Application features of micro-pixel avalanche photodetectors in the laser Doppler anemometers

Abstract

Abstract The optical receiver is an essential part of any laser Doppler anemometer. Traditionally, vacuum photomultiplier tubes are used for reliable reception of weak optical radiation. However, this type of photodetector has its own drawbacks, which lead to a design complication and an increase in the cost of LDA. In this work, the characteristics of silicon micropixel avalanche photodiodes are investigated and the operation of a silicon photomultiplier as a photodetector in an LDA is tested when measuring the velocity on test benches. The possibility of using Si-PMT to receive optical signals of the laser Doppler anemometer is shown.