We show that a parametric downconversion crystal emitting angle resolved coincident photon pairs can be used to measure the absolute quantum efficiency of a photon counting detection system. We have measured the quantum efficiency of a silicon avalanche photodiode, operated in Geiger mode, as a function of operating voltage and compare this to results obtained using a conventional method.

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We examine the photon correlation and other vital performance characteristics of silicon avalanche photodiodes operated in photon counting or the Geiger mode, and assess their suitability as detectors for photon correlation spectroscopy and laser velocimetry measurements. 1. Nomenclature APD avalanche photodiode, a afterpulsing probability, defined in Eq. (1), g 2 (r) normalized photon autocorrelation function, n mean number of counts per correlogram sample or delay time, R APD quenching resistance, in this paper 220 k, T correlogram sample or delay time, VBR APD breakdown voltage, VR Voltage applied across APD and series resistances. II.

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We continue examination of the photon correlation properties of silicon avalanche photodiodes operated in photon-counting mode by extending their operation from that of passive quenching(1) to active quenching, yielding shorter dead time and higher frequency operation.