  We present a comprehensive theory and an easy to follow method for the design
and construction of a wideband homodyne detector for time-domain quantum
measurements. We show how one can evaluate the performance of a detector in a
specific time-domain experiment based on electronic spectral characteristic of
that detector. We then present and characterize a high-performance detector
constructed using inexpensive, commercially available components such as
low-noise high-speed operational amplifiers and high-bandwidth photodiodes. Our
detector shows linear behavior up to a level of over 13 dB clearance between
shot noise and electronic noise, in the range from DC to 100 MHz. The detector
can be used for measuring quantum optical field quadratures both in the
continuous-wave and pulsed regimes with pulse repetition rates up to about 250
MHz.
