Achieving Higher Photon Counting Rates Using Multiplexed Detectors

Published

August 13, 2006

Author(s)

Stefania Castelletto, Ivo P. Degiovanni, Alan L. Migdall, Sergey Polyakov, V Schettini

Abstract

As the quantum information field advances, the need for improved single-photon devices is becoming more critical. Quantum information systems are often limited by detector deadtime to count rates of a few MHz, at best. We present a multiplexed detection scheme that allows photon counting at higher rates than possible with single detectors. The system uses an array of detectors and an optical switch system to direct incoming photons to detectors known to be live. We model the system for realistic individual detector deadtimes and optical switching times. We show that such a system offers more promise than simply reducing the deadtime of an individual detector. We find that a system of N detectors with a given deadtime, can count photons at faster rates than a single detector with a deadtime reduced by 1/N, even if it were practical to make such a large improvement.

Proceedings Title

SPIE Optics and Photonics Conference | 2006| Proc. SPIE 6305

Volume

6305

Conference Dates

August 14-15, 2006

Conference Location

San Diego, CA, US

Conference Title

SPIE Optics and Photonics Conference

Pub Type

Conferences

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Keywords

deadtime, detector, photon counting, quantum computing, quantum cryptography, single photon

Citation

Castelletto, S. , Degiovanni, I. , Migdall, A. , Polyakov, S. and Schettini, V. (2006), Achieving Higher Photon Counting Rates Using Multiplexed Detectors, SPIE Optics and Photonics Conference | 2006| Proc. SPIE 6305, San Diego, CA, US, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=841037 (Accessed October 7, 2025)