Fundamental limits to single-photon detection determined by quantum coherence and backaction

Young, Steve M.; Sarovar, Mohan; Léonard, François

doi:10.1103/PhysRevA.97.033836

Fundamental limits to single-photon detection determined by quantum coherence and backaction

Journal Article · Mon Mar 19 00:00:00 EDT 2018 · Physical Review A

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.97.033836· OSTI ID:1492353

Young, Steve M. ^[1]; Sarovar, Mohan ^[1]; Léonard, François ^[1]

Sandia National Lab. (SNL-CA), Livermore, CA (United States)

Single-photon detectors have achieved impressive performance and have led to a number of new scientific discoveries and technological applications. Existing models of photodetectors are semiclassical in that the field-matter interaction is treated perturbatively and time-separated from physical processes in the absorbing matter. An open question is whether a fully quantum detector, whereby the optical field, the optical absorption, and the amplification are considered as one quantum system, could have improved performance. Here we develop a theoretical model of such photodetectors and employ simulations to reveal the critical role played by quantum coherence and amplification backaction in dictating the performance. Here, we show that coherence and backaction lead to trade-offs between detector metrics and also determine optimal system designs through control of the quantum-classical interface. Importantly, we establish the design parameters that result in a ideal photodetector with 100% efficiency, no dark counts, and minimal jitter, thus paving the route for next-generation detectors.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

Research Organization:: Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-CA), Livermore, CA (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)

Grant/Contract Number:: AC04-94AL85000; NA0003525

OSTI ID:: 1492353

Alternate ID(s):: OSTI ID: 1426835

Report Number(s):: SAND--2018-14016J; 670908

Journal Information:: Physical Review A, Journal Name: Physical Review A Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 97; ISSN PLRAAN; ISSN 2469-9926

Publisher:: American Physical Society (APS)Copyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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