平衡相干检测技术能够大幅度提高光通信系统的灵敏度, 在相干光通信和微波光子系统中得到广泛应用。作为相干检测的核心器件, 平衡探测器近年来已成为研究热点。阐述了平衡探测器的工作原理、器件结构和性能参数, 概述了平衡探测器的最新研究进展, 并对平衡探测器发展过程中存在的问题和发展趋势进行了分析。随着光通信技术的发展, 平衡探测器将在高速率、高射频功率、高响应度和高共模抑制比等方面不断优化, 封装模块将朝着高集成度、低成本和低功耗方向发展。

Balanced coherent detection technology is widely used in coherent optical communication and microwave photonic systems because the sensitivity can be significantly improved by the technology. Balanced photodetector, as a key device for coherent detection, has been the workhorse of research in recent years. This paper introduces the principle, structure and some parameters of balanced photodetectors and provides an overview on recent advances of the device, with analysis on current problems and development trends. With the development of optical communication technology, the performance of balanced photodetectors will be promoted in terms of speed, responsivity, radio frequency power, and common mode rejection ratio. Moreover, the package module should be highly integrated, with lower cost and lower power consumption in the future.