The power-spectrum density of light at the output of a photodetector is determined using a particle model. The model is the same as that introduced by Rice in determining the spectrum of shot noise. A time-varying Poisson statistic is used to represent the intensity variations. The conditions are shown under which the intensity variations of the detected light are representative of the intensity variations of the light in both time and frequency. An intrinsic signal-to-noise ratio of photon to photoelectron conversion is defined. Spectrum alternations due to delay are also determined. Finally, the mixing of light from two or more light sources is considered and the power-spectrum density determined.

You do not have subscription access to this journal. Citation lists with outbound citation links are available to subscribers only. You may subscribe either as an OSA member, or as an authorized user of your institution.

Contact your librarian or system administrator
or
Log in to access OSA Member Subscription

You do not have subscription access to this journal. Cited by links are available to subscribers only. You may subscribe either as an OSA member, or as an authorized user of your institution.

Contact your librarian or system administrator
or
Log in to access OSA Member Subscription