Before choosing a photon detector, it must be decided what type of Optical SETI is to
be undertaken, and the spectral regime of interest. This will affect the choice of the
type of optical receiver. It is recommended that some amateur optical astronomers
concentrate on detection of monochromatic continuous wave beacons, while others
concentrate of the detection of pulsed beacons. Still others, without access to
telescopes, or who wish to make more modest investment in this activity, might try to gain
access to stellar spectral plates, such as from the Palomar Survey, and analyze them for
unusual spectral lines.
So, you will need to decide the following:
1.
To search for monochromatic continuous wave laser beacons.
2.
To search for very short pulsed laser beacons.
3.
What is the center wavelength?
4.
To search the historic record of stellar spectral plates.