Working towards accessible measurements of Photon Bunching
Major
Physics
Submission Type
Poster
Area of Study or Work
Physics
Faculty Advisor
Gabriel Spalding
Location
CNS Atrium
Start Date
4-13-2024 11:15 AM
End Date
4-13-2024 12:30 PM
Abstract
There is a broad interest among high school and undergraduate physics departments in offering more instructional laboratory explorations of the principles of quantum physics. It was serendipitous that the instructional labs community happened upon a couple of inexpensive LEDs that can function (albeit inefficiently) as single-photon detectors, at reverse bias voltages that can be achieved using three 9-volt batteries. A series of exercises are now in use at a variety of institutions, introducing students to basic test and measurement technical competencies as well as the physics of Geiger-mode detection and amplification of single quanta, and some of the basic statistics of particle counting. So far, we have seen only two inexpensive models reported for instructional lab use as Geiger-mode single-quanta detectors of this sort: the AND114 R and the AND113 gallium phosphide LEDs made by Purdy Electronics Corp. Unfortunately, those LEDs, as well as other components used in many of these instructional labs, have been removed from production. Our aim is to examine the broader set of LEDS available for these kinds of instructional exercises.
Working towards accessible measurements of Photon Bunching
CNS Atrium
There is a broad interest among high school and undergraduate physics departments in offering more instructional laboratory explorations of the principles of quantum physics. It was serendipitous that the instructional labs community happened upon a couple of inexpensive LEDs that can function (albeit inefficiently) as single-photon detectors, at reverse bias voltages that can be achieved using three 9-volt batteries. A series of exercises are now in use at a variety of institutions, introducing students to basic test and measurement technical competencies as well as the physics of Geiger-mode detection and amplification of single quanta, and some of the basic statistics of particle counting. So far, we have seen only two inexpensive models reported for instructional lab use as Geiger-mode single-quanta detectors of this sort: the AND114 R and the AND113 gallium phosphide LEDs made by Purdy Electronics Corp. Unfortunately, those LEDs, as well as other components used in many of these instructional labs, have been removed from production. Our aim is to examine the broader set of LEDS available for these kinds of instructional exercises.