Fast digital correlator for weak optical signals

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Abstract
A double‐clipped digital correlator is described which works in real time up to a sampling frequency of 16 MHz and can perform auto‐, cross‐, and triple‐correlation functions over 108 delays. The instrument is specifically designed to measure intensity correlations of weak light beams. A discussion of the statistical and systematic errors is given, with particular emphasis on the distortion introduced by the double‐clipping procedure. As an example of the possible applications of the correlator a measurement of the intensity autocorrelation of the light scattered by a pure fluid is reported.

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