An analytical approach to study the effect of carrier velocities on the gain and breakdown voltage of avalanche photodiodes

A simplified model for calculating gain and breakdown voltage of avalanche photodiodes (APDs) having constant ionization coefficients in their multiplication layer is presented. Good agreement is seen between the calculated results and the experimental data for published InP-InGaAs separate absorption, grading, charge, and multiplication (SAGCM) APDs. The model denotes that the gain and the breakdown voltage have a dependence on the carrier velocity ratio that is not predicted by conventional models. Hence, by comparing the calculated and measured static characteristics of the APD, one can estimate the velocity of minority carriers in the multiplication region of the device.