Absolute meter of photodetector quantum efficiency based on the parametric down-conversion effect
Vera M. Ginzburg, N. G. Keratishvili, Y. L. Korzhenevich +3 more
The quantum phenomena of parametric down conversion have been used for absolute measurement of the photodetector quantum efficiency of ultra-low-light radiation ranging from 10-12 to 10-15 W, which is equivalent to photon fluxes of 107 to 104 s-1. The process of parametric down conversion gives rise to highly correlated (in time and space) photon flux pairs. We describe the method, experimental investigation, and a new device involving the measurement of the coincidence rate of photodetection of these two correlated beams of light. The coincidence is lowered by a nonunit quantum efficiency of either detection. This fact was used for the definition of the absolute value of both photodetector's quantum efficiencies.
Optical Engineering•Nov 1, 1993•18 citations