Head of Press and Information Office
Dr. Dr. Jens Simon
Phone: +49 531 592-3005
Email:
jens.simon(at)ptb.de
Figure: Observed dependence of an InGaAs-SPAD's inherent detection efficiency on the event rate.
Single-photon detectors are a pivotal component in photonic quantum technologies. A precise and comprehensive calibration of the inherent detection efficiency is of utmost importance to ensure the proper evaluation of the performance in view of the specific technological application of interest, such as the protection against security breaches in quantum cryptographic solutions. Here we report on a systematic study on and comprehensive analysis of the estimation of the inherent detection efficiency of two commercial single-photon detectors based on single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs) for various mean photon numbers and at high laser pulse repetition rates using different techniques. We observed an unexpected and significant drop in the inherent detection efficiency at detection rates of 10 % and higher relative to the maximum detection rate. It is demonstrated that for data analysis a statistical model for the detection rate conveniently can be used if no time-stamped data are available. We conclude that the full characterization of single-photon detectors used in critical applications should include the sensitivity of their inherent detection efficiency to high event rates.
Dr. Dr. Jens Simon
Phone: +49 531 592-3005
Email:
jens.simon(at)ptb.de
Karin Conring
Phone: +49 531 592-3006
Fax: +49 531 592-3008
Email:
karin.conring(at)ptb.de
Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt
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38116 Braunschweig