光学 精密工程, 2011, 19 (5): 972, 网络出版: 2011-06-15
多像素光子计数器在单光子探测中的应用
Application of multi-pixel photon counters to single photon detection
光子计数器 多像素 光子分辨 能量分辨率 泊松分布 photon counter multi-pixel photon resolving energy resolution Poisson distribution
摘要
为提高多像素光子计数器(MPPC)的光子探测效率,量子效率和动态探测范围,研究了MPPC的光子探测性能,特别是光子分辨能力。以MPPC作为光子探测器件,采用半导体制冷降噪技术及信号外触发技术将其温度稳定在15 ℃,暗噪声降低为6.5×10-4count/pulse;采用统计学方法,利用泊松分布拟合MPPC输出信号。结果显示,衰减后的入射脉冲光强分布符合泊松分布的特性;根据MPPC的光子探测效率,分析计算出MPPC的能量分辨率;综合脉冲分布特性及能量分辨率,得出了入射到MPPC上的光脉冲能量的平均值。实验结果表明,MPPC在532 nm波长下,能量分辨率为1.96×10-18 J;不同衰减倍率下,入射到MPPC的光脉冲平均光子数分别为1.665和4.201;显示MPPC具有光子分辨能力,适用于大动态范围的弱光探测。
Abstract
To improve the Photon Detection Efficiency(PDE), quantum efficiency and the dynamic detection range of a Multi-pixel Photon Counter(MPPC),its detection characteristics, especially photon number resolving capability were researched. By taking the MPPC as a photon detecting device and utilizing the Peltier effect and external trigger technology, the temperature of MPPC was controlled down to 15 ℃ and the dark counts of MPPC was reduced to 6.5×10-4 count/pulse.Then,by using the Poisson distribution the output signal of MPPC was fitted in the statistical method.Obtained results indicate that the intensity of laser pulses obeys the Poisson distribution. According to the PDE given in the datasheet, the energy resolution of MPPC was calculated.Furthermore,combined the energy resolution and intensity distribution, the average energy of laser pulses was obtained. The experimental results indicate that the MPPC has the energy resolution about 1.96×10-18 J in 532 nm and the average photon number of laser pulse after attenuation is 1.665 and 4.201, respectively. In conclusion,the MPPC is capable of photon resolving and suit for the ultralow light detection in a large dynamic range.
赵帅, 郭劲, 刘洪波, 冯强. 多像素光子计数器在单光子探测中的应用[J]. 光学 精密工程, 2011, 19(5): 972. ZHAO Shuai, GUO Jin, LIU Hong-bo, FENG Qiang. Application of multi-pixel photon counters to single photon detection[J]. Optics and Precision Engineering, 2011, 19(5): 972.