Detector stochastic deviations from an ideal response can hamper the measurement of quantum properties of light especially in the mesoscopic regime where photon-number resolution is required. We demonstrate that, by a proper analysis of the output signal, nonclassicality of twin-beam states can be detected and exploited with commercial and cost effective silicon-based photon-number-resolving detectors.PACS numbers:

Silicon Photomultipliers are potentially ideal detectors for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information studies based on mesoscopic states of light. However, their non-idealities hampered their use so far. An optimal mode of operation has been developed and it is presented here, proving that this class of sensors can actually be exploited for the characterization of both classical and quantum properties of light.

The main goal of the workshop is to review the main fields in which Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPMs) are being employed, understand the present limitations and define R&D goals for their improvement.

A: Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPM) are photon sensors featuring high detection efficiency, single photon sensitivity and extended dynamic range; they represent a valuable solution for compact and lightweight hand-held instruments ideal for border control against the illicit trafficking of radioactive material or environmental measurements. This paper reports the results obtained with a standalone compact and modular system (I-spector) customized to detect fast neutrons with gamma discrimination capability. The system consists of 4 SiPM (6 × 6 mm 2 each) coupled to a fast neutron sensitive scintillating material (EJ-276). It includes an HV bias generator, an on-board digitizer and a microcontroller to perform real-time pulse shape analysis, ethernet and LORA connectivity. The measurements performed to define the specifications and to steer the design will be discussed, together with the results achieved by the prototype in response to a 252 Cf source. The system has been shown to be linear up to 6 MeV achieving a neutron-gamma discrimination with a Figure of Merit (FoM) of 2.52 ± 0.

No abstract