A Physical Phenomenon to Implement a Random (non-instantaneous) Multiplication Photodetector.

We discuss the general characteristics that a physical phenomenon must exhibit in order to be a suitable candidate for implementing the concept of random multiplication. These attributes allow the process to be randomly distributed over time, require it to be quickly resettable and be able to respond to several photons in parallel by generating a constant current of variable duration for each photon. This constant current is allowed to exhibit full shot noise. We also show that the conventional avalanche multiplication process meets all but one of these criteria. Further, finite medium avalanching is proposed as a viable phenomenon that satisfies all of these constraints. The discussion is presented in terms of an idealized device structure which can be implemented in a variety of forms and technologies.