Pseudo-random single photon counting: the principle, simulation, and experimental results

Qiang Zhang; Nan Guang Chen

doi:10.1117/12.807793

23 February 2009 Pseudo-random single photon counting: the principle, simulation, and experimental results

Qiang Zhang, Nan Guang Chen

Proceedings Volume 7170, Design and Quality for Biomedical Technologies II; 71700L (2009) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.807793
Event: SPIE BiOS, 2009, San Jose, California, United States

Abstract

Time-correlated single photon counting (TCSPC) is popular in time resolved techniques due to its prominent performance such as ultra-high time resolution and ultra-high sensitivity. However, this technique is limited by low counting rate and high system cost. In this paper, we report a new time-resolved optical measurement method which aims to achieve faster data acquisition without losing the key benefits of TCSPC. The new method is based on the spread spectrum time-resolved optical measurement method combined with single photon counting. A pseudo-random bit sequence is used to modulate a continuous wave laser diode, while the pulse sequence in response to the modulated excitation is recorded by a single photon detector. The impulse response is then retrieved by periodic cross-correlation. Both simulation and experimental work have been conducted to validate our approach. Experimental results with our prototype have shown a time-resolution better than 200 picoseconds. Besides the faster data acquisition and high timeresolution, the new method also affords other benefits such as portability and low cost.

Citation Download Citation

Qiang Zhang and Nan Guang Chen "Pseudo-random single photon counting: the principle, simulation, and experimental results", Proc. SPIE 7170, Design and Quality for Biomedical Technologies II, 71700L (23 February 2009); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.807793

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available