Tests of systematic effects in an n-channel FPGA time-to-digital converter for continuous acquisition with high photon count rate using correlation measurements

Todd M.W. Hodges, Daniel Lu, Thomas Mozdzen, Philip D. Mauskopf

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

The continuous time-tagging of photon arrival times for high count rate sources is necessary for applications such as optical communications, quantum key encryption, and astronomical measurements. Detection of Hanbury- Brown Twiss photon correlations from thermal sources such as stars requires a combination of high dynamic range, long integration times and low systematics in the photon detection and time tagging system. The continuous nature of the measurements and the need for highly accurate timing resolution requires a customized time-to-digital converter (TDC). We used a custom built, two-channel, FPGA-based TDC to continuously time tag single photons with sub clock cycle timing resolution for correlation measurements. We used autocorrelation and cross-correlation measurement tools to constrain spurious systematic effects in the pulse count data as a function of system variables. These variables included, but were not limited to, incident photon count rate, incoming signal attenuation, and measurements of fixed signals. We present an overview of the results of these tests, the types of systematic effects that the results imply, and how those effects may be accounted for and corrected to levels below those required for photon correlation measurements.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationAdvanced Photon Counting Techniques XV
EditorsMark A. Itzler, Joshua C. Bienfang, K. Alex McIntosh
PublisherSPIE
ISBN (Electronic)9781510642799
DOIs
StatePublished - 2021
EventAdvanced Photon Counting Techniques XV 2021 - Virtual, Online, United States
Duration: Apr 12 2021Apr 16 2021

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume11721
ISSN (Print)0277-786X
ISSN (Electronic)1996-756X

Conference

ConferenceAdvanced Photon Counting Techniques XV 2021
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityVirtual, Online
Period4/12/214/16/21

Keywords

  • Correlation measurements
  • Free-space optical communications
  • Hanbury-Brown Twiss
  • Intensity interferometry
  • Single photon detection
  • Systematics
  • Time-to-digital converter

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Tests of systematic effects in an n-channel FPGA time-to-digital converter for continuous acquisition with high photon count rate using correlation measurements'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this