Open AccessTowards combined quantum bit detection and spatial tracking using an arrayed single-photon sensor
Author(s) -
Ross Donaldson,
Dmytro Kundys,
Aurora Maccarone,
Robert K. Henderson,
Gerald S. Buller,
Alessandro Fedrizzi
Publication year - 2021
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.416143
Subject(s) - quantum key distribution , detector , physics , optics , photon , quantum channel , interferometry , tracking (education) , quantum imaging , quantum information science , interference (communication) , photon counting , avalanche photodiode , computer science , quantum information , telecommunications , quantum network , quantum , quantum entanglement , psychology , pedagogy , channel (broadcasting) , quantum mechanics
Experimental quantum key distribution through free-space channels requires accurate pointing-and-tracking to co-align telescopes for efficient transmission. The hardware requirements for the sender and receiver could be drastically reduced by combining the detection of quantum bits and spatial tracking signal using two-dimensional single-photon detector arrays. Here, we apply a two-dimensional CMOS single-photon avalanche diode detector array to measure and monitor the single-photon level interference of a free-space time-bin receiver interferometer while simultaneously tracking the spatial position of the single-photon level signal. We verify an angular field-of-view of 1.28° and demonstrate a post-processing technique to reduce background noise. The experimental results show a promising future for two-dimensional single-photon detectors in low-light level free-space communications, such as quantum communications.