Development of hybrid photodetectors using single-crystal III-V photocathodes

Abstract Improved performance photodetectors are required for a variety of applications in Biomedical, Astronomy and High-Energy Physics research. The combination of high Quantum efficiencies, III–V photocathodes and Avalanche PhotoDiodes (APDs) can provide enhancements applicable to these research areas. This is particularly true in the photon counting regime. Preliminary development of a Winston-cone-based Hybrid device (ReFerence) and an APD-based imaging Hybrid Photomultiplier Tube are presented. These devices take advantage of the high-performance cathodes and mechanically robust structures used in state of the art night vision imagining systems. Theoretical and observed performance are described.