Detection efficiency enhancement of single-photon detector at 1.55-μm by using of single photons lock-in and optimal threshold

The detection efficiency considerations are often the true determining factor as to whether a sensitive measurement is feasible. We demonstrate a robust method of single photons lock-in to enhance the detection efficiency of InGaAs single-photon avalanche diodes at 1.55-μm wavelength and suppressing background noise. With the optimal threshold for discrimination, the detection efficiency is achieved to 1.87 times bigger than that of the conventional photon counting method.