Theory of Coherent Sensing of Photon Absorption
Abstract
This fundamental research project provides theoretical support to the DETECT program in modeling of the general coherent photon detector tradespace, and the application of this advanced understanding of the tradespace to the focus technologies pursued by the DETECT program. The performer will develop a general, fundamental framework for coherent photon detectors to obtain results for optimal figures of merit for timing jitter, dark counts, maximum detection rate, bandwidth, quantum efficiency, photon-number resolution, operating temperature and array size. This framework will be used to contribute to joint reports by DETECT theorists on a general coherent photon detector tradespace from the DETECT program with the goal of achieving a consensus report from the DETECT program on the limits of achievable performance via coherent photon detectors. The proposed work will take 24 months, and will overlap with two years of the DETECT program. During these 24 months the PI and one supported researcher (postdoc) will attend the twice-annual DETECT program reviews and provide a resource addressing the general coherent detector tradespace for the focus technology researchers in the program. In addition, through further understanding of the limitations of the focus technologies as presented in the reviews, additional constraints on general detectors are likely to become evident, which will then guide the development of more and more precise evaluations of the optimal figures of merit for timing jitter, dark counts, maximum detection rate, bandwidth, quantum efficiency, photon-number resolution, operating temperature and array size. The modeling will begin by considering multiple quantum-coherent detectors distributed in space. A spin-1 object provides the simplest possible quantum-coherent object that would interact in a nontrivial way with a nonmagnetic perturbation, such as a local electric field (static, or dynamic as with light). It also represents similar physics to an electric field modifying quantum transport through a ballistic device, as considered by one of the DETECT efforts. The detection process will be assumed to allow quantum non-demolition measurements, the detectors are allowed to be in any coherent, prepared state such as by coherent population trapping, and both a coherent local oscillator and resonant read-out will be assumed possible. The proposed work will then infer general detector limitations for focus topic technologies based on coherent detection of the electric field from an electron-hole excitation, for amplification of an electron-hole excitation under bias (contrasting coherent detection with semiclassical amplification), or for superconducting detector technology based on coupling to a plasmonic local oscillator (either built-in or present due to the superconductorÕs natural plasmonic modes due to excitations of the condensate).
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Oct 31, 2018
- Source ID
- W911NF1710199
Entities
People
- Michael Flatte
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
- University of Iowa