Application of single photon counter module in weak signal detection for RF chip scanning using a quantum near field probe

Abstract

AbstractDiamond based quantum sensing for on‐chip electromagnetic field imaging is an emerging field. While smaller diamond probes offer higher spatial resolution, their lower fluorescence intensity poses a challenge for the traditional Avalanche Photo Diode. In this work, we propose a tapered fiber diamond probe containing Nitrogen‐vacancy center and utilize a single photon counter module as the detector. A time domain differential pulse sequence is introduced to suppress noise caused by laser intensity fluctuation. By analyzing the relationship between the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and parameters of differential pulse sequence, we derived the formula of SNR and the basic cycle (), and obtained the optimal SNR in the same measurement time through trade‐off between two different kinds of noise. The technique was applied to a waveguide microstrip filter chip, accurately imaging the current density distribution. Our results have potential applications in on‐chip testing and failure analysis.