As the quantum information field advances, the need for improved single-photon devices is becoming more critical. Quantum information systems are often limited by detector deadtime to count rates of a few MHz, at best. We present a multiplexed detection scheme that allows photon counting at higher rates than possible with single detectors. The system uses an array of detectors and an optical switch system to direct incoming photons to detectors known to be live. We model the system for realistic individual detector deadtimes and optical switching times. We show that such a system offers more promise than simply reducing the deadtime of an individual detector. We find that a system of N detectors with a given deadtime, can count photons at faster rates than a single detector with a deadtime reduced by 1/N, even if it were practical to make such a large improvement.

Date Published: 29 August 2006
PDF: 7 pages
Proc. SPIE 6305, Quantum Communications and Quantum Imaging IV, 63050R (29 August 2006); doi: 10.1117/12.680985

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 6305:
Quantum Communications and Quantum Imaging IV
Ronald E. Meyers; Yanhua Shih; Keith S. Deacon, Editor(s)