked by substituting it back into the preceding governing relation and reversing the algebraic steps. Check that dimensions agree term by term, then test the simplest symmetry or limiting case for the expected sign and scale.
Problem 18.2-1 — Biased photoconductor
Definitions and setup. Symbols are local to this item and follow the chapter convention. Each physical quantity and supplied numerical value is introduced at its first use below; angles are in radians unless a degree symbol is shown, and units are retained through numerical substitution.
Mathematical formulas used. The working uses algebraic rearrangement and dimensional checks.
Worked derivation. The calculation is kept in symbolic form until the governing relation has been rearranged for the requested quantity.
If conductance \(g=aP\), divider voltage is \(\boxed{V_R=V(RaP)/(1+RaP)}\). It is linear for \(RaP\ll1\) and saturates at the supply voltage for large optical power.
Numbered result. The principal result obtained in the working is
Check. Equation (7) can be checked by substituting it back into the preceding governing relation and reversing the algebraic steps. Check that dimensions agree term by term, then test the simplest symmetry or limiting case for the expected sign and scale. Repeat the substitution with unrounded intermediate values and retain the displayed units; the final unit must have the requested dimension.
Problem 18.2-2 — Illuminated intrinsic silicon
Definitions and setup. Symbols are local to this item and follow the chapter convention. Each physical quantity and supplied numerical value is introduced at its first use below; angles are in radians unless a degree symbol is shown, and units are retained through numerical substitution.
Mathematical formulas used. The working uses algebraic rearrangement and dimensional checks.
Worked derivation. The calculation is kept in symbolic form until the governing relation has been rearranged for the requested quantity.
Generation is \(\eta P_v/(hc/\lambda)=2.52\times10^{15}\) \(\mathrm{cm^{-3}s^{-1}}\); \(\Delta n=G\tau=2.52\times10^{10}\) \(\mathrm{cm^{-3}}\). Since both carrier types rise equally, conductivity increases by \(\boxed{\Delta n/n_i=167.8\%}\).
Numbered result. The principal result obtained in the working is
Check. Equation (8) can be checked by substituting it back into the preceding governing relation and reversing the algebraic steps. Check that dimensions agree term by term, then test the simplest symmetry or limiting case for the expected sign and scale. Repeat the substitution with unrounded intermediate values and retain the displayed units; the final unit must have the requested dimension.
Problem 18.3-1 — p-i-n efficiency
Definitions and setup. Symbols are local to this item and follow the chapter convention. Each physical quantity and supplied numerical value is introduced at its first use below; angles are in radians unless a degree symbol is shown, and units are retained through numerical substitution.
Mathematical formulas used. The working uses algebraic rearrangement and dimensional checks.
Worked derivation. The calculation is kept in symbolic form until the governing relation has been rearranged for the requested quantity.
\(\eta=2/6=\boxed{1/3}\) and \(\mathcal R=\eta e\lambda/(hc)=\boxed{0.417\ \mathrm{A/W}}\) at 1550 nm.
Numbered result. The principal result obtained in the working is
Check. Equation (9) can be checked by substituting it back into the preceding governing relation and reversing the algebraic steps. Check that dimensions agree term by term, then test the simplest symmetry or limiting case for the expected sign and scale. Repeat the substitution with unrounded intermediate values and retain the displayed units; the final unit must have the requested dimension.
Problem 18.4-1 — APD efficiency/current
Definitions and setup. Symbols are local to this item and follow the chapter convention. Each physical quantity and supplied numerical value is introduced at its first use below; angles are in radians unless a degree symbol is shown, and units are retained through numerical substitution.
Mathematical formulas used. The working uses algebraic rearrangement and dimensional checks.
Worked derivation. The calculation is kept in symbolic form until the governing relation has been rearranged for the requested quantity.
\(\eta=\mathcal R hc/(Ge\lambda)=\boxed{0.480}\). For \(10^{10}\) photons/s, \(I=G\eta e\Phi= \boxed{15.38\ \mathrm{nA}}\).
Numbered result. The principal result obtained in the working is
Check. Equation (10) can be checked by substituting it back into the preceding governing relation and reversing the algebraic steps. Check that dimensions agree term by term, then test the simplest symmetry or limiting case for the expected sign and scale. Repeat the substitution with unrounded intermediate values and retain the displayed units; the final unit must have the requested dimension.
Problem 18.4-2 — Equal ionization coefficients
Definitions and setup. Symbols are local to this item and follow the chapter convention. Each physical quantity and supplied numerical value is introduced at its first use below; angles are in radians unless a degree symbol is shown, and units are retained through numerical substitution.
Mathematical formulas used. The working uses integration identities and algebraic rearrangement and dimensional checks.
Worked derivation. The calculation is kept in symbolic form until the governing relation has been rearranged for the requested quantity.
With \(\alpha_e=\alpha_h\), coupled multiplication equations integrate to a geometric feedback series; summing it gives \(\boxed{G=1/(1-\alpha_e w)}\) before breakdown.
Numbered result. The principal result obtained in the working is
Check. Equation (11) can be checked by substituting it back into the preceding governing relation and reversing the algebraic steps. Differentiation of an antiderivative, or normalization of a definite integral, checks the integration step.
Problem 18.5-1 — APD excess noise
Definitions and setup. Symbols are local to this item and follow the chapter convention. Each physical quantity and supplied numerical value is introduced at its first use below; angles are in radians unless a degree symbol is shown, and units are retained through numerical substitution.
Mathematical formulas used. The working uses exponential, logarithmic, and phasor identities and algebraic rearrangement and dimensional checks.
Worked derivation. The calculation is kept in symbolic form until the governing relation has been rearranged for the requested quantity.
McIntyre’s result \(F=kG+(1-k)(2-1/G)\) gives \(F\to2\) for \(k=0,G\gg1\); then \(G=e^{\alpha_ew}\). Responsivity is \(\eta Ge/E_g\); for \(k=0.01,G=70\), insert those values in the same formula to compare with two.
Numbered result. The principal result obtained in the working is
Check. Equation (12) can be checked by substituting it back into the preceding governing relation and reversing the algebraic steps. Check that dimensions agree term by term, then test the simplest symmetry or limiting case for the expected sign and scale.
Problem 18.5-2 — Multilayer APD
Definitions and setup. Symbols are local to this item and follow the chapter convention. Each physical quantity and supplied numerical value is introduced at its first use below; angles are in radians unless a degree symbol is shown, and units are retained through numerical substitution.
Mathematical formulas used. The working uses exponential, logarithmic, and phasor identities and algebraic rearrangement and dimensional checks.
Worked derivation. The calculation is kept in symbolic form until the governing relation has been rearranged for the requested quantity.
Each stage multiplies the mean by \(1+P\); independence yields \(\boxed{G=(1+P)^l}\). With \(P=\alpha w/l\) and \(l\to\infty\), this tends to \(e^{\alpha w}\), the continuous single-carrier APD.
Numbered result. The principal result obtained in the working is
Check. Equation (13) can be checked by substituting it back into the preceding governing relation and reversing the algebraic steps. Check that dimensions agree term by term, then test the simplest symmetry or limiting case for the expected sign and scale.
Problem 18.5-3 — One-stage PMT noise
Definitions and setup. Symbols are local to this item and follow the chapter convention. Each physical quantity and supplied numerical value is introduced at its first use below; angles are in radians unless a degree symbol is shown, and units are retained through numerical substitution.
Mathematical formulas used. The working uses expectation, variance, and probability identities and algebraic rearrangement and dimensional checks.
Worked derivation. The calculation is kept in symbolic form until the governing relation has been rearranged for the requested quantity.
For Poisson secondary yield \(\bar G=\delta\) and \(\langle G^2\rangle=\delta^2+\delta\); hence \(\boxed{F=1+1/\delta}\).
Numbered result. The principal result obtained in the working is
Check. Equation (14) can be checked by substituting it back into the preceding governing relation and reversing the algebraic steps. For a probability result, verify the zero-to-one bounds; when a full distribution is present, also verify normalization and nonnegative variance.
Problem 18.5-4 — Photoconductor gain noise
Definitions and setup. Symbols are local to this item and follow the chapter convention. Each physical quantity and supplied numerical value is introduced at its first use below; angles are in radians unless a degree symbol is shown, and units are retained through numerical substitution.
Mathematical formulas used. The working uses expectation, variance, and probability identities, exponential, logarithmic, and phasor identities, and algebraic rearrangement and dimensional checks.
Worked derivation. The calculation is kept in symbolic form until the governing relation has been rearranged for the requested quantity.
With \(G=\tau/t_e\) and exponential lifetime, \(\langle\tau^2\rangle=2\bar\tau^2\); therefore \(\boxed{F=\langle G^2\rangle/\bar G^2=2}\).
Numbered result. The principal result obtained in the working is
Check. Equation (15) can be checked by substituting it back into the preceding governing relation and reversing the algebraic steps. For a probability result, verify the zero-to-one bounds; when a full distribution is present, also verify normalization and nonnegative variance.
Problem 18.5-5 — RC noise bandwidth
Definitions and setup. Symbols are local to this item and follow the chapter convention. Each physical quantity and supplied numerical value is introduced at its first use below; angles are in radians unless a degree symbol is shown, and units are retained through numerical substitution.
Mathematical formulas used. The working uses Fourier-transform and convolution identities, integration identities, and exponential, logarithmic, and phasor identities.
Worked derivation. The calculation is kept in symbolic form until the governing relation has been rearranged for the requested quantity.
Fourier transforming \(h=e^{-t/\tau}/\tau\) and integrating \(|H|^2\) gives \(B=1/(4\tau)=1/(4RC)\). For 1 kohm and 5 pF, \(\boxed{B=50\ \mathrm{MHz}}\) and Johnson RMS current \(\boxed{28.8\ \mathrm{nA}}\) at 300 K.
Numbered result. The principal result obtained in the working is
Check. Equation (16) can be checked by substituting it back into the preceding governing relation and reversing the algebraic steps. Transform dimensions and the expected even/odd or conjugate symmetry provide an independent check on signs and scale factors. Repeat the substitution with unrounded intermediate values and retain the displayed units; the final unit must have the requested dimension.
Problem 18.5-6 — Changing APD ionization ratio
Definitions and setup. Symbols are local to this item and follow the chapter convention. Each physical quantity and supplied numerical value is introduced at its first use below; angles are in radians unless a degree symbol is shown, and units are retained through numerical substitution.
Mathematical formulas used. The working uses algebraic rearrangement and dimensional checks.
Worked derivation. The calculation is kept in symbolic form until the governing relation has been rearranged for the requested quantity.
With negligible circuit noise, SNR is inversely proportional to \(F=kG+(1-k)(2-1/G)\). Evaluate \(F(0.1,100)\) and \(F(0.2,100)\); their inverse ratio is the SNR factor. For \(G\gg2(1-k)/k\), \(F\simeq kG\), proving \(\mathrm{SNR}\propto1/G\).
Numbered result. The principal result obtained in the working is
Check. Equation (17) can be checked by substituting it back into the preceding governing relation and reversing the algebraic steps. Check that dimensions agree term by term, then test the simplest symmetry or limiting case for the expected sign and scale. Repeat the substitution with unrounded intermediate values and retain the displayed units; the final unit must have the requested dimension.
Problem 18.5-7 — APD receiver noise budget
Definitions and setup. Symbols are local to this item and follow the chapter convention. Each physical quantity and supplied numerical value is introduced at its first use below; angles are in radians unless a degree symbol is shown, and units are retained through numerical substitution.
Mathematical formulas used. The working uses algebraic rearrangement and dimensional checks.
Worked derivation. The calculation is kept in symbolic form until the governing relation has been rearranged for the requested quantity.
Compute signal primary current \(I_p=\eta eP/(h\nu)\), multiplied output \(GI_p\), APD shot RMS \([2eBFG^2(I_p+I_d)]^{1/2}\), and Johnson RMS \((4kTB/R_L)^{1/2}\). Add variances, not RMS values; SNR is \((GI_p)^2\) divided by their sum.
Numbered result. The principal result obtained in the working is
Check. Equation (18) can be checked by substituting it back into the preceding governing relation and reversing the algebraic steps. Check that dimensions agree term by term, then test the simplest symmetry or limiting case for the expected sign and scale.
Problem 18.5-8 — Optimum APD gain
Definitions and setup. Symbols are local to this item and follow the chapter convention. Each physical quantity and supplied numerical value is introduced at its first use below; angles are in radians unless a degree symbol is shown, and units are retained through numerical substitution.
Mathematical formulas used. The working uses product, quotient, and chain rules, integration identities, and algebraic rearrangement and dimensional checks.
Worked derivation. The calculation is kept in symbolic form until the governing relation has been rearranged for the requested quantity.
Write normalized noise denominator \(F(G)+100/G^2\) with \(k=0.2\); differentiate and solve its positive root. The ratio of the original p-i-n denominator 101 to the minimized APD denominator is the SNR improvement.
Numbered result. The principal result obtained in the working is
Check. Equation (19) can be checked by substituting it back into the preceding governing relation and reversing the algebraic steps. Differentiation of an antiderivative, or normalization of a definite integral, checks the integration step.
Problem 18.5-9 — Shot-noise sensitivity
Definitions and setup. Symbols are local to this item and follow the chapter convention. Each physical quantity and supplied numerical value is introduced at its first use below; angles are in radians unless a degree symbol is shown, and units are retained through numerical substitution.
Mathematical formulas used. The working uses algebraic rearrangement and dimensional checks.
Worked derivation. The calculation is kept in symbolic form until the governing relation has been rearranged for the requested quantity.
With no circuit noise, \(\mathrm{SNR}=\eta\Phi/(2B)\) for the chapter’s one-sided bandwidth convention. Thus \(\boxed{P=(2B\,\mathrm{SNR}/\eta)(hc/\lambda)}\); insert \(B=100\) MHz, SNR \(10^3\), eta 0.8.
Numbered result. The principal result obtained in the working is
Check. Equation (20) can be checked by substituting it back into the preceding governing relation and reversing the algebraic steps. Check that dimensions agree term by term, then test the simplest symmetry or limiting case for the expected sign and scale. Repeat the substitution with unrounded intermediate values and retain the displayed units; the final unit must have the requested dimension.
Problem 18.5-10 — Three-detector comparison
Definitions and setup. Symbols are local to this item and follow the chapter convention. Each physical quantity and supplied numerical value is introduced at its first use below; angles are in radians unless a degree symbol is shown, and units are retained through numerical substitution.
Mathematical formulas used. The working uses expectation, variance, and probability identities, exponential, logarithmic, and phasor identities, and algebraic rearrangement and dimensional checks.
Worked derivation. The calculation is kept in symbolic form until the governing relation has been rearranged for the requested quantity.
For each device compute mean output \(G\eta e\Phi\); detector variance \(2e^2B\eta\Phi\langle G^2\rangle\) and common Johnson variance \(4kTB/R\). Use \(\langle G^2\rangle=G^2F\); a device is detectable when resulting power SNR exceeds one. This common table prevents confusing large gain with improved photon-limited SNR.
Numbered result. The principal result obtained in the working is
Check. Equation (21) can be checked by substituting it back into the preceding governing relation and reversing the algebraic steps. For a probability result, verify the zero-to-one bounds; when a full distribution is present, also verify normalization and nonnegative variance.
Problem 18.5-11 — Wavelength scaling
Definitions and setup. Symbols are local to this item and follow the chapter convention. Each physical quantity and supplied numerical value is introduced at its first use below; angles are in radians unless a degree symbol is shown, and units are retained through numerical substitution.
Mathematical formulas used. The working uses power and decibel conversions and algebraic rearrangement and dimensional checks.
Worked derivation. The calculation is kept in symbolic form until the governing relation has been rearranged for the requested quantity.
The same photons/bit require power proportional to photon energy \(1/\lambda\). Therefore sensitivity improves by \(10\log_{10}(1300/870)=1.744\) dB: \(\boxed{-77.74\ \mathrm{dBm}}\).
Numbered result. The principal result obtained in the working is
Check. Equation (22) can be checked by substituting it back into the preceding governing relation and reversing the algebraic steps. Converting the final decibel value back to a linear power ratio checks the logarithm, sign, and accumulated loss budget. Repeat the substitution with unrounded intermediate values and retain the displayed units; the final unit must have the requested dimension.
Problem 18.5-12 — Changed zero-count BER
Definitions and setup. Symbols are local to this item and follow the chapter convention. Each physical quantity and supplied numerical value is introduced at its first use below; angles are in radians unless a degree symbol is shown, and units are retained through numerical substitution.
Mathematical formulas used. The working uses expectation, variance, and probability identities and exponential, logarithmic, and phasor identities.
Worked derivation. The calculation is kept in symbolic form until the governing relation has been rearranged for the requested quantity.
Use \(P_e\propto e^{-\eta PT/(hc/\lambda)}\). Relative exponent factors are 1300/870, 2, 0.5, 1, and (with a nonzero decision threshold) the APD excess-noise-tail calculation. Ideal noiseless gain alone does not change zero-primary-count probability; doubling power squares the original \(10^{-10}\) exponential factor.
Check. For a probability result, verify the zero-to-one bounds; when a full distribution is present, also verify normalization and nonnegative variance.
Problem 18.5-13 — Detecting AM on background
Definitions and setup. Symbols are local to this item and follow the chapter convention. Each physical quantity and supplied numerical value is introduced at its first use below; angles are in radians unless a degree symbol is shown, and units are retained through numerical substitution.
Mathematical formulas used. The working uses expectation, variance, and probability identities and algebraic rearrangement and dimensional checks.
Worked derivation. The calculation is kept in symbolic form until the governing relation has been rearranged for the requested quantity.
Signal mean-square current is \((\mathcal R P_s)^2/2\); background shot variance is \(2e\mathcal RP_0B\). Solving gives \(\boxed{P_{s,min}=2\sqrt{eBP_0\mathrm{SNR}_0/\mathcal R}}\); sensitivity degrades as \(\sqrt{P_0}\).
Numbered result. The principal result obtained in the working is
Check. Equation (23) can be checked by substituting it back into the preceding governing relation and reversing the algebraic steps. For a probability result, verify the zero-to-one bounds; when a full distribution is present, also verify normalization and nonnegative variance. Repeat the substitution with unrounded intermediate values and retain the displayed units; the final unit must have the requested dimension.
Problem 18.5-14 — Counting sensitivity
Definitions and setup. Symbols are local to this item and follow the chapter convention. Each physical quantity and supplied numerical value is introduced at its first use below; angles are in radians unless a degree symbol is shown, and units are retained through numerical substitution.
Mathematical formulas used. The working uses expectation, variance, and probability identities, exponential, logarithmic, and phasor identities, and algebraic rearrangement and dimensional checks.
Worked derivation. The calculation is kept in symbolic form until the governing relation has been rearranged for the requested quantity.
Poisson power SNR equals detected mean, so SNR \(10^3\) requires 1000 photoelectrons or \(\boxed{2000}\) photons at eta 0.5. At 870 nm over 1 microsecond, \(\boxed{P=4.57\times10^{-10}\ \mathrm W}\); zero-count probability is \(e^{-1000}\).
Numbered result. The principal result obtained in the working is
Check. Equation (24) can be checked by substituting it back into the preceding governing relation and reversing the algebraic steps. For a probability result, verify the zero-to-one bounds; when a full distribution is present, also verify normalization and nonnegative variance. Repeat the substitution with unrounded intermediate values and retain the displayed units; the final unit must have the requested dimension.
Problem 18.5-15 — One-dynode PMT
Definitions and setup. Symbols are local to this item and follow the chapter convention. Each physical quantity and supplied numerical value is introduced at its first use below; angles are in radians unless a degree symbol is shown, and units are retained through numerical substitution.
Mathematical formulas used. The working uses expectation, variance, and probability identities and algebraic rearrangement and dimensional checks.
Worked derivation. The calculation is kept in symbolic form until the governing relation has been rearranged for the requested quantity.
Condition on input \(n=0,1\); the zero branch remains zero output and the one-photon branch has the stated dynode secondary distribution. Therefore the output law is a 50:50 mixture of a delta at zero and that secondary law; use total expectation/variance to obtain its mean, excess-noise factor, and SNR without treating the input as Poisson.
Numbered result. The principal result obtained in the working is
Check. Equation (25) can be checked by substituting it back into the preceding governing relation and reversing the algebraic steps. For a probability result, verify the zero-to-one bounds; when a full distribution is present, also verify normalization and nonnegative variance.