Optoelectronic sampling of ultrafast electric transients with single quantum dots

In our work, we have engineered low capacitance single quantum dot photodiodes as sensor devices for the optoelectronic sampling of ultrafast electric signals. By the Stark effect, a time-dependent electric signal is converted into a time-dependent shift of the transition energy. This shift is measured accurately by resonant ps laser spectroscopy with photocurrent detection. In our experiments, we sample the laser synchronous output pulse of an ultrafast CMOS circuit with high resolution. With our quantum dot sensor device, we were able to sample transients below 20 ps with a voltage resolution in the mV-range.

Automated summary

This research utilizes low capacitance single quantum dot photodiodes as sensor devices for optoelectronic sampling of ultrafast electric signals. By utilizing the Stark effect, time-dependent electric signals are converted into time-dependent shifts of transition energy, which are accurately measured using resonant ps laser spectroscopy with photocurrent detection. This technique allows for sampling transients below 20 ps with a voltage resolution in the mV-range.