A semiconductor detector for measuring ultraweak fluorescence decays with 70 ps FWHM resolution

The performance of a new single-photon avalanche photodiode particularly suitable for the detection of fast and ultraweak light pulses is described. The advantages of this device over other available detectors are discussed. The electronic circuitry developed allows the measurement of fluorescence decays with a time resolution of 70 ps FWHM (full-width at half-maximum) and a data acquisition rate of up to 50 kHz.