INFRARED SINGLE-PHOTON COUNTING SYSTEM

ID210 ADVANCED SYSTEM FOR SINGLE PHOTON DETECTION

WITH 100MHz GATED MODE AND FREE-RUNNING MODE
The ID210 is a major breakthrough for single
photon detection at telecom wavelengths. Its
performance in high-speed gating at internal or
external frequencies up to 100MHz by far
surpasses the performance of its predecessor, the
ID201, used by researchers around the globe since
2002. Photons can be detected with probability up
to 25% at 1550nm, while maintaining a low dark
count rate. A timing resolution lower than 200ps
can be achieved. The ID210 provides adjustable
delays, adjustable gate duration from 0.5ns to 25ns
and adjustable deadtime up to 100us. For
applications requiring an asynchronous detection
scheme, the ID210 can operate in free-running
mode with detection probability up to 10%. Beside
performance, a particular effort has been made for providing a practical user interface, universal
compatibility with scientific equipment, functionalities including statistics and coincidence counting. Built
around an advanced embedded-PC and FPGA, the ID210 allows remote control, connection of external
keyboard, data export on USB key and setups saving.
KEY FEATURES ¡
Ethernet remote control (or USB with adapter)
¡Up to 100MHz external / internal gating ¡
Stand alone application and Labview Vi
frequency
¡Asynchronous detection mode (free-running)
¡Free gating mode APPLICATIONS
¡Adjustable photon detection probability ¡Quantum optics, quantum cryptography
¡Adjustable delays, gate width and deadtime ptics characterization
¡Universal Inputs/Outputs ¡
¡Fiber o
Single-photon source characterization
¡Two-channel auxiliary event counter ¡Failure analysis of electronic circuits
¡Auxiliary coincidence counter ¡Eye-safe Laser Ranging (LIDAR)
¡Setup storage in internal memory ¡Spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy
¡Real time statistics, sound alarms ¡Photoluminescence
¡Data export through USB memory ¡Singlet oxygen measurement
¡SMF or MMF optical input ¡Fluorescence, fluorescence life time

Photonic Solutions Ltd Unit 2.2, Quantum Court, Research Avenue South,
HWU Research Park, Edinburgh, EH14 4AP, UK, Tel: +44 (0)131 664 8122
Email [email protected] Web www.photonicsolutions.co.uk

ID Quantique T +41 22 301 83 71 [email protected]

Geneva / Switzerland F +41 22 301 83 79 www.idquantique.com
 Best-in-Class
Performance

INFRARED SINGLE-PHOTON COUNTING SYSTEM

SPECIFICATIONS
Parameter Min Typical Max Units
1 Calibrated at l
=1550nm
Wavelength range 900 1700 nm
Optical fiber type SMF or MMF
Efficiency range (except free-running mode) 5 25 2 %
1 1
Efficiency range in free-running mode 2.5 10 % OPTIONS
Efficiency resolution (all modes) 2.5 IDQ´s SMF modules are available in three
grades depending on dark count rate
Deadtime range 0.1 100 us
specifications:
Deadtime step 100 ns ¡ Standard (C)
Timing resolution at max. efficiency (25%) 200 ps ¡ Ultra-Low Noise (B)
External trigger frequency 100 MHz ¡ Ultra-Ultra Low Noise (A)
¡ Enable free-running
Internal trigger frequency 1,2,5,10,20,50,100,200,500 kHz 1,2,5,10,20,50,100 MHz
¡ 20MHz or 100MHz
Effective gate width range 0.5 25 ns
Gate width resolution 10 ps
Trigger delay range 20 ns
Trigger delay resolution 10 ps
Operating temperature +10 +30 °C
Dimensions LxWXH 387x256x167 mm
Weight 8.2 kg
Optical connector FC/PC
Power supply 110 230 VAC
Cooling time 7 min
InGaAs/InP APD Telcordia GR-468-CORE

Dark count rate for a 1ns effective gate width in gated mode: 30

Freq.=100kHz, no deadtime Freq.=100MHz, deadtime=10m

s 25 25%

Model 10% efficiency 25% efficiency 10% efficiency 25% efficiency 20

Efficiency [%]

ID210-SMF-A 0.4Hz 2Hz 2 0.4kHz 2kHz 2 15

ID210-SMF-B 1Hz 5Hz 1kHz 5kHz 10 10%

ID210-SMF-C 6Hz 30Hz 6kHz 30kHz 5

ID210-MMF 8Hz 40Hz 8kHz 40kHz 0

900 1000 1100 1200 1300 1400 1500 1600 1700
Wavelength [nm]

Dark count rate (maximum values) in free-running mode with 50m

s deadtime: 1 Efficiency versus wavelength at 10%
2.5% efficiency 5% efficiency 7.5% efficiency 10% efficiency and 25% levels (l=1550nm)
Model
2 30% Quantum Efficiency at 1550 nm
Typ. Max. Typ. Max. Typ. Max. Typ. Max. version available on request (Dark
ID210-SMF-A 1kHz 6.5kHz 1.5kHz 9kHz 2.2kHz 11.5kHz 3kHz 13.5kHz Count Rate to be discussed)

ID210-SMF-B 1kHz 6.5kHz 1.5kHz 9kHz 2.2kHz 11.5kHz 3kHz 13.5kHz

ID210-SMF-C 6.5kHz 6.5kHz 9kHz 9kHz 11.5kHz 11.5kHz 13.5kHz 13.5kHz

ID210-MMF 7.5kHz 7.5kHz 10kHz 10kHz 12.5kHz 12.5kHz 14.5kHz 14.5kHz

Disclaimer - The information and specification set forth in this document are subject to change at any time by ID Quantique without prior notice. Copyright© 2014 ID Quantique SA - All rights reserved -
ID210 v2014 07 10 - Specifications as of July 2014

2
ID Quantique T +41 22 301 83 71 [email protected]
Geneva / Switzerland F +41 22 301 83 79 www.idquantique.com
 Best-in-Class
Performance

INFRARED SINGLE-PHOTON COUNTING SYSTEM

BLOCK DIAGRAM
Threshold High Level
Trigger Internal Clock Generator Clock
Clock
Comp. Slope/Logic Logic Buffer Output
Trigger Trigger Frequency Clock 50W
Trigger Clock
Input Relay Coupling Low Level
50W

Trigger Trigger HF Clock Clock

Counter
Pulse Shaping Trigger Gate Load
Trigger Delay Width
Internal
Reset
Polarization
Trigger Trigger input block Mode Dead HF Gate Clock output block
Time Counter

DC High / Free-running
DC Low / Disabled Internal
Threshold Mode Reset
Reset/Enable High Level Gate
Comp. Slope/Logic Gate
Reset/Enable R/E Reset/Enable Logic Buffer Output
Input Gate 50W
Relay Gate
50W

Pulse ID
Reset/Enable Mode Low Level
Reset
HF Counter Gate
Detection
Load
Reset
Internal
Reset
Polarization Pulse ID
Reset/Enable Mode System hardware Gate output block
Reset/Enable input block

Threshold
Aux1
Comp. Slope/Logic Pulse Shaping HF Counter
Aux1 Aux1 Aux1 Aux1 Aux1 High Level Detection 1
Input Relay Detection1
50W

Aux1 Pulser Width Logic Buffer Output

Detection 1 50W
Internal Electronics Detection1 Detection1
Reset Low Level
Detection1
Load
Pulse Shaping HF Counter
Polarization Cooled
Aux1&Aux2 Aux1&Aux2
Aux1 Quenching
Aux1 input block APD Electronics
Detection 1 output block

Internal
Reset
Threshold
Aux2
Comp. Slope/Logic Pulse Shaping HF Counter Capture
Aux2 Aux2 Aux2 Aux2 Aux2 Electronics
Input Relay
50W

Aux2 High Level Detection 2

Internal HF Detection Detection2
Reset Counter Width Logic Buffer Output
APD bias control Detection2 50W
Detection2 Detection2
Low Level
Efficiency
HF Counter Detection2
Polarization Detection
Load
Aux2 Reset
Optical Aux2 input block 2-channel event counter / coincidence counter cooled APD & associated electronic Detection 2 output block
Input

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
The ID210 Advanced System for Single Photon Detection is built around the following blocks:

¡
Trigger, Reset/Enable, Aux1 and Aux2 inputs blocks with SMA connectors on the ID210 front panel.
Through the ID210 user interface, each input can be set independently for receiving LVTTL-LVCMOS, NIM,
NECL, PECL3.3V or PECL5V signals. A VAR mode is also provided with a large input voltage range, an
adjustable threshold and slope/logic definition. AC/DC coupling selection is possible for the trigger input.
(see Inputs Specifications on page 6 for more details).

¡
Clock, Gate, Detection1 and Detection2 outputs blocks with SMA connectors on the ID210 front panel.
Through the ID210 user interface, each output can be set independently for providing LVTTL-LVCMOS, NIM,
NECL, PECL3.3V or PECL5V signals. The user can also switch to VAR mode in which the pulse width, the
logic definition, the high and low signal levels and the load can be adjusted. (see outputs specifications on
page 6 for more details).

¡
An avalanche photodiode and associated electronics.The key component at the heart of the ID210 is a
cooled InGaAs fiber-coupled avalanche photodiode (APD). The fiber (single mode or multi-mode) is
connectorized to a FC/PC connector on the ID210 front panel. The APD terminals are connected to:
- a DC high voltage controlled by the system to reach the efficiency set through the id210 interface,
- a pulser electronics that produces constant amplitude pulses for operation in single photon regime.

3
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 Best-in-Class
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INFRARED SINGLE-PHOTON COUNTING SYSTEM

The capture electronics detects the avalanche events (resulting from photon absorption or dark generation)
and feeds the detection 1&2 outputs blocks and the HF (high frequency) detection counter. The quenching
electronics inhibits the pulser until avalanche quenching.

¡
the System hardware
The system hardware allows the ID210 operation in internal gated, external gated, free-running or free-
gating modes.
Internal-gating mode:
The APD is biased above breakdown during gates of adjustable width and frequency. Internal gating is a
synchronous mode based on a clock provided by the internal clock generator. The 50% duty cycle clock
signal is available at the clock output and counted by the HF clock counter. A user-adjustable trigger delay
can be set between the clock and the gate signals. A gate of width set by user is open on the rising edge of
the delayed trigger. As consequence of an avalanche event within the gate, the HF detection counter is
incremented and a pulse of adjustable width is outputted at detection1 and detection2 connectors. The
quenching electronics closes the gate and, if selected by the user, a dead time is applied resulting in one or
several blanked pulses after a detection.
The HF Gate Counter provides an exact count of the effective gates seen by the APD.
Internal gated mode
1/Internal Gating Frequency

Clock Output
Dead Time
Trigger Delay

ate
dg
Gate Width nke
Gate Output bla

Quenching

Width Detection 1&2

Detection 1&2 Outputs

HF Clock Counter +1 +1 +1 +1

HF Gate Counter +1 +1 +1

HF Detection Counter +1

External-gating mode:
The operation in external gating mode is very similar to the internal gating mode except that the clock is
provided by the user at the Trigger input.
External gated mode

Trigger Input
Dead Time
Trigger Delay

ate
dg
Gate Width nke
Gate Output bla

Quenching

Width Detection 1&2

Detection 1&2 Outputs

HF Clock Counter +1 +1 +1 +1

HF Gate Counter +1 +1 +1

HF Detection Counter +1

4
ID Quantique T +41 22 301 83 71 [email protected]
Geneva / Switzerland F +41 22 301 83 79 www.idquantique.com
 Best-in-Class
Performance

INFRARED SINGLE-PHOTON COUNTING SYSTEM

Free-running mode (asynchronous mode):
A DC control signal travels through multiplexers and the dead time stage and sets the pulser electronics to
High. Until photon absorption or dark count generation, the APD is biased above its breakdown voltage in
Geiger mode. The gate output that reflects the APD state (i.e. On:photosensitive or Off:blind) is at high level.
When an avalanche takes place in the APD, it is sensed by the capture electronics. A pulse of adjustable
width is produced on detection1 and detection2 outputs, the detection HF counter is incremented and the
quenching electronics stops the avalanche. For limiting afterpulsing, the APD is maintained below
breakdown until the end of the dead time. In this mode, the HF gate counter and HF detection dounter rates
Free-running mode (asynchronous)
are equal.
Dead Time
Gate Output

Quenching Quenching Quenching

Width Detection 1&2

Detection 1&2 Outputs

HF Gate Counter +1 +1 +1

HF Detection Counter +1 +1 +1

Free-gating mode:
The user feeds an electrical signal at the reset/enable input. The signal, after transit in the input block,
passes through multiplexers and the dead time stage. When no avalanche occurs, the gate output that
reflects the APD state (On/Off) is identical to the reset/enable input signal. When an avalanche occurs during
a gate, a pulse of adjustable width is produced at detection1 and detection2 outputs, the detection HF
counter is incremented and the quenching electronics stops the gate. When a dead time is applied for limiting
the afterpulsing, the gate signal remains at low level whatever the reset/enable state. This results in blanked
gate(s) or partially blanked gates. The HF gate counter provides the effective gates rate applied to the APD.
Free-gating mode

Reset/Enable Input
Dead Time
ked
lan
ate yb
dg iall
ke part
Gate Output blan gate

Quenching Quenching Quenching

Width Detection 1&2

Detection 1&2 Outputs

HF Gate Counter +1 +1 +1 +1

HF Detection Counter +1 +1 +1

¡
A two-channel event counter and a coincidence counter as an auxiliary independent block.
The signals outputted by Aux1 and Aux2
inputs blocks feed HF counter Aux1 and HF Aux1 Input

counter Aux2 after pulse shaping. The block Aux2 Input

also performs a logic AND of the two inputs Aux1&Aux2

that feeds a coincidence counter: HF HF Counter Aux1 +1 +1 +1 +1 +1

counter Aux1&Aux2. HF Counter Aux2 +1 +1 +1 +1 +1

HF Counter Aux1&Aux2 +1 +1 +1 +1 +1

5
ID Quantique T +41 22 301 83 71 [email protected]
Geneva / Switzerland F +41 22 301 83 79 www.idquantique.com
 Best-in-Class
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INFRARED SINGLE-PHOTON COUNTING SYSTEM

INPUTS SPECIFICATIONS
Parameter Min Typical Max Units
Frequency (Aux1, Aux2) 300 MHz 1 For NECL, PECL3.3V and PECL5V, the
Frequency (Reset/Enable, Trigger) 100 MHz id210 input provides standard termination
Pulse duration 500 ps scheme (NECL: 50W to -2V, PECL3.3V:
Voltage range in VAR mode -2.5 +2.5 V 50W to +1.3V, PECL5V: 50W to +3V).
Impedance 50 W
Pulse amplitude +0.1 +5 V 2 The inputs parameters or predefined
standards are included in setup files that
Coupling (Trigger) DC or AC
can be saved on internal memory.
Coupling (Aux1, Aux2, Reset/Enable) DC
Threshold voltage range in VAR mode -2.5 +2.5 V
Threshold voltage resolution in VAR mode +10 mV
Predefined standards 1 2 LVTTL/LVCMOS - NIM - NECL - PECL3.3V - PECL5V
Connectors SMA
Protection ESD

OUTPUTS SPECIFICATIONS
Parameter Min Typical Max Units
High level voltage range (high Z to ground) 1 -2.0 +7.0 V
High level voltage range (50W
to ground) 3 -1.0 +3.5 V 1 Starting with a Predefined Standard, all
Low level voltage range (high Z to ground) 1 -3.0 +5.0 V the parameters can be modified by the user.
Low level voltage range (50W
to ground) 3 -1.5 +2.5 V
Voltage swing (high Z to ground) 2 +0.1 +7.0 V 2 The Outputs parameters or Predefined
Voltage swing (50W
to ground) 4 +0.05 +3.5 V Standards are included in setup files that
Logic + or - can be saved on internal memory.
Short pulse width (Detection1, Detection2) 4.5 5 5.5 ns
Large pulse width (Detection1, Detection2) 90 100 110 ns
Rise/fall times at 5V swing (10%-90%) 2.5 ns
Predefined standards 1 2 LVTTL/LVCMOS - NIM - NECL - PECL3.3V - PECL5V
Connectors SMA
Protection ESD

Voltage swing [V] High level [V] Voltage swing [V]

High level [V]
+ 10 + 4 + 5
+ 7
High Z to ground High Z to ground 50W
to ground 50W
to ground
Max. + 9 Max.
+ 6
+ 8 + 3 + 4
+ 5
+ 7
+ 4 + 2
+ 6 + 3
+ 3
+ 5
+ 1
+ 2 + 2
+ 4

+ 1 + 3
0
0 + 2 Low level [V] + 1
Low level [V] Min. Min.
-1 + 1
-1
-2 0 0
-3 -2 -1 0 + 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 -3 -2 -1 0 + 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 -2 -1 0 + 1 + 2 + 3 -1 0 + 1 + 2
Low level [V] Low level [V]

1 Low level and high level 2 Minimum and maximum 3 Low level and high level 4 Minimum and maximum
voltage ranges when the output is voltage swings when the output is voltage ranges when the output is voltage swings when the output
loaded at high impedance to loaded at high impedance to loaded at 50Wto ground. is loaded at 50Wto ground.
ground. ground.

6
ID Quantique T +41 22 301 83 71 [email protected]
Geneva / Switzerland F +41 22 301 83 79 www.idquantique.com
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INFRARED SINGLE-PHOTON COUNTING SYSTEM

USER INTERFACE - DATA & SETUP RECOVERY
All the user parameters are optical window for automatic
backlight intensity adjustement 5.7" VGA TFT-LED color display submenu control buttons direct access buttons control wheel
intuitively adjustable with direct id210 - Advanced System for Single Photon Detection

access buttons (Detector,

Detector
Inputs/Outputs, Display, System,
Inputs/Outputs
Setups and Acquisition),
submenus control buttons and Display Help
help

the control wheel on the id210 System Start/Stop access

start/stop
front panel. Setups button

The bicolor indicating LEDs Acquisition FC/PC

optical fiber
associated to SMA connectors input
USB
inputs or outputs provide relevant Power Aux 1 Aux 2 Trigger Reset/Enable Clock Gate Detection 1 Detection 2

informations such as valid

triggers, pulses traffic at the Inputs Outputs

outputs or unused inputs/outputs ON/OFF power button Inputs/Outputs SMA connectors

with status LED and indicating LEDs
USB connectors
(keyboard, storage key)
in the selected mode. Two USB
connectors on the front panel can be used for connecting a keyboard or for data export on a storage key. The
backlight intensity is adjusted automatically. The id210 is equipped with a buzzer that can be optionally used
for indicating, for instance, the end of the cooling phase. On the rear panel, Ethernet and USB connectors
can be used for remote control. A VGA HD-15 connector for external monitor/projector is accessible as well
on the rear panel.
The id210 contains 6 HF counters providing the Detection, Clock, Gate, Aux1, Aux2 and Aux1&Aux2
coincidence rates. The id210 displays indicators associated to counters. Up to 5 different views can be set,
saved and restored. A view defines the number of indicators displayed simultaneously (selected between 1
and 4) and the counter associated to each indicator.

REMOTE CONTROL (OPTIONAL) A stand-alone application allowing you to control

your id210, to plot graphics and to export
measurements of counters remotely is delivered. No
additional program is necessary to drive the id210.
The remote control "id210 Front panel" application,
built using Labview, is delivered with its Labview Vi
file - thus, you can modify the remote control
application if you own a Labview license from
National Instruments.
Additionally, a command reference guide is
provided, enabling you to write your own remote
control application in any programming language
such as C or C++.

7
ID Quantique T +41 22 301 83 71 [email protected]
Geneva / Switzerland F +41 22 301 83 79 www.idquantique.com
 Best-in-Class
Performance

INFRARED SINGLE-PHOTON COUNTING SYSTEM

ORDERING INFORMATION
ID210-SMF-C Standard-Noise module with singlemode fiber input (SMF28)
ID210-SMF-B Ultra-Low-Noise module with singlemode fiber input (SMF28)
ID210-SMF-A Ultra-Ultra-Low-Noise module with singlemode fiber input (SMF28)
ID210-MMF Detector module with multimode fiber input (50/125mm)

ORDERING OPTIONS
When ordering, please specify:
- Trigger rate 20MHz or 100MHz
- Remote control activation status
- Free-running activation status

SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES
¡Power cable
¡Optical fiber cleaner
¡User guide on USB key
¡Compact USB key board
¡1 meter FC/PC patchcord

VISIBLE PHOTON COUNTERS INFRARED PHOTON COUNTERS OTHER PRODUCTS

SILICON AVALANCHE PHOTODIODE INGAAS/INP AVALANCHE PHOTODIODE PPLN - TDC - QKD

ID120 350-1000nm ID220 900-1700nm ID350 PPLN

80% quantum efficiency
n Free-running
n Type 0 Spontaneous parametric
n
500um active area
n Dark count rate below 1kHz
n down-conversion
Free-running
n 20% quantum efficiency
n From 775nm to 1550nm
n
Adjustable settings
n 250ps timing resolution
n From 780nm to 1560nm
n

ID100 350-900nm ID230 900-1700nm ID800 TDC

Free-running
n Free-running
n 8 channels
n
40ps timing resolution
n Dark count rate below 50Hz
n 81ps timing resolution
n
Low dark count rate (2Hz)
n 25% quantum efficiency
n Coincidence counter
n
35% quantum efficiency
n 200ps timing resolution
n Time interval analyser
n

ID110 350-900nm ID400 1064nm CLAVIS QKD

Gated up to 100MHz
n Gated up to 10MHz
n Quantum Key Distribution
n
Free-running
n Free-running
n Auto-compensating optical set-up
n
25% quantum efficiency
n 30% quantum efficiency
n Secure key exchange up to 100km
n
Low dark count
n Low dark count
n BB84 and SARG protocols
n

Disclaimer - The information and specification set forth in this document are subject to change at any time by ID Quantique without prior notice. Copyright© 2014 ID Quantique SA - All rights reserved -
ID210 v2014 07 10 - Specifications as of July 2014

Photonic Solutions Ltd 8

Tel: 0131 664 8122
ID Quantique T +41 22 301 83 71 [email protected]
Fax: 0131 449 7301
Email:[email protected] Geneva / Switzerland F +41 22 301 83 79 www.idquantique.com
Web: www.photonicsolutions.co.uk