Performance Analysis of Single Photon Detector-Based High-Speed Communication Systems

Single-photon detector (SPD)-based communication systems, and in particular those employing superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs), are playing an irreplaceable role in scenarios such as quantum communication and deep-space communication. Due to the high cost of experimental equipment, establishing a theoretical framework to analyze the performance of SPD-based systems has become an effective and low-cost solution. However, due to the unique detection mechanism of SPDs and the decisive impact of dead time, there is currently no analytical framework suitable for evaluating the performance of high-speed communication systems with SPDs. To fill this gap, we propose an analytical framework tailored to SPD-based pulse-position modulation (PPM) systems, based on a Markov detection model, and use this framework to evaluate the system’s symbol error rate and achievable symbol rate. The framework demonstrates significant advantages over simulations and experiments, particularly in its ability to predict theoretical performance limits. Based on this framework, we reveal unique characteristics of the SPD-based PPM system, such as channel asymmetry and detection dependence. In addition, optimization guidelines for three representative system configurations are provided.