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High Efficiency Up conversion Single-Photon-Detector for 1550 nm Signal
This NIST Phase II SBIR effort will two low noise single photon detectors using MgO doped LiNbO3 (LN) periodically poled waveguides and a 980nm (or similar appropriate wavelength) pump to up convert 1550nm photons to 600nm to allow for detection by photomultiplier tube (PMT). The key innovation is using low noise periodically poled waveguides with a long wavelength (1800nm) pump leading to higher efficiency single photon detectors when used with PMTs or Silicon-based avalanche photo diode single photon detectors (Si-APD). Use of waveguide Sum Frequency Generation (SFG) for 1550nm to 600 nm up-conversion cou0pled with inexpensive and very efficient PMT or SI-APD technology is expected to significantly increase single photon detection efficiency while maintaining long fiber optic transmission distance for quantum communication networks and quantum-key-distribution (QKD) systems.
* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *