Patent ID: 6111299
Filing Date: 2000-08-29
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
An avalanche photodiode array device comprising:a first layer of semiconductor material of a first type;a second layer of semiconductor material of a second type wherein said second layer is positioned on said first layer so as to form a junction therebetween and wherein said second layer defines a light receiving surface;a voltage source that applies a first voltage across said junction so that a first depletion region is formed in said first layer and so that when said junction is reversed biased an avalanche of charge carriers is produced in response to a photon penetrating into said device through said light receiving area;a plurality of contacts formed on a surface of said first layer of semiconductor material wherein each of said contacts receive charge carriers in response to a photon penetrating into said device at a corresponding location in said light receiving area so that said plurality of contacts provide signals indicative of the spatial distribution of light impinging upon said light receiving surface of said device; andat least one solid isolation structure that is formed in said surface of said first layer so as to provide electrical isolation between adjacent contacts wherein a second voltage, different that the first voltage, is applied to said at least one isolation structure so as to produce a depletion region in said first layer of semiconductor material to further provide electrical isolation between adjacent contacts.