MULTIPLICATION FACTOR CONTROL CIRCUIT FOR AVALANCHE PHOTODIODE

摘要

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a circuit capable of controlling the multiplication factor of an avalanche photodiode (APD). SOLUTION: The circuit is provided with: an avalanche photodiode used as an optic/electric converting film of an image pickup element; a first power source for applying a DC voltage to an anode side of the avalanche photodiode; a "signal read circuit" which stores or outputs charge output from the avalanche photodiode; a second power source for applying DC power supply to the signal read circuit; a third power source for applying AC power supply to the signal read circuit; and a "control circuit" for automatically controlling the "second power source and third power source for applying a voltage to the signal read circuit for the purpose of changing the multiplication factor of the avalanche photodiode" on the basis of an "input signal from the signal read circuit". COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT