| Author(s): |
Sergey V. Polyakov; Alan L. Migdall; |
| Title: |
High Accuracy Verification of a Correlated-Photon-Based Method for Determining Photon-Counting Detection Efficiency |
| Published: |
February 19, 2007 |
| Abstract: |
We have implemented and characterized an independent primary standard method for the calibration of detection efficiency of photon counting detectors. The method is based on a light source producing correlated photon pairs. We have determined, and most importantly, verified the detection efficiency uncertainty associated with this implementation of the two-photon method by comparing the measured efficiency to a detection efficiency determined by a substitution method using a conventionally calibrated transfer detector tied to a national primary standard detector, the NIST High Accuracy Cryogenic Radiometer. We obtained an absolute uncertainty of the correlated method of 0.18% (k=1) and an uncertainty of the conventional calibration of 0.17% (k=1). From a series of measurements we found that the two independent calibration techniques differ by 0.15% b0.14%, within the established uncertainty of comparison. We believe that this is the highest accuracy verification of the two-photon method yet achieved. We describe procedures and techniques used to perform calibrations and comparisons. Also presented are procedures for determining uncertainties of the both calibration methods. |
| Citation: |
Optics Express |
| Volume: |
15 |
| Issue: |
4 |
| Pages: |
pp. 1390 - 1407 |
| Keywords: |
correlated photons;detector;down-conversion;high accuracy calibration;primary standard verification;single photon detector |
| Research Areas: |
Single Photon Detectors, Correlated Photon Radiometry, Physics, Quantum Information Technology, Quantum Physics |
| PDF version: |
 Click here to retrieve PDF version of paper (193KB) |
