Open AccessLarge dynamic range photon detector with a temperature-stabilized Si-based multi-pixel photon counter
Author(s) -
Minsoo Song,
E. Won,
Tai Hyun Yoon
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.15.017099
Subject(s) - ytterbium , optics , detector , photon , photon counting , physics , dynamic range , materials science , optoelectronics , laser
We present an efficient fluorescence detector in the visible region of the spectrum with a photon detection dynamic range over 10 (6) photons/s made of a temperature-stabilized Si-based multi-pixel photon counter at temperature down to 5 degrees C. We show that effective cooling of the device by means of a compact thermo-electric cooler brings several advantages, such as high gain, low dark noise rate, and thus high signal-to-noise ratio in the efficient fluorescence detection at 398.9 nm from the (1)S(0) ? (1)P(1) transition of the ytterbium atoms in an effusive atomic beam. We present also a comparison of the fluorescence detection efficiencies between the device and a side-on photo-multiplier tube with known gain positioned at the symmetric location from the ytterbium atomic beam.