ABSTRACT
Due to advantages of low dark-count rate, reduced dead-time, and room-temperature operation, single-photon upconversion detectors for the telecom band are gaining strong interest as an alternative to other single-photon counters. In this work, we investigate the spatial and spectral distribution of upconverted spontaneous parametric downconversion (USPDC) noise, which is the typical dominant noise source in short-wavelength-pumped single-photon upconversion detectors for 1.5 µm - 1.6 µm. Our upconversion detector relies on a bulk periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) crystal and a 1064 nm intracavity pump system that spectrally translates the signal to the visible (~630 nm) where efficient, uncooled, and low dark-count Si based single-photon detectors operate. Experimental results show that the spectral and spatial distribution of the USPDC noise has a relatively broadband and radially modulated pattern that depends on the PPLN temperature, which is in good agreement with our numerical simulations. We also demonstrate that for narrow-linewidth 1575 nm signal photons, the dark-count rate can be significantly reduced by (1) using a phase-matched signal angle that corresponds to an upconverted output angle where the USPDC noise is at a "local minimum" and (2) applying a spatial filter (instead of an ultra-narrow bandpass filter) at the output. This simple spatial filtering technique resulted in a 14 dB dark-count rate reduction. Due to a corresponding decrease in the interaction length of the signal with the pump, the upconversion efficiency also decreased, but only with a 2.2 dB penalty.
ABSTRACT
A setup for time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy, based on parametric three-wave mixing in a periodically poled lithium niobate crystal, is characterized. Special attention is given to adjusting the phase matching condition by angle tuning of the luminescent light relative to a strong, continuous-wave laser beam within the crystal. The detection system is capable of operating at room temperature and in a wavelength range from 1.55 to 2.20 µm. Its sensitivity is compared to a commercial photomultiplier, and its capability of nanosecond time resolution is demonstrated.
ABSTRACT
We demonstrate a robust, compact, portable and efficient upconversion detector (UCD) for a differential absorption lidar (DIAL) system designed for range-resolved methane (CH4) atmospheric sensing. The UCD is built on an intracavity pump system that mixes a 1064 nm pump laser with the lidar backscatter signal at 1646 nm in a 25-mm long periodically poled lithium niobate crystal. The upconverted signal at 646 nm is detected by a photomultiplier tube (PMT). The UCD with a noise equivalent power around 127 fW/Hz1/2 outperforms a conventional InGaAs based avalanche photodetector when both are used for DIAL measurements. Using the UCD, CH4 DIAL measurements have been performed yielding differential absorption optical depths with relative errors of less than 11% at ranges between 3 km and 9 km.
ABSTRACT
We demonstrate efficient upconversion of modulated infrared (IR) signals over a wide bandwidth (up to frequencies in excess of 1 GHz) via cavity-enhanced sum-frequency generation (SFG) in a periodically poled LiNbO3. Intensity modulated IR signal is produced by combining beams from two 1547 nm narrow-linewidth lasers in a fiber coupler while tuning their wavelength difference down to 10 pm or less. The SFG crystal is placed inside an Nd:YVO4 ring cavity that provides 1064 nm circulating pump powers of up to 150 W in unidirectional operation. Measured Fabry-Pérot spectrum at 1064 nm confirms the enhanced spectral stability from multiple to single longitudinal mode pumping condition. We describe analytically and demonstrate experimentally the deleterious effects of using a multimode pump to the high-bandwidth RF spectrum of the 630 nm SFG output. Offering enhanced sensitivity without the need for cooling, the GHz-bandwidth upconverter can readily be extended to the mid-IR (2 - 5 µm) as an alternative to cooled low-bandgap semiconductor detectors for applications such as high-speed free-space optical communications.
