Multigate single-photon detection and timing discrimination with an InGaAs/lnP avalanche photodiode

Area of Science:

• Photonics and Optoelectronics
• Semiconductor Devices
• Quantum Optics

Background:

• Accurate single-photon timing is crucial for quantum communication and sensing.
• Traditional methods face challenges in precise temporal discrimination.
• Avalanche photodiodes offer high sensitivity but require sophisticated timing analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate multigate detection for single-photon timing at 1550 nm.
• To utilize capacitor-balanced InGaAs/InP avalanche photodiodes for this application.
• To experimentally validate the efficiency of discriminating single-photon events and afterpulses.

Main Methods:

• Employing capacitor-balanced InGaAs/InP avalanche photodiodes.
• Implementing a multigate detection scheme.
• Counting single-photon clicks and associated afterpulses within multiple time gates.

Main Results:

• Successful multigate detection of single photons at 1550 nm.
• Efficient discrimination between single-photon clicks and afterpulses.
• Demonstration of practical single-photon timing information processing.

Conclusions:

• Multigate detection is a viable technique for precise single-photon timing.
• The developed method enhances the processing of timing information from photon detection.
• Capacitor-balanced InGaAs/InP avalanche photodiodes are suitable for advanced photon timing applications.