title: Up-conversion single-photon detector using multi-wavelength sampling techniques.
abstract: The maximum achievable data-rate of a quantum communication system can be critically limited by the efficiency and temporal resolution of the system's single-photon detectors. Frequency up-conversion technology can be used to increase detection efficiency for IR photons. In this paper we describe a scheme to improve the temporal resolution of an up-conversion single-photon detector using multi-wavelength optical-sampling techniques, allowing for increased transmission rates in single-photon communications systems. We experimentally demonstrate our approach with an up-conversion detector using two spectrally and temporally distinct pump pulses, and show that it allows for high-fidelity single-photon detection at twice the rate supported by a conventional single-pump up-conversion detector. We also discuss the limiting factors of this approach and identify important performance-limiting trade offs.
authors: Information Technology Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Dr., Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, USA.
authors: Lijun
authors: L
authors: Ma
authors: Joshua C
authors: JC
authors: Bienfang
authors: Oliver
authors: O
authors: Slattery
authors: Xiao
authors: X
authors: Tang