Photon counting detector package optimized for space debris optical tracking

Ivan Prochazka; Josef Blazej; Roberta Bimbova; Jan Kodet

doi:10.1117/12.2520146

30 April 2019 Photon counting detector package optimized for space debris optical tracking

Ivan Prochazka, Josef Blazej, Roberta Bimbova, Jan Kodet

Proceedings Volume 11027, Quantum Optics and Photon Counting 2019; 1102709 (2019) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2520146
Event: SPIE Optics + Optoelectronics, 2019, Prague, Czech Republic

Abstract

The new photon counting detector package has been developed for applications of the orbiting space debris optical tracking. The advanced construction of the detector control electronics enables to operate the detection chip in continuous and gated photon counting operational modes. Using the proposed construction the detector is capable to monitor the strength of a solar radiation diffused reflected by the space debris. Combining the continuous and gated detection modes enables to measure the photon flux rates over more than three orders of magnitudes ranging from one kHz to several MHz. In addition, the gated mode is optimized for laser ranging of orbiting space debris. The two operation modes of the detector may be switched electronically. The detector is based on a commercial SAP500 avalanche photodiode detection chip with active area diameter of 500 μm, which enables its simple integration into the large input aperture astronomical telescopes. The detection chip is operated at a fixed temperature of −8 °C. In a gated mode the photon detection efficiency exceeds 60% at 532 nm. Its timing resolution is typically better than 100 ps rms. In a continuous mode its dark count rate is well below 10 kHz. This detector package was developed as our contribution to the ESA activity “Space Situational Awareness program P2-SST-VII Expert Coordination Centre; Phase II”.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

Ivan Prochazka, Josef Blazej, Roberta Bimbova, and Jan Kodet "Photon counting detector package optimized for space debris optical tracking", Proc. SPIE 11027, Quantum Optics and Photon Counting 2019, 1102709 (30 April 2019); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2520146

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available