Theory and implementation of sigle-photon detectors for quantum communications in optical networks

George A. P. Thé

Published Jan 1, 2006• 0 citations

Abstract

Quantum Information Technology is a new multi-disciplinary area which has received a lot of attention due to its promises and its high potential in solving problems still unsolved. In this big area, Quantum Communication is too much developed. In this subarea, Quantum Key Distribution is the most advanced field. It permits two parties, named Alice and Bob, sharing a cryptography key through a secure channel (guaranteed by laws of quantum mechanics). The most of Quantum Key Distribution Systems run over optical fiber links and, in these systems, the most important part is the Single-Photon Detector. Single-Photon Detector is an equipment able to absorb a photon and generate a TTL pulse. Thus, in an ideal Single-Photon Detector, each photon incoming must trigger a TTL pulse at the output. Since the energy level of a single-photon is too much low, an avalanche photodiode is used to perform the photon absorption-carrier generation process, once this photodiode if correctly biased can trigger a detectable avalanche of carriers. After the avalanche has been started, it must be quenched in order to avoid any damage to the photodiode, which is made by an avalanche quenching circuit. The avalanche photodiode is the most important element of a Single-Photon Detector and its characterization requires much attention. In this context, this dissertation deals with theoretical and practical aspects of Single-Photon Detectors for Quantum Communication. It starts from the theory of avalanche photodiodes and quenching circuits (numerical results of quenching circuits are also shown) and follows until the characterization of a home-made Single-Photon Detector and its applications in Metrology of optical devices and in Photon-Number Resolution as well.

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