Comparing a radiation damage model for avalanche photodiodes through in-situ observation of CubeSat based devices

Abstract Space-based quantum technologies are essential building blocks for global quantum networks. However, the optoelectronic components used can be susceptible to radiation damage. Predicting long-term instrument performance in the presence of radiation remains a challenging part of space missio...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Arpad Lenart, Tanvirul Islam, Srihari Sivasankaran, Peter Neilson, Bernhard Hidding, Daniel K. L. Oi, Alexander Ling
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-03-01
Series:Communications Physics
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s42005-025-02042-z
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Summary:Abstract Space-based quantum technologies are essential building blocks for global quantum networks. However, the optoelectronic components used can be susceptible to radiation damage. Predicting long-term instrument performance in the presence of radiation remains a challenging part of space missions. We present a model that accounts for differences in radiation shielding and can predict the trends for dark count rates of space-based silicon Geiger-mode avalanche photodiodes (GM-APD). We find that the predicted trends are correlated with in-situ observations from GM-APDs on-board the SpooQy-1 CubeSat mission.
ISSN:2399-3650