Single-photon detection using a quantum dot optically gated field-effect transistor with high internal quantum efficiency

Abstract
We investigate the operation of a quantum dot, optically gated, field-effect transistor as a photon detector. The detector exhibits time-gated, single-shot, single-photon sensitivity, a linear response, and an internal quantum efficiency of up to (68±18)% at 4K. Given the noise of the detector system, they find that a particular discriminator level can be chosen so the device operates with an internal quantum efficiency of (53±11)% and dark counts of 0.003 counts per shot.