Abstract
We consider a simple model of a photon detector which consists of a set of N three-level atoms. Absorption takes place when a transition happens from the initial, metastable state |1〉 to the upper state |2〉. Irreversible amplification takes place when the atom spontaneously decays (from level |2〉) to a state |3〉 lower than |1〉. We show that the product of the dark rate with the dead time is bounded from below by a number which increases linearly with the frequency width (characteristic of the incoming beam) times the detector area.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
References
For a model of particle detection, see, e.g., H. Nakazato and S. Pascazio, Phys. Rev. Lett. 70, 1 (1993).
R. Loudon, The Quantum Theory of Light ( Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1983 ).
W.R. Leo, Techniques for Nuclear and Particle Physics Experiments ( Springer, Berlin, 1987 ).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 1995 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Vidiella-Barranco, A., Santos, E. (1995). Quantum Noise in Optical Photon Detectors. In: Ferrero, M., van der Merwe, A. (eds) Fundamental Problems in Quantum Physics. Fundamental Theories of Physics, vol 73. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-015-8529-3_35
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-015-8529-3_35
Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht
Print ISBN: 978-90-481-4608-6
Online ISBN: 978-94-015-8529-3
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive