id210: Ground-breaking single-photon detection at telecom wavelengths

10 May 2011

The id210 is the first commercially available single-photon InGaAs APD detector for telecom wavelengths that works at frequencies up to 100MHz.

Distributed in the UK and Ireland by Photonic Solutions, ID Quantique’s id210 brings a major breakthrough for single-photon detection at telecom wavelengths of 900 – 1700nm. This detector offers the possibility to work in free-running, free-gating, internal gated or external gated modes and in all cases at frequencies up to 100MHz.

Until recently the high density after pulsing associated with InGaAs APDs limited their usable maximum frequency to a few Megahertz. The id210 overcomes these operation limitations with high-speed gating at internal or external frequencies of up to 100MHz, by far surpassing the performance of existing commercially available detectors. The id210 is a compact standalone module featuring fully integrated thermo-electric cooling and features low dark count, timing resolution lower than 200ps, adjustable delays, adjustable gate duration from 0.5ns to 25ns and adjustable deadtime up to 100µs.

Besides performance, particular attention has been paid to providing a practical user interface on the id210, with a well-thought-out design of intuitive menus and an ergonomic display. The id210 is also easily integrated into a host of research set-ups due to the number of connectors and the variety of supported signals. Applications for this single-photon detector include quantum optics, quantum cryptography, eye-safe laser ranging (LIDAR), fiber optics characterisation, failure analysis of electronic circuits and fluorescence measurements.

Photonic Solutions is regarded as one of Europe’s leading supplier of optoelectronics components to the photonics market. It is the exclusive distributor for over 20 of the world's premier manufacturers of lasers, spectrometers, detectors and related systems. Photonic Solution’s commitment is to provide world leading photonic products backed up with the highest quality service and support. For information on the id210 single photon detection system, or for information on the other products and services Photonic Solutions supply, visit their website www.photonicsolutions.co.uk