Simplifying Photon Detection and Analysis with Time Taggers

| 日期 22 January 2025

Figure 1. Photon number resolving (PNR) relies on the timing of electrical pulses generated by the SNSPD. (a) and (b) illustrate two industry-standard SNSPD pulse shapes. (c) and (d) show 2D histograms of the time differences between the reference laser’s trigger signal and the front and rear edges of the electrical pulses. Trigger level adjustment is leveraged to identify event timings, with distinct regions corresponding to the number of photons n detected. Figure adapted from [1].

Photon detection distinguishability is increasing interest in advancements in photonics and quantum technology. At Swabian Instruments, we are proud to lead this innovation with our Time Taggers , as detailed in our latest abstract presented at the Optica Latin America Optics and Photonics Conference, which took place in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, in November 2024 [1].

What is the main challenge in traditional photon detection schemes?

Photon detection techniques aim to assign precisely the number of photons involved in a detection event. Photon detection, such as pseudo-photon number resolving (pseudo-PNR) measurement, traditionally relies on complex setups with multiple detectors, such as superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs). While effective, these systems are costly and complicated and have limitations in photon recognition per pulse.

Our innovative approach at Swabian Instruments streamlines these processes, enabling researchers to achieve high precision and efficiency in photon number resolution (PNR) with a single detector.

Which Time Taggers features enhance photon number resolving (PNR) experiments?

Time Taggers offer researchers a combination of precision and efficiency for photon number resolving (PNR) experiments, including:

• Exceptional resolution: Achieving picosecond timing with ultra-low jitter (1.4 ps RMS per channel).
• Data transfer rate: Swabian Instruments’ Time Taggers feature data transfer rates of up to 90 M tags/s via USB 3.0 (with an option to up to 1.2 G tags/s via FPGA link). In addition, Data Filtering features are available to mitigate overflow problems in experiments with high counts.
• Scalable design: Supporting up to 18 active input channels in one device and integration of up to 144 channels with Synchronizer.
• Measurement of rising and falling edges: It is possible to simultaneously measure both the rising and falling edges to better capture various signal profiles.
• Intuitive software: A robust API compatible with Python, MATLAB, C#, and more.

What is Time Tagger's role in simplifying the traditional pseudo-PNR scheme?

Time Taggers excel at identifying the number of photons in optical pulses independent of the specific shape of the electrical pulse generated by the SNSPD (Subfigures a-b). With the integrated software engine, it is possible to easily and precisely measure PNR (Subfigures c-d). These capabilities are pivotal for various applications, particularly in quantum information experiments.

Swabian Instruments’ Time Taggers enable researchers to simplify PNR schemes by reducing the number of detectors required for experiments to one. This significantly reduces the cost and further improves scalability and efficiency, solidifying its role as a transformative tool in quantum and photonics research.

If you would like to learn more about PNR experiments, we invite you to read our photon number resolution (PNR) application page , our latest abstract presented at the Optica Latin America Optics and Photonics Conference 2024 [1], or contact us if you have any questions.

Let’s innovate together!

References

[1] M. Perera-González, M. Moioli, E. Mornacchi, and M. Kolarczik, "Simplifying Photon Detection and Analysis with Swabian Instruments’ Time Taggers," in Optica Latin America Optics and Photonics Conference (LAOP) 2024, Technical Digest Series (Optica Publishing Group, 2024), paper M3B.6.