Quantum efficiency calibration of opto-electronic detector by means of correlated photons method

Abstract

A new calibration method of detectors can be realized by using correlated photons generated in spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC) effect of nonlinear crystal. An absolute calibration system of detector quantum efficiency is performed. And its principle and experimental setup are introduced. A continuous-wave (CW) ultraviolet (351 nm), diode-pumped, frequency-doubled, and solid-state laser is used to pump BBO crystal. The quantum efficiencies of the photomultiplier at 633,702, and 789 nm are measured respectively. The coincidence peaks are observed using coincidence circuit. Some measurement factors including the filter bandwidth of trigger channel, the detector position alignment and polarization of the pump light are analyzed. The uncertainties of this calibration method are also analyzed, and the relative uncertainties of total calibration are less than 5.8%. The accuracy of this method could be improved in the future.