ALPhA’s Single Photon Detector Initiative

Single photon detectors (shown above) are often used in the quantum mechanics or modern physics laboratory in many different experiments:  demonstrating the existence of photons, demonstrating single-photon interference, indistinguishability, or the quantum eraser, demonstrating entanglement, or testing Bell’s inequalities, etc. These labs have been featured highlights of BFY (Beyond the First Year Lab) conferences and have been incorporated into the highly successful ALPhA Laboratory Immersion program, which provides hands-on training for lab instructors.

If you want to learn about experiments that use the single photon detector, check out the following experiments from our ALPhA Immersions LabWiki:

• https://advlabs.aapt.org/wiki/QM_Experiments_with_Single_Photons
• https://advlabs.aapt.org/wiki/Single_Photon_Quantum_Mechanics

ALPhA, in its role as advocate for instructional advanced physics laboratories, has arranged for the production and sale of single photon detectors at a cost significantly lower than for comparable research-quality detectors. This came about after it was determined that the high cost of the single photon detectors was the single largest expense incurred in setting up the single photon detection experiments that are emerging as a most exciting class of undergraduate advanced physics lab experiments. These detectors are being made available through ALPhA as a joint project between ALPhA, the AAPT, and Excelitas Corporation (formerly part of Perkin-Elmer). The detectors have specifications more than sufficient for the performance of the undergraduate laboratory experiments for which they are aimed, albiet slightly reduced compared with the industry standard detectors. Our efforts are having a huge impact on the number of students who will have access to this key, new generation of instructional labs.

The manufacturer, Excelitas, has put forth two conditions: (1) To ensure that these units are sold for instructional labs, each purchaser must be a member of ALPhA. The detectors carry labels specifying that these units belong in the undergraduate instructional labs and not in research labs. These educational detectors have reduced specs, notably a higher background dark count rate, compared to other models from the company. (2) Secondly, the manufacturer will not accept individual orders. The orders must be made instead through the Excelitas distributor, Pacer.

Please note that ALPhA is only an intermediary for the purchase and assumes no liability or responsibilities with respect to these detectors; the manufacture, service, and warranty are provided by and the responsibility of Excelitas Corporation.

• Detector Specifications (webpage available after logging in)
• Terms and Conditions of Sale (including warranty)
• Excelitas’ family of photon counters

When will the next round of detectors be available?

Single photon detectors are currently available and ready to ship out! The remaining stock will be held by Pacer through November 2024,  or until all the units are sold.

How much do the detectors cost?

How do I purchase detectors? What is the process?

Become an ALPhA member (if you are not one already), and then sign up for the waitlist to help us keep track of interest in the initiative. You will automatically be emailed the information of whom to contact at Pacer to make your order. The Pacer representative can provide a quote and handle all payments and shipping.