Shot Noise

Shot noise current, SNR, and noise vs signal analysis for photodetectors.

Model: Textbook approximation

Shot noise current √(2qIB) = 5.6607e-10 A

SNR (amplitude) = 1766.6

SNR (power) I/(2qB) = 3.1208e+6

Shot-noise limit only: thermal and amplifier noise are left out. NEP = noise current / responsivity (see the NEP calculator).

Model and references

Textbook approximation. A standard approximation from the literature (for example paraxial, plane-wave or Gaussian-beam), valid within the range the page states. About the tiers

Poisson arrivals with a flat spectrum, √(2q·I·B), valid below the inverse transit time. Thermal and amplifier noise are left out.

  1. Schottky W. (1918). Über spontane Stromschwankungen in verschiedenen Elektrizitätsleitern. Ann. Phys. 362, 541. Shot noise of a current carried by discrete charges. doi:10.1002/andp.19183622304
  2. Saleh B. E. A., Teich M. C. (1991). Fundamentals of Photonics. Wiley. §17.5 Noise in photodetectors: shot noise 2qīB and circuit noise. doi:10.1002/0471213748
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