Multi-Gigabit Avalanche Photodiode Lightwave Receivers.
01 January 1987
High-speed avalanche photodiodes and high-sensitivity receivers are vital components for future multi-gigabit/s lightwave transmission systems. We review theoretical and experimental performance of high-speed III-V avalanche photodiodes, and also that of multi-gigabit/s lightwave receivers using FET and bipolar amplifiers. Particular attention is given to APD gain-bandwidth product, and to its effect on high-speed receiver sensitivity. Comparisons between measured receiver sensitivities and calculated performance are presented for bit rates up to 8 Gbit/s.