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Design of single-photon detection system used in quantum cryptography communication

Songhao Liu

Published Jan 1, 2004• 1 citation
OpenAlex

Abstract

A single-photon detection system with laser of 1310nm wavelength as light source is designed. Using InGaAs Avalanche Photodiode (InGaAs-APD) as single-photon detection device for quantum cryptography communication, the bias-voltage formation, low-temperature control and single-photon signal detection are comprehensively considered. The photon gate formed by pulse superimposed on DC level is equivalently performed by monostable circuit in pulse generator. Detection sensitivity of the system is improved by using a trans-impedance pre-amplifier and a precision comparator. The detection experiments in initial stage show that the waveform of -93dBm light signal can be observed by the detection system.

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Single photon detection used in quantum communication

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In order to improve the sensitivity of single-photon detection systems,InGaAs/InP avalanche photodiode(InGaAs/InP APD) is used in the design of single photon detector of quantum communication.Single photon detector bias generation circuit in gate pulse mode,single-photon signal amplification circuit,single photon signal detection circuit and temperature control module were realized.By selecting high-precision OP37 preamplifier and precision comparator AD8561,quantum efficiency was increased to 18.3%,dark count was controlled within 4.1 × 10-6/ns.

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In our experiment, two InGaAs/InP avalanche photodiodes (APD) were used in the quantum key distribution (QKD) system for single-photon detection at telecom communication wavelength (1310/1550 nm). By using properly designed passive-quenching circuit, the photo-detection efficiency of the APD could reach 10% at 1550 nm. In order to decrease the dark count rate efficiently, we designed a coincident counting circuits for single-photon detection. Before the APD signals were sent to the signal processing circuit, the avalanche signals were amplified and shaped into the TTL pulses. In order to obtain an accurate and efficient data acquisition and to transfer synchronically several signals such as the TTL signals and pulses from Random generators, we designed a signal processing circuit with the parallel port whose speed limitation is about 100Kb/s. In our experiments of single-photon interference and quantum cryptography, the electronic designs presented us satisfactory performance and results. To achieve much higher speed for the data acquisition, we also employed the Universal Serial Bus System (USB2.0) to interface our single-photon avalanche detectors and random generators used in our QKD system, which was believed to improve the performance of QKD such as the key distribution speed.

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Modeling and design of a single photon detector and its various characteristics are presented. It is a type of avalanche photo diode (APD) designed to suit the requirements of a Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) detection system. The device is modeled to operate in a gated mode at liquid nitrogen temperature for minimum noise and maximum gain. Different types of APDs are compared for best performance. The APD is part of an optical communication link, which is a private channel to transmit the key signal. The encrypted message is sent via a public channel. The optical link operates at a wavelength of 1.55μm. The design is based on InGaAs with a quantum efficiency of more than 75% and a multiplication factor of 1000. The calculated dark current is below 10-12A with an overall signal to noise ratio better than 18 dB. The device sensitivity is better than -40 dBm, which is more than an order of magnitude higher than the dark current, corresponding to a detection sensitivity of two photons in pico-second pulses.

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The technology of quantum cryptography, based on the quantum properties of light, allows a random sequence of bits to be transmitted over an unprotected communication channel in such a way that an attacker's interference in the transmission process creates additional noise in the channel and is detected by legitimate users. One of the important elements of a quantum system is a single-photon detector. The closest to solving this problem is a device for recording single photons using avalanche photodiodes (APD) [1 - 6]. In this work, a scheme for amplifying current pulses flowing through a single-photon detector is proposed, using a charge-sensitive amplifier Amptek A250. The noise characteristics of the Amptek A250 amplifier are such that its contribution to detector noise is negligible. After amplification, the pulses are fed to the inputs of the comparators. The amplitude discrimination threshold of the first is selected above the level of the amplifier's own noise. The amplitude discrimination threshold of the second comparator is chosen so that the speed of pulse counting at the output of the first comparator is n times greater than at the output of the second comparator. From the outputs of the comparators, pulses are fed to the input of the microcontroller. When the microcontroller calculates a given number of N pulses, a corresponding signal for the DAC is formed at its output, which converts the digital signal into a control voltage for the power source of the avalanche photodiode. The developed device allows to increase the quantum efficiency of registration up to 48%.

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Abstract In order to realize long‐distance quantum cryptography based on standard optical fiber network, we have developed a single‐photon detector at 1550 nm using InGaAs/InP avalanche photodiodes (APDs). To reduce the dark count probability, APDs were cooled and operated with a Gated Passive Quenching Circuit. A quantum efficiency of 13.7% was obtained at −55 °C while keeping the dark count probability per gate (2 ns) as low as 2.4 × 10−5. In this paper we will discuss the performance of the developed single‐photon detector in view of application to quantum cryptography. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 2, 86(5): 10–15, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ). DOI 10.1002/ecjb.10115

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Assembly and characterization of single-photon detectors for quantum networks

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The use of quantum technologies has risen drastically in the last decades, offering an enhancement in terms of the technological capabilities available nowadays. Found in this field of research, quantum communications based on the transmission of single photons offer new approaches to redefine the use of protocols and devices for specialised applications. As a final result, this leads to the accomplishment of long-range quantum networks with terrestrial and satellite-based communications set to establish a new scale of Telecommunication applications. Within these kinds of applications, this project focuses on the assembly of a single-photon detector using a photodiode of type Single-Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD), essential device to define the level of performance of any quantum communication system. To carry this out, the system is assembled around its centre piece, an Excelitas APD operated in Geiger mode above its breakdown voltage. The electronic circuit that drives the photodiode is characterised to work with its adjusted bias voltage, its dedicated temperature management system and its active quenching circuit to detect pulses with certainty and precision. The final version of the project is adjusted to work in the 1300nm and 1500nm operating wavelengths as the photodiode used is formed by an InGaAs/InP semiconductor structure. Working on top of the original circuit provided initially, the experimental measurements obtained in the course of the project prove that the design modifications implemented have improved the functioning of the whole system. The main achievements accomplished encompass the generation of pulses for photon detection at 20kHz, the reduction of electromagnetic interferences by a factor 40, the enhancement of the manipulated signals in the circuit by a factor of tens, and the correct management of the SPAD temperature to maintain a fixed value of dark counts for a long time.

•Jul 1, 2026•0 citations
A single-photon detection system with laser of 1310nm wavelength as light source is designed. Using InGaAs Avalanche Photodiode (InGaAs-APD) as single-photon detection device for quantum cryptography communication, the bias-voltage formation, low-temperature control and single-photon signal detection are comprehensively considered. The photon gate formed by pulse superimposed on DC level is equivalently performed by monostable circuit in pulse generator. Detection sensitivity of the system is improved by using a trans-impedance pre-amplifier and a precision comparator. The detection experiments in initial stage show that the waveform of -93dBm light signal can be observed by the detection system.
In order to improve the sensitivity of single-photon detection systems,InGaAs/InP avalanche photodiode(InGaAs/InP APD) is used in the design of single photon detector of quantum communication.Single photon detector bias generation circuit in gate pulse mode,single-photon signal amplification circuit,single photon signal detection circuit and temperature control module were realized.By selecting high-precision OP37 preamplifier and precision comparator AD8561,quantum efficiency was increased to 18.3%,dark count was controlled within 4.1 × 10-6/ns.
In our experiment, two InGaAs/InP avalanche photodiodes (APD) were used in the quantum key distribution (QKD) system for single-photon detection at telecom communication wavelength (1310/1550 nm). By using properly designed passive-quenching circuit, the photo-detection efficiency of the APD could reach 10% at 1550 nm. In order to decrease the dark count rate efficiently, we designed a coincident counting circuits for single-photon detection. Before the APD signals were sent to the signal processing circuit, the avalanche signals were amplified and shaped into the TTL pulses. In order to obtain an accurate and efficient data acquisition and to transfer synchronically several signals such as the TTL signals and pulses from Random generators, we designed a signal processing circuit with the parallel port whose speed limitation is about 100Kb/s. In our experiments of single-photon interference and quantum cryptography, the electronic designs presented us satisfactory performance and results. To achieve much higher speed for the data acquisition, we also employed the Universal Serial Bus System (USB2.0) to interface our single-photon avalanche detectors and random generators used in our QKD system, which was believed to improve the performance of QKD such as the key distribution speed.
Modeling and design of a single photon detector and its various characteristics are presented. It is a type of avalanche photo diode (APD) designed to suit the requirements of a Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) detection system. The device is modeled to operate in a gated mode at liquid nitrogen temperature for minimum noise and maximum gain. Different types of APDs are compared for best performance. The APD is part of an optical communication link, which is a private channel to transmit the key signal. The encrypted message is sent via a public channel. The optical link operates at a wavelength of 1.55μm. The design is based on InGaAs with a quantum efficiency of more than 75% and a multiplication factor of 1000. The calculated dark current is below 10-12A with an overall signal to noise ratio better than 18 dB. The device sensitivity is better than -40 dBm, which is more than an order of magnitude higher than the dark current, corresponding to a detection sensitivity of two photons in pico-second pulses.
The technology of quantum cryptography, based on the quantum properties of light, allows a random sequence of bits to be transmitted over an unprotected communication channel in such a way that an attacker's interference in the transmission process creates additional noise in the channel and is detected by legitimate users. One of the important elements of a quantum system is a single-photon detector. The closest to solving this problem is a device for recording single photons using avalanche photodiodes (APD) [1 - 6]. In this work, a scheme for amplifying current pulses flowing through a single-photon detector is proposed, using a charge-sensitive amplifier Amptek A250. The noise characteristics of the Amptek A250 amplifier are such that its contribution to detector noise is negligible. After amplification, the pulses are fed to the inputs of the comparators. The amplitude discrimination threshold of the first is selected above the level of the amplifier's own noise. The amplitude discrimination threshold of the second comparator is chosen so that the speed of pulse counting at the output of the first comparator is n times greater than at the output of the second comparator. From the outputs of the comparators, pulses are fed to the input of the microcontroller. When the microcontroller calculates a given number of N pulses, a corresponding signal for the DAC is formed at its output, which converts the digital signal into a control voltage for the power source of the avalanche photodiode. The developed device allows to increase the quantum efficiency of registration up to 48%.
Abstract In order to realize long‐distance quantum cryptography based on standard optical fiber network, we have developed a single‐photon detector at 1550 nm using InGaAs/InP avalanche photodiodes (APDs). To reduce the dark count probability, APDs were cooled and operated with a Gated Passive Quenching Circuit. A quantum efficiency of 13.7% was obtained at −55 °C while keeping the dark count probability per gate (2 ns) as low as 2.4 × 10−5. In this paper we will discuss the performance of the developed single‐photon detector in view of application to quantum cryptography. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 2, 86(5): 10–15, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ). DOI 10.1002/ecjb.10115
The use of quantum technologies has risen drastically in the last decades, offering an enhancement in terms of the technological capabilities available nowadays. Found in this field of research, quantum communications based on the transmission of single photons offer new approaches to redefine the use of protocols and devices for specialised applications. As a final result, this leads to the accomplishment of long-range quantum networks with terrestrial and satellite-based communications set to establish a new scale of Telecommunication applications. Within these kinds of applications, this project focuses on the assembly of a single-photon detector using a photodiode of type Single-Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD), essential device to define the level of performance of any quantum communication system. To carry this out, the system is assembled around its centre piece, an Excelitas APD operated in Geiger mode above its breakdown voltage. The electronic circuit that drives the photodiode is characterised to work with its adjusted bias voltage, its dedicated temperature management system and its active quenching circuit to detect pulses with certainty and precision. The final version of the project is adjusted to work in the 1300nm and 1500nm operating wavelengths as the photodiode used is formed by an InGaAs/InP semiconductor structure. Working on top of the original circuit provided initially, the experimental measurements obtained in the course of the project prove that the design modifications implemented have improved the functioning of the whole system. The main achievements accomplished encompass the generation of pulses for photon detection at 20kHz, the reduction of electromagnetic interferences by a factor 40, the enhancement of the manipulated signals in the circuit by a factor of tens, and the correct management of the SPAD temperature to maintain a fixed value of dark counts for a long time.