Abstract
Abstract
Photon detectors featuring single-photon sensitivity play a
crucial role in various scientific domains, including high-energy
physics, astronomy, and quantum optics. Fast response time, high
quantum efficiency, and minimal dark counts are the characteristics
that render them ideal candidates for detecting individual photons
with exceptional signal-to-noise ratios, at frequencies in the range
of hundreds of MHz. Here, we report on our first design and
operational results on a Hybrid Photon Detector (HPD) that combines
the high quantum efficiency of a Gallium Nitride (GaN) photocathode
and the low noise characteristics of a Si-based Low-Gain Avalanche
Diode (LGAD). This hybrid detection scheme has the potential to
reach single-photon detection sensitivity with high quantum
efficiency, low noise levels and capable of operating at hundreds of
MHz repetition rates.