A method to quench and recharge avalanche photodiodes for use in high rate situations

A circuit has been developed which allows operation of avalanche photodiodes (APDs) in Geiger mode at rates compatible with Superconducting Super Collider experiments. The circuit is described and tests of Geiger mode APDs for high-energy physics applications are discussed. While the efficiency of the APDs in the circuits considered is limited by the limited bias voltage, even the 30% detection efficiency achievable is quite good in comparison to readily available photocathodes.<<ETX>>