Patent ID: 11322635

Abstract:
A photodetecting device includes a semiconductor substrate including a one-dimensionally distributed plurality of pixels. The photodetecting device includes, for each pixel, a plurality of avalanche photodiodes arranged to operate in Geiger mode, a plurality of quenching resistors electrically connected in series with the respective avalanche photodiodes, and a signal processing unit arranged to process output signals from the plurality of avalanche photodiodes. Light receiving regions of the plurality of avalanche photodiodes are two-dimensionally distributed for each pixel. Each signal processing unit includes a gate grounded circuit and a current mirror circuit electrically connected to the gate grounded circuit. The gate grounded circuit is electrically connected to the plurality of avalanche photodiodes of the corresponding pixel via the plurality of quenching resistors. The current minor circuit is arranged to output a signal corresponding to output signals from the plurality of avalanche photodiodes.