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IEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity

Theory of Superconductive Traveling-Wave Photodetectors

Behnood G. Ghamsari, A. Hamed Majedi

Published Dec 1, 2008• 13 citations
Publisher

Abstract

This paper studies the theory of traveling-wave photodetection in superconductive multilayer optical waveguides, as a general platform for ultrafast, ultrasensitive, and ultralow-noise optoelectronics. The kinetic inductance theory of superconductive thin films and the modified transmission line theory are employed to investigate the distributed photodetection and signal generation mechanisms in superconductive traveling-wave devices. A general model for calculation of the optical responsivity of superconductive traveling-wave photodetectors is developed and operation regimes of interest are highlighted. Moreover, the inclusion of a photoconductive layer in the device structure and some important loading schemes are discussed and their effects on the device performance, such as quantum efficiency and electrical bandwidth, are addressed.

DOI
10.1109/tasc.2008.2007238

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This paper studies the theory of traveling-wave photodetection in superconductive multilayer optical waveguides, as a general platform for ultrafast, ultrasensitive, and ultralow-noise optoelectronics. The kinetic inductance theory of superconductive thin films and the modified transmission line theory are employed to investigate the distributed photodetection and signal generation mechanisms in superconductive traveling-wave devices. A general model for calculation of the optical responsivity of superconductive traveling-wave photodetectors is developed and operation regimes of interest are highlighted. Moreover, the inclusion of a photoconductive layer in the device structure and some important loading schemes are discussed and their effects on the device performance, such as quantum efficiency and electrical bandwidth, are addressed.
This paper introduces a novel family of devices for ultra-fast, ultra-sensitive and ultra-low-noise optoelectronics, namely superconductive traveling-wave photodetectors (STWPDs). STWPDs can be optimized for ultra-wideband/ultra-sensitive photodetection, photomixing and microwave/THz waveform generation. An STWPD is a distributed device, both electrically and optically, which consists of a superconductive thin film kinetic-inductive photodetector integrated with a microwave/THz transmission line and an optical waveguide. We will present the principles of operation of STWPDs, a framework to calculate the input-output relation and the effects of the modal characteristics of the optical propagation on the device performance. Moreover, we will elaborate on how one can design an STWPD for each of the aforementioned applications. Different strategies for the design of the optical waveguide as well as some important design rules will also be discussed. We will report the current status of STWPDs and point out some key issues that should be met in the future for further development.
I hereby declare that I am the sole author of this thesis. This is a true copy of the thesis, including any required final revisions, as accepted by my examiners. I understand that my thesis may be made electronically available to the public. ii This thesis investigates a novel optoelectronic platform based on the integration of super-conductive structures, such as thin films and micro-constrictions, with optical waveguides for ultra-fast and ultra-sensitive devices with applications including high-speed optical communications, quantum optical information processing, and terahertz (THz) devices and systems. The kinetic-inductive photoresponse of superconducting thin films will be studied as the basic optoelectronic process underlying the operation of these novel devices. Analytical formulation for the non-bolometric response is presented, and experimental photodetection in YBCO meander-line structures will be demonstrated. A set of superconducting coplanar waveguides (CPW) are designed and characterized,
Traveling-wave parametric amplifiers may be fabricated from superconducting films that exhibit highly nonlinear kinetic inductance. The coplanar waveguide of such a microwave device, extending to a meter or more in length but compacted to reside on a chip of the order of a square centimeter, is engineered with periodic variations in its width. These width variations, or loadings, alter the dispersion characteristics of a nonlinear current propagating along the waveguide, changing its group velocity and modulation behavior. A strong pump and a small signal injected into one end of the waveguide mix parametrically in the presence of the nonlinear kinetic inductance. Engineered dispersion induces the favorable conditions of overall phase matching, leading to generation of idler products as well as signal amplification of wide bandwidth, high dynamic range, and low noise, making the device of particular use in quantum computing and photon detection. The authors present a theoretical framework in which signal gain may be calculated solely from loading design. This involves construction of a metamaterial band theory of the engineered dispersion, which is used as a basis to describe the mixing of nonlinear traveling waves.
Superconducting parametric amplifiers have great promise for quantum-limited readout of superconducting qubits and detectors. Until recently, most superconducting parametric amplifiers had been based on resonant structures, limiting their bandwidth and dynamic range. Broadband traveling-wave parametric amplifiers based both on the nonlinear kinetic inductance of superconducting thin films and on Josephson junctions are in development. By modifying the dispersion property of the amplifier circuit, referred to as dispersion engineering, the gain can be greatly enhanced and the size can be reduced. We present two theoretical frameworks for analyzing and understanding such parametric amplifiers: 1) generalized coupled-mode equations and 2) a finite difference time domain (FDTD) model combined with a small signal analysis. We show how these analytical and numerical tools may be used to understand device performance.