Measurements of the recovery time of Geiger-mode avalanche photodiodes

A new type of photon detector, the Geiger-mode avalanche photodiode (G-APD) has been developed during recent years. This device has the potential to replace photomultiplier tubes. It has a response to single photons with high detection efficiency. G-APDs are operated in Geiger mode and therefore the recovery time, the time needed until the small photodiodes of this device are fully active again after a breakdown, is a crucial parameter in applications with a high level of ambient light. The recovery time of several types of G-APDs was measured and the results are presented.