IngentaConnect Photon counting at telecom wavelengths with commercial InGaAsInP ...

Authors: Grégoire Ribordy¹; Nicolas Gisin²; Olivier Guinnard¹; Damien Stucki²; Mark Wegmuller²; Hugo Zbinden²

Source: Journal of Modern Optics, Volume 51, Numbers 9-10, 15 June-10 July 2004 , pp. 1381-1398(18)

Abstract:

InGaAs/InP avalanche photodiodes operated in the so-called Geiger mode currently represent the best solution to detect single-photon beyond 900 nm. They cover the 1100-1650 nm wavelength interval, which includes in particular the two windows used for optical communications (1310 and 1550 nm). A detection efficiency at 1550 nm of 10% with a dark count probability of 10^-5 ns^-1 is common, although significant variations can be encountered. At this efficiency, a FWHM temporal response of 300 ps can be achieved. Afterpulses caused by charges trapped by defects in the high field region of the junction constitute the main performance impairment phenomenon. They enhance the dark count probability and reduce out-of-gate detector blindness. These photon counting detectors can be used in optical time-domain reflectometry to improve the spatial resolution and reduce dead-zone effects. Quantum key distribution over metropolitan area networks also constitutes an important application.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1080/09500340410001677094

Affiliations: 1: id Quantique SA Rue Cingria 10 CH-1205 Geneve Switzerland 2: Group of Applied Physics University of Geneva Rue de l'Ecole-de-MÕdecine 20 CH-1211 Geneva 4 Switzerland

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Photon counting at telecom wavelengths with commercial InGaAs/InP avalanche photodiodes: current performance