Comparison at the sub-100 fW optical power level of calibrating a single-photon detector using a high-sensitive, low-noise silicon photodiode and the double attenuator technique

Abstract

A comparison down to sub-100-fW optical power level was carried out between a lownoise Silicon photodiode and a low optical flux measurement facility based on a double attenuator technique. The comparison was carried out via a silicon single-photon avalanche diode (Si-SPAD), which acted as transfer standard. The measurements were performed at a wavelength of 770 nm using an attenuated laser as a radiation source at optical power levels between approximately 86 fW and approximately 1325 fW, corresponding to approximately 330 000 photons s −1 and approximately 5.2 × 10 6 photons s −1 , respectively. The mean relative deviation of the detection efficiencies of the Si-SPAD, determined by the Si-photodiode and the low optical flux measurement facility, i.e. between two completely independent traceability routes, was < 0.2%, thus well within the combined standard uncertainty of the two measurements. To our knowledge, this is the first comparison for the detection efficiency of a single photon detector using a direct optical flux measurement by a conventional Si-photodiode at such low power levels.

Single photon sources for quantum radiometry: a brief review about the current state-of-the-art

“…This optical radiant flux can still be reasonably measured with conventional silicon photodiodes, see e.g. [62]. Figure 2 summarizes in an artistic manner the properties of the DBT:Ac single-photon source.…”

Metrology Perspective of Single‐Photon Detectors: Review on Global Calibration Methods

“…In another comparison, CMI low flux optical standard (highly sensitive silicon photodiode) was compared with PTB Germany low optical flux measurement facility using Si‐SPAD as a transfer standard, first of its kind. [ 116 ] PTB Germany technique was based on the double‐attenuator technique. The outcome of the comparison was evaluated using the normalized error (En) value, a statistical evaluation that helps to compare test results between the participating laboratories where measurement uncertainty is included.…”

A Molecule‐Based Single‐Photon Source Applied in Quantum Radiometry

“…As described in ref. [], this power level is reasonably measurable with silicon photodiodes and is therefore set as a lower limit. The bandwidth limit of 2 nm reduces the measurement uncertainty associated with the spectral sensitivity of the silicon detector itself.…”