| AOM | acousto-optic modulator |
| CW | continuous wave |
| MCP | micro-channel plate |
| MKID | microwave kinetic inductance device |
| PDE | photon detection efficiency |
| PMF | polarization maintaining fiber |
| QE | quantum efficiency |
| SiPM | silicon photomultiplier |
| SNSPD | superconducting nanowire single photon detector |
| SPDC | spontaneous parametric down conversion |
| TES | transition edge sensor |