Free-Space Optical Data Receivers with Avalanche Detectors for Satellite Downlinks Regarding Background Light

Kurzfassung

Data Receiver Frontends using Avalanche Photodiodes are used in optical Free-Space Communications for their effective sensitivity, large detection area, and uncomplex operation. Precise control of the high-voltage necessary to trigger the avalanche effect inside the photodiode depend on the semiconductor excess noise factor, temperature, received signal power, background light, but also the subsequent transimpedance amplifier thermal noise behavior. Several prerequisites have to be regarded and are explained in this document. We focus on the application of avalanche photodiodes as data receivers for on/off-keying modulated bit streams with 50% duty cycle. Also, an experimental verification of the receiver performance with background light is demonstrated.