Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

Optics Express

Up-conversion single-photon detector using multi-wavelength sampling techniques

Lijun Ma, Joshua C. Bienfang, Oliver Slattery, Xiao Hong Tang

Published Mar 8, 2011• 27 citations
Publisher

Abstract

The maximum achievable data-rate of a quantum communication system can be critically limited by the efficiency and temporal resolution of the system's single-photon detectors. Frequency up-conversion technology can be used to increase detection efficiency for IR photons. In this paper we describe a scheme to improve the temporal resolution of an up-conversion single-photon detector using multi-wavelength optical-sampling techniques, allowing for increased transmission rates in single-photon communications systems. We experimentally demonstrate our approach with an up-conversion detector using two spectrally and temporally distinct pump pulses, and show that it allows for high-fidelity single-photon detection at twice the rate supported by a conventional single-pump up-conversion detector. We also discuss the limiting factors of this approach and identify important performance-limiting trade offs.

DOI
10.1364/oe.19.005470

Related papers

Frequency up-conversion single-photon detectors for quantum communication systems

Lijun Ma, Joshua C. Bienfang, Oliver Slattery +1 more

Frequency up-conversion technology can be used to increase detection efficiency for near infrared photons, as has been demonstrated in fiber-based quantum communication systems. In a continuous wave pumped up-conversion detector, the temporal resolution is limited by the timing jitter of the detector in the visible range, which limits the maximum clock rate of a quantum communication system. In this paper we describe a scheme to improve the temporal resolution of an up-conversion single-photon detector using multi-wavelength optical-sampling techniques, allowing for increased transmission rates in single-photon communications systems. We experimentally demonstrate our approach with an up-conversion detector using two spectrally and temporally distinct pump pulses, and show that it allows for high-fidelity single-photon detection at twice the rate supported by a conventional single-pump up-conversion detector.

Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIE•Apr 26, 2011•1 citation

Multi-wavelength pumping technique for up-conversion single-photon detectors

Lijun Ma, Joshua C. Bienfang, Oliver Slattery +1 more

We propose a multi-wavelength pumping technique to improve temporal resolution of up-conversion single-photon detectors. By using two-wavelength pumping we doubled the date rate of a quantum system beyond its original limitation.

Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics•Jan 1, 2011•1 citation

Detection and spectral measurement of single photons in communication bands using up-conversion technology

Long Ma, Oliver Slattery, Xiao Hong Tang

Quantum information systems are commonly operated in conventional communication bands (1310 and 1550 nm) over an optical fiber to take advantage of low transmission loss. However, the detection and spectral measurement of single photons in these communication bands are limited due to high noise and low sensitivity of single photon detectors in the wavelength ranges. To demonstrate high efficiency detection and high sensitivity spectral measurement, we have implemented a single photon detector and a spectrometer based on frequency up-conversion technology. This detector and spectrometer uses a 5-cm periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) waveguide and a tunable pump laser around 1550 nm, to convert signal photons around 1310 to 710 nm. The converted photons are then detected by a silicon-based avalanche photodiode (APD). The overall detection efficiency of the single photon detector is as high as 32%, which is three times higher than commercial InGaAs APDs. The sensitivity of the spectrometer is measured to be −126 dBm, which is at least three orders-of-magnitude better than any commercial optical spectrum analyzer in this wavelength range.

Laser Physics•Apr 2, 2010•11 citations

NIR Single Photon Detectors with Up-Conversion Technology and its Applications in Quantum Communication Systems

Lijun Ma, Oliver Slattery, Xiao Hong Tang

Frequency up-conversion single photon detectors use the principle of sum frequency generation to up-convert single photons in the near IR range to a shorter wavelength for an efficient detection by low cost detectors, such as Si-APDs. The up-conversion detectors are usually operated at room temperature with high detection efficiency and a low dark count rate. The detectors have a very narrow acceptance spectral width and polarization sensitivity, properties that can be exploited in certain applications requiring narrow linewidth or polarization specific detection. These unique characteristics can be used to enhance system performance in some applications, including fiber-based quantum communications systems.

InTech eBooks•Apr 1, 2010•5 citations

Single photon frequency up-conversion and its applications

Lijun Ma, Oliver Slattery, Xiao Hong Tang

We have studied single photon level frequency up-conversion, and developed efficient single photon detectors and a highly sensitive spectrometer at a telecommunication wavelength (around 1310 nm). We have applied the detector and spectrometer to the implementation of a quantum key distribution system; to the characterization of an entangled photon source and a single photon source from quantum dots; to increase the temporal resolution of the single photon detector; and to study on high-order temporal correlation following frequency conversion. In this paper, we will present an overview on the frequency up-conversion technique and its applications in quantum information systems.

Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIE•Sep 1, 2011•8 citations

Single Photon Detection Using Frequency Up-Conversion with Pulse Pumping

Lijun Ma, Oliver Slattery, Xiao Hong Tang

In any quantum communication system, such as a quantum key distribution (QKD) system, data rates are mainly limited by the system clock rate and the various link losses. While the transmission clock rate is limited by the temporal resolution of the single-photon detectors, losses in a fiber-based quantum communication system can be minimized by operating in the near infrared range (NIR), at 1310 nm or 1550 nm. Commercially available InGaAs-based avalanche photo-diodes (APDs) can be operated as single-photon detectors in this wavelength range [Hadfield, 2009]. Due to the severe after-pulsing, InGaAs APDs are typically used in a gated mode and this can limit their application in high-speed quantum communications systems. Superconducting single-photon detectors (SSPDs) can work in the NIR wavelength range with good performance [Gol’tsman et al. 2001; Hadfield, 2009]. However, SSPDs require cryogenic temperatures, and are not widely available on the commercial market at present. In addition, InGaAs/InP based photomultiplier tubes (PMT) can operate in the NIR range, but its performance is limited by very low detection efficiency (1 % at 1600 nm) and large timing jitter (1.5 ns) [Hamamatsu, 2005]. Microchannel plates (MCP) are micro-capillary electron multipliers coated with an electron-emissive material and multiply photon-excited electrons from a photon cathode [Wiza, 1979]. MCPs usually have faster rise times and lower timing jitter than is achievable with PMTs. InGaAs MCPs can work in the NIR range. These MCPs, but are limited by low detection efficiency (~1 %) [Martin, J. & Hink P. 2003]. On the other hand, silicon based avalanche photo-diodes (Si APDs) are compact, relatively inexpensive, and can be operated at ambient temperatures with high detection efficiency and low noise in the visible or near-visible range. Unfortunately they do not work at wavelengths longer than 1000 nm. For those wavelengths, an up-conversion technique has been developed that uses sum-frequency generation (SFG) in a non-linear optical medium to convert the signal photons to a higher frequency (shorter wavelength) in the visible or near visible range. The up-converted photons can then be detected by a Si APD. Up-conversion detectors use commercially available components and devices, and are a practical solution for many applications in quantum communications. To date, several groups have successfully developed highly efficient up-conversion single-photon detectors in the nearinfrared range using periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) waveguides [Diamanti et al., 2005; Langrock et al., 2005; Thew et al., 2006; Tanzilli et al., 2005; Xu et al., 2007;] and bulk crystals [Vandevender & Kwiat, 2004].

InTech eBooks•Sep 6, 2011•1 citation
The maximum achievable data-rate of a quantum communication system can be critically limited by the efficiency and temporal resolution of the system's single-photon detectors. Frequency up-conversion technology can be used to increase detection efficiency for IR photons. In this paper we describe a scheme to improve the temporal resolution of an up-conversion single-photon detector using multi-wavelength optical-sampling techniques, allowing for increased transmission rates in single-photon communications systems. We experimentally demonstrate our approach with an up-conversion detector using two spectrally and temporally distinct pump pulses, and show that it allows for high-fidelity single-photon detection at twice the rate supported by a conventional single-pump up-conversion detector. We also discuss the limiting factors of this approach and identify important performance-limiting trade offs.
Frequency up-conversion technology can be used to increase detection efficiency for near infrared photons, as has been demonstrated in fiber-based quantum communication systems. In a continuous wave pumped up-conversion detector, the temporal resolution is limited by the timing jitter of the detector in the visible range, which limits the maximum clock rate of a quantum communication system. In this paper we describe a scheme to improve the temporal resolution of an up-conversion single-photon detector using multi-wavelength optical-sampling techniques, allowing for increased transmission rates in single-photon communications systems. We experimentally demonstrate our approach with an up-conversion detector using two spectrally and temporally distinct pump pulses, and show that it allows for high-fidelity single-photon detection at twice the rate supported by a conventional single-pump up-conversion detector.
Quantum information systems are commonly operated in conventional communication bands (1310 and 1550 nm) over an optical fiber to take advantage of low transmission loss. However, the detection and spectral measurement of single photons in these communication bands are limited due to high noise and low sensitivity of single photon detectors in the wavelength ranges. To demonstrate high efficiency detection and high sensitivity spectral measurement, we have implemented a single photon detector and a spectrometer based on frequency up-conversion technology. This detector and spectrometer uses a 5-cm periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) waveguide and a tunable pump laser around 1550 nm, to convert signal photons around 1310 to 710 nm. The converted photons are then detected by a silicon-based avalanche photodiode (APD). The overall detection efficiency of the single photon detector is as high as 32%, which is three times higher than commercial InGaAs APDs. The sensitivity of the spectrometer is measured to be −126 dBm, which is at least three orders-of-magnitude better than any commercial optical spectrum analyzer in this wavelength range.
Frequency up-conversion single photon detectors use the principle of sum frequency generation to up-convert single photons in the near IR range to a shorter wavelength for an efficient detection by low cost detectors, such as Si-APDs. The up-conversion detectors are usually operated at room temperature with high detection efficiency and a low dark count rate. The detectors have a very narrow acceptance spectral width and polarization sensitivity, properties that can be exploited in certain applications requiring narrow linewidth or polarization specific detection. These unique characteristics can be used to enhance system performance in some applications, including fiber-based quantum communications systems.
We have studied single photon level frequency up-conversion, and developed efficient single photon detectors and a highly sensitive spectrometer at a telecommunication wavelength (around 1310 nm). We have applied the detector and spectrometer to the implementation of a quantum key distribution system; to the characterization of an entangled photon source and a single photon source from quantum dots; to increase the temporal resolution of the single photon detector; and to study on high-order temporal correlation following frequency conversion. In this paper, we will present an overview on the frequency up-conversion technique and its applications in quantum information systems.
In any quantum communication system, such as a quantum key distribution (QKD) system, data rates are mainly limited by the system clock rate and the various link losses. While the transmission clock rate is limited by the temporal resolution of the single-photon detectors, losses in a fiber-based quantum communication system can be minimized by operating in the near infrared range (NIR), at 1310 nm or 1550 nm. Commercially available InGaAs-based avalanche photo-diodes (APDs) can be operated as single-photon detectors in this wavelength range [Hadfield, 2009]. Due to the severe after-pulsing, InGaAs APDs are typically used in a gated mode and this can limit their application in high-speed quantum communications systems. Superconducting single-photon detectors (SSPDs) can work in the NIR wavelength range with good performance [Gol’tsman et al. 2001; Hadfield, 2009]. However, SSPDs require cryogenic temperatures, and are not widely available on the commercial market at present. In addition, InGaAs/InP based photomultiplier tubes (PMT) can operate in the NIR range, but its performance is limited by very low detection efficiency (1 % at 1600 nm) and large timing jitter (1.5 ns) [Hamamatsu, 2005]. Microchannel plates (MCP) are micro-capillary electron multipliers coated with an electron-emissive material and multiply photon-excited electrons from a photon cathode [Wiza, 1979]. MCPs usually have faster rise times and lower timing jitter than is achievable with PMTs. InGaAs MCPs can work in the NIR range. These MCPs, but are limited by low detection efficiency (~1 %) [Martin, J. & Hink P. 2003]. On the other hand, silicon based avalanche photo-diodes (Si APDs) are compact, relatively inexpensive, and can be operated at ambient temperatures with high detection efficiency and low noise in the visible or near-visible range. Unfortunately they do not work at wavelengths longer than 1000 nm. For those wavelengths, an up-conversion technique has been developed that uses sum-frequency generation (SFG) in a non-linear optical medium to convert the signal photons to a higher frequency (shorter wavelength) in the visible or near visible range. The up-converted photons can then be detected by a Si APD. Up-conversion detectors use commercially available components and devices, and are a practical solution for many applications in quantum communications. To date, several groups have successfully developed highly efficient up-conversion single-photon detectors in the nearinfrared range using periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) waveguides [Diamanti et al., 2005; Langrock et al., 2005; Thew et al., 2006; Tanzilli et al., 2005; Xu et al., 2007;] and bulk crystals [Vandevender & Kwiat, 2004].