Lasers, Optics & Photonics

A time-tagged, time-resolved single photon THz counting system, based on the recently-developed, GHz, radio-frequency photomultiplier tube (RF PMT) is considered. The detection and readout systems of the RF PMT are based on commercial multichannel plates, electron bombardment avalanche photodiodes and regular nanosecond electronics. The proposed technique is capable of detecting single photons with 1 ps resolution over virtually unlimited time spans. Over a period of around 100 ns the technique is capable of THz rates, while longer term average rates of up to GHz can be achieved. In principle, with a dedicated spiral scanning system and electron detector, the rate could be increased up to the THz level. Possible application in Quantum Astronomy is discussed.