Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

IEEE International Superconductive Electronics Conference (ISEC)

Demonstration of Individual Readout of Serially-Connected Superconducting Strip Line Detectors

Kyohei Kamiya, Yuma Kita, Misaki Kozaka, Ali Bozbey, Masamitsu Tanaka, Akira Fujimaki

Published Jul 1, 2015• 1 citation
Publisher

Abstract

We report successful demonstration of individual readout of the response to an optical signal in serially-connected superconducting strip line detectors (SSLDs). Based on the numerical analysis, placement of low-pass filters between adjacent SSLDs and use of a current-source drive enable serially-connected SSLDs to work as independent multiple SSLDs. This leads to reduction of the number of cables from room temperature electronics. We irradiate a laser just on a certain SSLD (SSLD#1) with On/Off modulation. Synchronized voltage output is obtained at only corresponding SQUID. Then we move the position of a laser spot on the neighbor SSLD (SSLD#2). The voltage disappears at the SQUID connecting to SSLD#1, and the voltage is developed only at the SQUID connecting to SSLD#2. We have also given a demonstration of readout using the single-flux-quantum circuits connected to the SQUIDs. We confirmed from those experimental results that our driving method for multiple SSLDs is effective not only to enhance detecting area but also to obtain position sensitivity.

DOI
10.1109/isec.2015.7383440

Related papers

SFQ Parallel Encoders Promising for Video Imaging With Superconductor Stripline Detectors

Masamitsu Tanaka, Misaki Kozaka, Kyohei Kamiya +5 more

We report demonstration of a readout circuit with high-throughput single flux quantum (SFQ) based encoders for a large-scale video imaging system with a conventional frame rate. The encoders are fully parallel and integrated on the same chip as linear arrays of serially connected superconductor stripline detectors (SSLDs), superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) based comparators, and SFQ synchronizers. Mutual coupling of parallel SSLDs and SQUID-based comparators allows the use of only one dc bias line; it is possible to use thousands of SSLDs without increasing the bias current or number of bias ports. To achieve crosstalk-free readout, the serially connected SSLDs are separated by low-pass filters or large inductors. We experimentally demonstrated crosstalk-free readout including SFQ parallel encoders from 1-D or 2-D serially connected SSLD arrays.

IEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity•Jul 31, 2020•6 citations

Demonstration of single-flux-quantum readout operation for superconducting single-photon detectors

Hirotaka Terai, Shigehito Miki, Taro Yamashita +2 more

A readout circuit using superconducting single-flux-quantum (SFQ) circuits has been developed to realize an independently addressable array of superconducting single-photon detectors (SSPDs). We tested the SFQ readout circuits by connecting with SSPDs. The error rates of readout circuits were below 10−5 for input signal amplitude of greater than 18.2 μA. Detection efficiencies (DEs) for single-photon incidents were measured both with and without the connection of a readout circuit. The observed DEs traced almost the same curves regardless of the connection of the readout circuit, except that the SSPD is likely to latch by connecting the readout circuit.

Applied Physics Letters•Sep 13, 2010•43 citations

Demonstration of Microwave Multiplexed Readout of DC-Biased Superconducting Nanowire Detectors

Sinclair, AK, Schroeder, E, Di Zhu +5 more

© 2002-2011 IEEE. Superconducting nanowires are widely used as sensitive single photon detectors with wide spectral coverage and high timing resolution. We describe a demonstration of an array of dc-biased superconducting nanowire single photon detectors read out with a microwave multiplexing circuit. In this design, each individual nanowire is part of a resonant LC circuit where the inductance is dominated by the kinetic inductance of the nanowire. The circuit also contains two parallel plate capacitors, one of them is in parallel with the inductor and the other is coupled to a microwave transmission line that carries the signals to a cryogenic low-noise amplifier. All of the nanowires are connected via resistors to a single dc bias line that enables the nanowires to be current biased close to their critical current. When a photon hits a nanowire, it creates a normal hotspot that produces a voltage pulse across the LC circuit. This pulse rings down at the resonant frequency of the LC circuit over a time period that is fixed by the quality factor. We present measurements of an array of these devices and an evaluation of their performance in terms of frequency and time response.

•Jan 1, 2019•14 citations

Demonstration of Microwave Multiplexed Readout of DC-Biased Superconducting Nanowire Detectors

A. K. Sinclair, E. Schroeder, Di Zhu +5 more

Superconducting nanowires are widely used as sensitive single photon detectors with wide spectral coverage and high timing resolution. We describe a demonstration of an array of dc-biased superconducting nanowire single photon detectors read out with a microwave multiplexing circuit. In this design, each individual nanowire is part of a resonant LC circuit where the inductance is dominated by the kinetic inductance of the nanowire. The circuit also contains two parallel plate capacitors, one of them is in parallel with the inductor and the other is coupled to a microwave transmission line that carries the signals to a cryogenic low-noise amplifier. All of the nanowires are connected via resistors to a single dc bias line that enables the nanowires to be current biased close to their critical current. When a photon hits a nanowire, it creates a normal hotspot that produces a voltage pulse across the LC circuit. This pulse rings down at the resonant frequency of the LC circuit over a time period that is fixed by the quality factor. We present measurements of an array of these devices and an evaluation of their performance in terms of frequency and time response.

arXiv:1905.06880•IEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity•Mar 8, 2019•26 citations

Advanced superconducting optical detectors

David Pérez de Lara, Mikkel Ejrnaes, S. Pagano +4 more

We have investigated advanced superconducting optical and infrared detectors for their integration with superconductive active circuits. The detectors are based on ultra-thin NbN striplines. NbN is the material of choice for single photon optical and infrared detectors, as already demonstrated in the literature. The detectors so far proposed are based on conceptually simple, although difficult to realize, sub-micrometric meander type structures. Most applications of such detectors require some treatment of the signal generated, either as pulse shaping or signal amplification, to fully exploit the detection capabilities, such as sub-ns response time and proportional response. We have developed a room temperature process that, while preserving reasonable superconducting properties of NbN, allows a simple integration of the detectors in Nb-based circuits. Moreover we have developed a passivation technique, by using a protective AlN layer on top of the NbN one. The developed technology allows complex detector configurations, such as integrated RSFQ circuits or SQUID readout, to be relatively easily realized. The response of our NbN strip to photon irradiation will be presented.

Journal of Physics Conference Series•Jun 1, 2006•0 citations

Low-jitter single flux quantum signal readout from superconducting single photon detector

Hirotaka Terai, Taro Yamashita, Shigehito Miki +2 more

We developed a single-flux-quantum (SFQ) readout technology for superconducting single-photon detectors (SSPDs) to achieve low-jitter signal readout. By optimizing circuit parameters of the SFQ readout circuit, the input current sensitivity was improved below 10 μA, which is smaller than a typical critical current of SSPD. The experiment using a pulse-pattern generator as an input pulse source revealed that the measured jitter of the SFQ readout circuit is well below the system jitter of our measurement setup for the input current level above 15 μA. The measured jitter of the SSPD connected to the SFQ readout circuit was 37 ps full width at half maximum (FWHM) for an SSPD bias current of around 18 μA, which is a significant improvement on 67 ps FWHM jitter observed in conventional readout without an SFQ readout circuit.

Optics Express•Aug 17, 2012•41 citations
We report successful demonstration of individual readout of the response to an optical signal in serially-connected superconducting strip line detectors (SSLDs). Based on the numerical analysis, placement of low-pass filters between adjacent SSLDs and use of a current-source drive enable serially-connected SSLDs to work as independent multiple SSLDs. This leads to reduction of the number of cables from room temperature electronics. We irradiate a laser just on a certain SSLD (SSLD#1) with On/Off modulation. Synchronized voltage output is obtained at only corresponding SQUID. Then we move the position of a laser spot on the neighbor SSLD (SSLD#2). The voltage disappears at the SQUID connecting to SSLD#1, and the voltage is developed only at the SQUID connecting to SSLD#2. We have also given a demonstration of readout using the single-flux-quantum circuits connected to the SQUIDs. We confirmed from those experimental results that our driving method for multiple SSLDs is effective not only to enhance detecting area but also to obtain position sensitivity.
We report demonstration of a readout circuit with high-throughput single flux quantum (SFQ) based encoders for a large-scale video imaging system with a conventional frame rate. The encoders are fully parallel and integrated on the same chip as linear arrays of serially connected superconductor stripline detectors (SSLDs), superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) based comparators, and SFQ synchronizers. Mutual coupling of parallel SSLDs and SQUID-based comparators allows the use of only one dc bias line; it is possible to use thousands of SSLDs without increasing the bias current or number of bias ports. To achieve crosstalk-free readout, the serially connected SSLDs are separated by low-pass filters or large inductors. We experimentally demonstrated crosstalk-free readout including SFQ parallel encoders from 1-D or 2-D serially connected SSLD arrays.
A readout circuit using superconducting single-flux-quantum (SFQ) circuits has been developed to realize an independently addressable array of superconducting single-photon detectors (SSPDs). We tested the SFQ readout circuits by connecting with SSPDs. The error rates of readout circuits were below 10−5 for input signal amplitude of greater than 18.2 μA. Detection efficiencies (DEs) for single-photon incidents were measured both with and without the connection of a readout circuit. The observed DEs traced almost the same curves regardless of the connection of the readout circuit, except that the SSPD is likely to latch by connecting the readout circuit.
© 2002-2011 IEEE. Superconducting nanowires are widely used as sensitive single photon detectors with wide spectral coverage and high timing resolution. We describe a demonstration of an array of dc-biased superconducting nanowire single photon detectors read out with a microwave multiplexing circuit. In this design, each individual nanowire is part of a resonant LC circuit where the inductance is dominated by the kinetic inductance of the nanowire. The circuit also contains two parallel plate capacitors, one of them is in parallel with the inductor and the other is coupled to a microwave transmission line that carries the signals to a cryogenic low-noise amplifier. All of the nanowires are connected via resistors to a single dc bias line that enables the nanowires to be current biased close to their critical current. When a photon hits a nanowire, it creates a normal hotspot that produces a voltage pulse across the LC circuit. This pulse rings down at the resonant frequency of the LC circuit over a time period that is fixed by the quality factor. We present measurements of an array of these devices and an evaluation of their performance in terms of frequency and time response.
Superconducting nanowires are widely used as sensitive single photon detectors with wide spectral coverage and high timing resolution. We describe a demonstration of an array of dc-biased superconducting nanowire single photon detectors read out with a microwave multiplexing circuit. In this design, each individual nanowire is part of a resonant LC circuit where the inductance is dominated by the kinetic inductance of the nanowire. The circuit also contains two parallel plate capacitors, one of them is in parallel with the inductor and the other is coupled to a microwave transmission line that carries the signals to a cryogenic low-noise amplifier. All of the nanowires are connected via resistors to a single dc bias line that enables the nanowires to be current biased close to their critical current. When a photon hits a nanowire, it creates a normal hotspot that produces a voltage pulse across the LC circuit. This pulse rings down at the resonant frequency of the LC circuit over a time period that is fixed by the quality factor. We present measurements of an array of these devices and an evaluation of their performance in terms of frequency and time response.
We have investigated advanced superconducting optical and infrared detectors for their integration with superconductive active circuits. The detectors are based on ultra-thin NbN striplines. NbN is the material of choice for single photon optical and infrared detectors, as already demonstrated in the literature. The detectors so far proposed are based on conceptually simple, although difficult to realize, sub-micrometric meander type structures. Most applications of such detectors require some treatment of the signal generated, either as pulse shaping or signal amplification, to fully exploit the detection capabilities, such as sub-ns response time and proportional response. We have developed a room temperature process that, while preserving reasonable superconducting properties of NbN, allows a simple integration of the detectors in Nb-based circuits. Moreover we have developed a passivation technique, by using a protective AlN layer on top of the NbN one. The developed technology allows complex detector configurations, such as integrated RSFQ circuits or SQUID readout, to be relatively easily realized. The response of our NbN strip to photon irradiation will be presented.
We developed a single-flux-quantum (SFQ) readout technology for superconducting single-photon detectors (SSPDs) to achieve low-jitter signal readout. By optimizing circuit parameters of the SFQ readout circuit, the input current sensitivity was improved below 10 μA, which is smaller than a typical critical current of SSPD. The experiment using a pulse-pattern generator as an input pulse source revealed that the measured jitter of the SFQ readout circuit is well below the system jitter of our measurement setup for the input current level above 15 μA. The measured jitter of the SSPD connected to the SFQ readout circuit was 37 ps full width at half maximum (FWHM) for an SSPD bias current of around 18 μA, which is a significant improvement on 67 ps FWHM jitter observed in conventional readout without an SFQ readout circuit.