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Long-wavelength-pumped upconversion single-photon detector at 1550 nm: performance and noise analysis
1E. L. Ginzton Laboratory, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA. jpelc@stanford.edu
Optics Express
|November 24, 2011
Summary
We developed a new method for detecting single photons in the 1.55-μm telecommunications band using upconversion. This technique achieves high detection efficiency and low noise, crucial for quantum networks.
Area of Science:
- Quantum optics
- Photonics
- Telecommunications
Background:
- Single-photon detection is essential for quantum communication.
- The 1.55-μm wavelength is critical for fiber-optic networks.
- Existing detectors face limitations in efficiency and noise.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate upconversion-assisted single-photon detection for the 1.55-μm band.
- To achieve high detection efficiency with low noise.
- To provide design guidelines for quantum frequency conversion systems.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) waveguide.
- Employed a monolithic PPLN optical parametric oscillator as a pump source.
- Measured dark count rate against pump-signal frequency separation.
Main Results:
- Achieved 86% internal conversion efficiency.
- Reached an overall system detection efficiency of 37%.
- Observed low excess noise of 10^3 counts s^-1.
- Found dark count rates consistent with spontaneous anti-Stokes Raman scattering.
Conclusions:
- Upconversion-assisted detection is viable for the 1.55-μm telecommunications band.
- The developed system offers high efficiency and low noise.
- This work provides key insights for building low-noise quantum frequency conversion systems for fiber-optic quantum networks.
