Low-cost coincidence counting apparatus for quantum optics investigations
Mark F. Masters, Tanner Heral, Kakathi Tummala · Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIE · 2015
We have recently started investigating quantum optics for our advanced laboratory and quantum mechanics classes. For a small department, the expenses of much of the apparatus is daunting. As such, we look for places where we can reduce the costs while still providing benefits for our students. One of the places where there can be some cost savings are in the coincidence counter. The coincidence counter is a critical piece of the investigation, and while not the most expensive component, cost savings are still available. We have developed a low-cost coincidence counter (less than $50) based on a Cypress Programmable System on a Chip (PSoC). The PSoC is quite flexible. It has a microcontroller as well as FPGA like capabilities which enable us to build the coincidence detection and the counter. The design process and several investigations will be presented.