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Applied Optics

Intercomparison of a correlated-photon-based method to measure detector quantum efficiency

Alan L. Migdall, Stefania Castelletto, Ivo Pietro Degiovanni, Maria Luisa Rastello

Published May 20, 2002• 33 citations

Abstract

We report on the absolute calibration of photodetector quantum efficiency by using correlated photon sources, performed independently at two laboratories, the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Istituto Elettrotecnico Nazionale (IEN). The goal is to use an interlaboratory comparison to demonstrate the inherent absoluteness of the photon correlation technique by showing its independence from the particular experimental setup. We find that detector nonuniformity limited this comparison rather than uncertainty inherent in the method itself. The ultimate goal of these investigations is development of a robust measurement protocol that allows the uncertainties of individual measurements to be determined experimentally and verified operationally. Furthermore, to demonstrate the generality of the procedure, the IEN measurement setup was also used to calibrate a fiber-coupled avalanche photodiode module. Uncertainties are evaluated for the detector both with and without fiber coupling and differences are discussed. The current IEN setup using a thinner and higher transmittance nonlinear crystal for the generation of correlated photons shows a significant improvement in overall accuracy with respect to previously reported results from IEN [Metrologia 32, 501-503 (1996)].

DOI: 10.1364/ao.41.002914

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There are two general methods in radiometric calibration of detectors, one is based on radiation sources and the other based on detectors. Because the two methods need to establish a primary standard of high precision and a transfer chain, precision of the standard will be reduced by extension of the chain. A new calibration method of detectors can be realized by using correlated photons generated in spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC) effect of nonlinear crystal, without needing transfer chain. Using 351.1-nm output of a tunable laser to pump 'beta'-barium borate (BBO) crystal, an absolute calibration experimental system of single photon detectors based on correlated photons is performed. The quantum efficiency of photomultiplier (PMT) at 702.2 nm is measured by the setup. Advantages of this method over traditional methods are also pointed out by comparison.

There are two general methods for radiometric calibration of detectors. One is based on radiometric sources and the other is based on detectors. Because two methods need to establish primary standard of high precision and transfer chain of standard, the precision of standard will be reduced by extension of the chain. An absolute calibration of quantum efficiency of detectors can be realized by using correlated photons generated in spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC) effect of nonlinear crystal. Generation mechanism of SPDC is interpreted with theories of quantum mechanics and classical theories. The theory of calibration based correlated photons are demonstrated. The project for proof of principle of absolute calibration of quantum efficiency of radiometric detectors is given in this paper. Comparing with traditional methods, the advantages of it are pointed out. A scheme using to calibrate quantum efficiency of infrared detectors is described here. The measurement of spatial and spectral response of detectors is mentioned too.

A new calibration method of detectors can be realized by using correlated photons generated in spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC) effect of nonlinear crystal.An absolute calibration system of detector quantum efficiency is performed.And its principle and experimental setup are introduced.A continuouswave (CW) ultraviolet (351 nm), diode-pumped, frequency-doubled, and solid-state laser is used to pump BBO crystal.The quantum efficiencies of the photomultiplier at 633, 702, and 789 nm are measured respectively.The coincidence peaks are observed using coincidence circuit.Some measurement factors including the filter bandwidth of trigger channel, the detector position alignment and polarization of the pump light are analyzed.The uncertainties of this calibration method are also analyzed, and the relative uncertainties of total calibration are less than 5.8%.The accuracy of this method could be improved in the future.

Abstract − An experimental system using correlated photon pairs for absolute measurements of single-photon detectors quantum efficiency has been set up at the Brazilian National Institute of Metrology (INMETRO). The establishment of this methodology is of special significance for the absolute calibration of detectors, especially for near infrared range as an alternative to the conventional radiometric methods. This paper describes the preliminary implementation of this absolute calibration method. Our first experimental results are reported and the optimization of the system is pointed out for obtaining further improvements the near future.