Single-photon detector characterization using correlated photons: The march from feasibility to metrology

Correlated photons can be used to directly measure the detection efficiency of photon counting detectors without any ties to externally calibrated standards. An overview of the history of this technique is given and the paper reviews how to implement it in a practical lab setting. Some of the sources of uncertainty in the technique and how they can be minimized and quantified are discussed. The intent is to provide the information necessary to encourage the movement of this technique from the metrology lab into the general photon-counting detector community.