Detection of ultra-weak laser pulses by free-running single-photon detectors: modeling dead time and dark counts effects

TL;DR

This paper presents an analytical model for free-running single-photon detectors that accounts for dead time and dark counts, validated by experiments across various photon fluxes and repetition rates, enhancing detector response prediction.

Contribution

The paper introduces and experimentally verifies a comprehensive model for detector response considering dead time and dark counts in free-running single-photon detectors.

Findings

Model accurately predicts count rates over three orders of magnitude.

Experimental validation covers various laser repetition frequencies.

Model applicable to quantum communication and high-rate quantum experiments.

Abstract

In quantum communication systems, the precise estimation of the detector's response to the incoming light is necessary to avoid security breaches. The typical working regime uses a free-running single-photon avalanche diode in combination with attenuated laser pulses at telecom wavelength for encoding information. We demonstrate the validity of an analytical model for this regime which considers the effects of dark counts and dead time on the measured count rate. For the purpose of gaining a better understanding of these effects, the photon detections were separated from the dark counts via a software-induced gating mechanism. The model was verified by experimental data for mean photon numbers covering three orders of magnitude as well as for laser repetition frequencies below and above the inverse dead time. Consequently, our model would be of interest for predicting the detector response not only in the field of quantum communications, but also in any other quantum physics experiment where high detection rates are needed.