Quantum correlation measurement with single photon avalanche diode arrays.

Area of Science:

• Quantum optics
• Photonics
• Quantum information science

Background:

• Temporal photon correlation measurements are crucial for understanding light's quantum properties.
• Traditional methods often require multiple single photon detectors.
• Advancements in single photon avalanche diode (SPAD) arrays offer potential for high-performance quantum imaging and photon number-resolving (PNR) experiments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the potential of a novel on-chip SPAD array for quantum correlation measurements.
• To enable reliable measurements of second and third-order photon correlations from single quantum emitters.
• To showcase the application of SPAD arrays in advanced imaging techniques like quantum image scanning microscopy (Q-ISM).

Main Methods:

• Incorporation of a novel on-chip SPAD array with high photon detection efficiency (42%) and low dark count rate into a confocal microscope.
• Measurement of second and third-order photon correlations from a single quantum dot emitter.
• Development of an analysis method to overcome inter-detector optical crosstalk, even when the crosstalk is significantly larger than the signal.

Main Results:

• The SPAD array achieved 42% peak photon detection efficiency and a low crosstalk probability of 0.14% per detection.
• Reliable second and third-order photon correlations were measured from a single quantum dot.
• The analysis successfully mitigated the impact of optical crosstalk, enabling accurate signal detection.
• Demonstrated the utility of the SPAD array by implementing quantum image scanning microscopy (Q-ISM).

Conclusions:

• The novel on-chip SPAD array is a high-performance detector suitable for quantum correlation measurements.
• This technology enables advanced quantum imaging and super-resolution microscopy techniques.
• SPAD arrays offer a promising pathway for future quantum optics and quantum information science applications.