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Time-correlated single-photon counting system based on a monolithic time-to-amplitude converter.

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Title: Time-correlated single-photon counting system based on a monolithic time-to-amplitude converter.
Authors: Antonioli, Sebastiano1, Crotti, Matteo1, Cuccato, Andrea1 cuccato@elet.polimi.it, Rech, Ivan1, Ghioni, Massimo1
Source: Journal of Modern Optics. Oct2012, Vol. 59 Issue 17, p1512-1524. 13p. 2 Color Photographs, 7 Diagrams, 2 Charts, 7 Graphs.
Subjects: Photon detectors, Performance evaluation, Nonlinear optics, Manufacturing processes, Cascade converters, Crosstalk
Abstract: Modern time-correlated single-photon counting (TCSPC) systems can achieve very high performance, but advanced applications also demand the implementation of multichannel acquisition chains. To fit the specifics of TCSPC applications we developed a complete single-channel measurement system, composed by three main parts: a single-photon detection module, a TCSPC acquisition board and a power management unit. The system is based on a single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) and on a fully integrated time-to-amplitude converter (TAC). We designed the module to be very compact, in order to be enclosed in a small case (110 × 50 × 40 mm). The system features high temporal resolution (71 ps), low differential nonlinearity (0.05 LSB), high counting rate (4 MHz) and low power. Moreover a four-channel TAC has already been manufactured and tested; the very low crosstalk between channels, together with low power and low area make the converter suitable for large scale multi-channel acquisition chains, allowing the implementation of architectures for multidimensional TCSPC measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]
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Database: Engineering Source
Description
Abstract:Modern time-correlated single-photon counting (TCSPC) systems can achieve very high performance, but advanced applications also demand the implementation of multichannel acquisition chains. To fit the specifics of TCSPC applications we developed a complete single-channel measurement system, composed by three main parts: a single-photon detection module, a TCSPC acquisition board and a power management unit. The system is based on a single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) and on a fully integrated time-to-amplitude converter (TAC). We designed the module to be very compact, in order to be enclosed in a small case (110 × 50 × 40 mm). The system features high temporal resolution (71 ps), low differential nonlinearity (0.05 LSB), high counting rate (4 MHz) and low power. Moreover a four-channel TAC has already been manufactured and tested; the very low crosstalk between channels, together with low power and low area make the converter suitable for large scale multi-channel acquisition chains, allowing the implementation of architectures for multidimensional TCSPC measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]
ISSN:09500340
DOI:10.1080/09500340.2012.706324