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A versatile photon counting system with active afterpulse suppression for free-running negative-feedback avalanche
Nigar Sultana1,2,3, Jean-Philippe Bourgoin1,3, Katanya B Kuntz1,3
1Institute for Quantum Computing, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada.
The Review of Scientific Instruments
|April 19, 2024
Summary
This study introduces new electronics for InGaAs/InP negative-feedback avalanche diodes (NFADs) to improve photon detection. The system significantly reduces afterpulsing and dark counts, making NFADs a cost-effective choice for quantum communications.
Area of Science:
- Quantum Optics
- Photonics
- Semiconductor Devices
Background:
- Indium Gallium Arsenide/Indium Phosphide (InGaAs/InP) based negative-feedback avalanche diodes (NFADs) are suitable for photon detection at telecom wavelengths.
- Optimal performance of NFADs requires low temperatures to minimize afterpulsing and dark count rates (DCRs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel readout electronics system with active afterpulse suppression and flexible cooling for NFADs.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of this system in enhancing NFAD-based photon detector performance.
Main Methods:
- Characterization of two NFAD detectors.
- Evaluation of the new readout electronics under various operating conditions.
- Measurement of afterpulsing probability and DCRs at optimal NFAD bias.
Main Results:
- The readout system significantly reduced afterpulsing probability by a factor of 200 for dead times of 5–20 µs.
- Total DCRs were maintained around 100 counts per second or less with a 20 µs hold-off time.
- Demonstrated improved performance of NFAD-based photon detectors.
Conclusions:
- The versatile readout system effectively suppresses afterpulsing and reduces DCRs in NFADs.
- NFADs with this system offer a cost-effective alternative to complex detectors like superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors.
- This technology is beneficial for long-distance quantum communications and low-noise single photon detection at telecom wavelengths.
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