Photon Counting Detectors Based on InGaAs/InP for Space Objects Laser Ranging

We have developed photon counting detectors based on InGaAs/InP SPAD for space object laser ranging. Two key versions of detector control electronics were developed, tested, and compared: passive quenching and active quenching. The key parameters of these two photon-counting detector versions were determined. The photon detection probability exceeds 20% for both versions. The timing jitter as low as 28 ps RMS was achieved for passive quenching version. The detection delay stability on the level of a fraction of picosecond was achieved for the active quenching version. The effective dark count rate as low as 160 kHz was achieved. The passive quenching electronics version was optimized for applications in which the high timing resolution is preferred. The active quenching electronics was optimized for applications, where sub-picosecond long term detection delay stability is needed.