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Journal of the Optical Society of America B

Quantum-efficiency measurement of photodetectors by means of correlated photons

G. Brida, Stefania Castelletto, Carlo Novero, Maria Luisa Rastello

Published Oct 1, 1999• 15 citations
Publisher

Abstract

We report the first results obtained at the Istituto Elettrotecnico Nazionale Galileo Ferraris of quantum-efficiency measurements of actively quenched avalanche photodiodes in the photon-counting regime. The measurements were performed with the technique of correlated photons generated by a parametric downconversion process in a nonlinear crystal of lithium iodate, an absolute technique that does not require any standard. We pay special attention to the problem of alignment of the optical bench and to the implementation of a parametric amplifier scheme with a diode-laser source. The technique is described, and results of quantum-efficiency measurements of two photodiodes are presented.

DOI
10.1364/josab.16.001623

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The calibration of radiometric sensors is critical to ensure the accuracy of the remote sensing data and their usability.The current methods of the radiometric calibration are based on the establishment of high-precision primary standard and standard transfer chain,and the transfer chain is the main source of errors.The entangled photons-based theory creates a new technical way to realize the radiometric calibration of standardless transfer.The method of absolute calibration of photodetectors based on a nonclassical effect of the nonlinear optics in the photon-counting regime was discussed.The measurement was realized with the technique of entangled photons at 702 nm generated by a parametric down conversion process in a nonlinear crystal of BBO.The photomultiplier quantum-efficiency at the wavelength was measured during the experiment.It is estimated that the deviation is 0.1%.The technique is independent of any externally calibrated radiometric standards.
Many of the schemes under study for Quantum Information Processing technology based on photon states involve active and passive optical components as well as detectors. In order to able to establish fidelity levels for these schemes, the performance of the optical components and the quantum efficiency (q.e.) of the detectors require careful and accurate characterization. Correlated photons produced from spontaneous parametric downconversion, which are also the basis of entangled photon states, conveniently offer a direct means of measuring detector q.e. in the photon counting regime, while stimulated parametric downconversion can be used to measure source radiance. Detector and source calibration using correlated photon techniques therefore addresses some of the key issues critical to the development of QIP technology and the development of correlated/entangled photon metrology. This paper reports work being undertaken at NPL to establish the accuracy limitations of these correlated photon techniques. Significant sources of uncertainty are the need to measure losses due to any optical components used and the requirement to obtain and maintain good geometrical and spectral alignment.