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Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIE

Optoelectronic mixing in NbN superconducting nanowire single photon detectors

Zhizhong Yan, A. Hamed Majedi

Published Jun 10, 2009• 1 citation
Publisher

Abstract

In this paper, we present our experimental results on the electrically pumped optoelectronic mixing effect exhibited in a niobium nitride (NbN) superconducting nanowire. The experimental setup in order to test the mixer has been reported in detail. This superconductive nanowire optoelectronic mixer demonstrates photodetection and mixing in an integrated manner. We have explored both effects under a great variety of external conditions, such as temperature and bias current, in order to seek potential ways toward quantum optoelectronic detection and mixing by such nanowire device.

DOI
10.1117/12.844358

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In this paper, we present our experimental results on the electrically pumped optoelectronic mixing effect exhibited in a niobium nitride (NbN) superconducting nanowire. The experimental setup in order to test the mixer has been reported in detail. This superconductive nanowire optoelectronic mixer demonstrates photodetection and mixing in an integrated manner. We have explored both effects under a great variety of external conditions, such as temperature and bias current, in order to seek potential ways toward quantum optoelectronic detection and mixing by such nanowire device.
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The recent advancement on niobium nitride (NbN) superconducting nanowire single photon detectors (SNSPDs) have drawn considerable attentions by many of their particular figures of merit. In this work, we report our experimental efforts resulting from combinations of dc, RF/microwave and optoelectronic characterizations of this device. The dc IV measurement is under-taken in the full voltage bias range and four distinct regimes are recognized and discussed. The kinetic inductance measurement allows us to gain insights on the electrical properties of the NbN nanowire. An equivalent circuitry model is constructed and simulated for the photoresponse in the course of RF/Microwave S-parameter measurement. The simulated photoresponse qualitatively agrees with the experimental results. Finally we apply continuous wave irradiation to investigate the optical interactions with superconducting nanowires. A relationship between chemical potential and optical power and wavelength has been experimentally confirmed. Two regimes have been identified and physically modeled. The comparison with experimental results displays a good agreement.
Superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) are nanodevices usually made from thin niobium nitride (NbN) films. Operated at liquid helium temperature, they can exhibit high detection efficiency with low dark-counts associated with a fast response time and a low timing jitter. Covering a broad detection range from ultraviolet to mid-infrared, SNSPDs are a very attractive alternative to silicon or gallium arsenide based semiconductor detectors for fiber based telecommunication when single-photon sensitivity and high counting rates are necessary. \nEfficient packaging and fiber coupling of a SNSPD is in itself a real challenge and is often a limiting factor in reaching high system quantum efficiency. Our approach makes use of a controlled expansion alloy which has been adequately heat treated to enhance its characteristics for cryogenic operation. This insures the integrity of the optical coupling at cryogenic temperatures while done at room temperature. It also provides a good attenuation for electromagnetic interference due to the high relative permeability of the nickel-iron alloy. The small form factor of this pigtailed optical fiber package makes it versatile and could be easily integrated with a commercial cryogen-free system or simply dipped into a standard helium transport Dewar. We report on our theoretical and experimental methodology to evaluate the optical coupling quality and present the optoelectronic characterization of two devices packaged in this way. Electrical simulation is studied to understand the speed limitation factor inherent to these devices and preliminary speed and jitter measurements are reported.
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