Hybrid silicon avalanche quadrant detector

摘要

A method and apparatus for retrofitting an airborne laser tracker with a laser ranging capability is described. A silicon avalanche detector is mounted within the silicon quadrant receiver of a laser tracker for an aircraft. The silicon avalanche detector is mounted behind the metalized quadrant electrodes of the quadrant detector in a position which permits the avalanche detector to receive radiation passing between the quadrant electrodes. An increased instrument sensitivity is achieved which provides an increased ranging capability for the airborne laser tracker.