If conventional detectors are unable to distinguish between signal and noise, then single-photon detectors are used. These detectors (e.g., silicon-based single photon avalanche diodes (SPADs)) have a high detection efficiency at a low dark count rate. When equipped with electronics, the SPADs can achieve extremely high performance levels.
Light quanta play a crucial role in fundamental research: many experiments are conducted in the wavelength range around 810 nm, such as, for example, in quantum optics and quantum information. One prominent example is quantum cryptography. This was reason enough to develop the photon counter COUNT® NIR!
The COUNT® NIR has a notable detection efficiency of 60% at 810 nm and also achieves a maximum detection efficiency of almost 80% at 700 nm. Dark count rates of less than 50 photons per second are common.
TTL pulses can be used to operate this module: for this purpose, the COUNTs® are equipped with a gating input. The power is connected using a 12 V power supply.
The season is open for the hunter and gatherer!
Good to Know!
Photon Counter with or without a Fiber Coupling
All silicon-based COUNT® modules are available with a fiber coupling or as a free-beam version. No matter what you choose to order, this is not a life decision:
If your experiment parameters change and you suddenly require a fiber coupling, simply send us your module for modification. Applying a fiber coupling at a later point in time can be performed without a problem and at low cost. Vice versa, fiber-coupled COUNT® versions can also be reconfigured as free-beam modules.
