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A high-precision detection method for laser time transfer based on a single-photon avalanche detector array.
Yurong Wang1, Xue Li1, Weiping Luo1
1State Key Laboratory of Precision Spectroscopy, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China.
The Review of Scientific Instruments
|October 1, 2022
Summary
This study demonstrates that SPAD array detectors significantly improve space-ground laser time transfer precision. Achieving order-of-magnitude enhancements, SPAD arrays offer superior performance for high-precision time synchronization systems.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Optical Engineering
- Metrology
Background:
- High-precision time synchronization is crucial for advanced applications like space-ground optical clocks.
- Traditional laser time transfer systems often rely on single-pixel single-photon avalanche detectors (SPADs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the performance enhancement of SPAD array devices over single-pixel SPADs for space-ground laser time transfer.
- To establish a new detection method for high-precision laser time transfer applications.
Main Methods:
- Experimental demonstration of SPAD array detector performance.
- Comparison of detection precision and time deviation (TDEV) between SPAD arrays and single-pixel SPADs.
Main Results:
- SPAD array devices demonstrated an order-of-magnitude improvement in detection precision and TDEV compared to single-pixel SPADs.
- Achieved 2.4 ps root mean square precision.
- Achieved 0.25 ps TDEV over an averaging time of 1000 s.
Conclusions:
- SPAD array detectors offer a significant advancement for laser time transfer.
- This technology provides a new, high-performance detection method for applications requiring precise time synchronization, such as space-ground optical clocks.
