Integrated multichannel photon timing instrument with very short dead time and high throughput

Area of Science:

• Quantum optics and photonics
• Biophysics and fluorescence sensing

Background:

• Precise single photon detection is crucial for quantum information processing and fluorescence sensing.
• Time-correlated single photon counting (TCSPC) instrumentation is continuously advancing.
• Simultaneous, time-tagged readout of multiple detector channels is valuable for diverse applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel, integrated instrument for multi-channel single photon detection.
• To achieve high throughput, short dead time, and excellent timing resolution.
• To demonstrate the instrument's utility in quantum optics research.

Main Methods:

• Development of an integrated multi-channel detector system.
• Implementation of time-correlated single photon counting techniques.
• Characterization of timing resolution and throughput.

Main Results:

• The new instrument provides up to three independent input channels.
• Achieved timing resolution of 25 picoseconds (ps).
• Demonstrated high throughput and very short dead time at reasonable cost and size.

Conclusions:

• The developed instrument offers a significant advancement in single photon detection technology.
• It is suitable for demanding applications in quantum optics and fluorescence imaging.
• The device facilitates advanced measurements, such as photon statistics of heralded single photon sources.