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Near-Infrared-Wavelength Single-Photo Detectors and Their Application in Quantum Communications

Xue-dong Feng

Published Jan 1, 2006• 1 citation
OpenAlex

Abstract

Different categories of near-infrared-wavelength single-photo detectors are introduced, we analyze the performances of an appointed InGaAs/InP avalanche single-photo detector and a latest ultra-fast superconducting single-photo detector. We also summarize their applications in quantum communications.

Related papers

Advances in InGaAs/InP single-photon detector systems for quantum communication

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Single-photon detectors (SPDs) are the most sensitive instruments for light detection. In the near-infrared range, SPDs based on III–V compound semiconductor avalanche photodiodes have been extensively used during the past two decades for diverse applications due to their advantages in practicality including small size, low cost and easy operation. In the past decade, the rapid developments and increasing demands in quantum information science have served as key drivers to improve the device performance of single-photon avalanche diodes and to invent new avalanche quenching techniques. This Review aims to introduce the technology advances of InGaAs/InP single-photon detector systems in the telecom wavelengths and the relevant quantum communication applications, and particularly to highlight recent emerging techniques such as high-frequency gating at GHz rates and free-running operation using negative-feedback avalanche diodes. Future perspectives of both the devices and quenching techniques are summarized.

•Jan 1, 2015•349 citations

Advances in InGaAs/InP single-photon detector systems for quantum communication

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Single-photon detectors (SPDs) are the most sensitive instruments for light detection. In the near-infrared range, SPDs based on III–V compound semiconductor avalanche photodiodes have been extensively used during the past two decades for diverse applications due to their advantages in practicality including small size, low cost and easy operation. In the past decade, the rapid developments and increasing demands in quantum information science have served as key drivers to improve the device performance of single-photon avalanche diodes and to invent new avalanche quenching techniques. This Review aims to introduce the technology advances of InGaAs/InP single-photon detector systems in the telecom wavelengths and the relevant quantum communication applications, and particularly to highlight recent emerging techniques such as high-frequency gating at GHz rates and free-running operation using negative-feedback avalanche diodes. Future perspectives of both the devices and quenching techniques are summarized. Recent progress in single-photon detectors for quantum communication based on III–V compound semiconductor avalanche photodiodes is reviewed. Specifically, Jun Zhang and Jian-Wei Pan at the University of Science and Technology of China and their colleagues in the USA and Switzerland introduce technological advances for InGaAs/InP single-photon detector systems in the telecommunication band along with their associated applications in quantum communication. III–V single-photon avalanche diodes are the most practical tools available for detecting ultraweak near-infrared light. The scientists overview important parameters for evaluating the performance of detector systems based on single-photon avalanche diodes and describe the experimental characterization of these parameters. They also consider emerging techniques, including high-frequency gating at gigahertz rates and free-running operation using negative-feedback avalanche diodes. Finally, the future prospects of these devices are considered.

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High-performance single-photon detectors and applications in quantum communication

Boris A. Korzh

Two approaches to single-photon detection at telecom wavelengths have been investigated, using semiconductor and superconductor technologies. The low temperature operation of free-running InGaAs/InP negative feedback avalanche diodes (NFADs) was studied, demonstrating that they can operate with an extremely low dark count rate, which opens up a host of new applications. Secondly, superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) based on amorphous materials were developed, fabricated and characterized. These detectors are highly attractive because they can achieve excellent attributes simultaneously, such as high efficiency, low noise, good temporal resolution, no afterpulsing and high count rates. Finally, it was demonstrated that the use of NFADs can enable record distance quantum key distribution (QKD) over 307 km of optical fiber. A next generation QKD system has been proposed and numerically analyzed, aiming at extending the record distance by an additional 100 km and increasing the state-of-the-art secret key rate by over an order of magnitude.

•Jan 1, 2016•0 citations

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Ultrafast superconducting single-photon detectors for near-infrared-wavelength quantum communications

A. Verevkin, Aaron J. Pearlman, Wojciech Słysz +10 more

The paper reports progress on the design and development of niobium-nitride, superconducting single-photon detectors (SSPDs) for ultrafast counting of near-infrared photons for secure quantum communications. The SSPDs operate in the quantum detection mode, based on photon-induced hotspot formation and subsequent appearance of a transient resistive barrier across an ultrathin and submicron-width superconducting stripe. The devices are fabricated from 3.5 nm thick NbN films and kept at cryogenic (liquid helium) temperatures inside a cryostat. The detector experimental quantum efficiency in the photon-counting mode reaches above 20% in the visible radiation range and up to 10% at the 1.3–1.55 μn infrared range. The dark counts are below 0.01 per second. The measured real-time counting rate is above 2 GHz and is limited by readout electronics (the intrinsic response time is below 30 ps). The SSPD jitter is below 18 ps, and the best-measured value of the noise-equivalent power (NEP) is 2 × 10−18 W/Hz1/2. at 1.3 μm. In terms of photon-counting efficiency and speed, these NbN SSPDs significantly outperform semiconductor avalanche photodiodes and photomultipliers.

Journal of Modern Optics•Jan 1, 2004•84 citations
Single-photon detectors (SPDs) are the most sensitive instruments for light detection. In the near-infrared range, SPDs based on III–V compound semiconductor avalanche photodiodes have been extensively used during the past two decades for diverse applications due to their advantages in practicality including small size, low cost and easy operation. In the past decade, the rapid developments and increasing demands in quantum information science have served as key drivers to improve the device performance of single-photon avalanche diodes and to invent new avalanche quenching techniques. This Review aims to introduce the technology advances of InGaAs/InP single-photon detector systems in the telecom wavelengths and the relevant quantum communication applications, and particularly to highlight recent emerging techniques such as high-frequency gating at GHz rates and free-running operation using negative-feedback avalanche diodes. Future perspectives of both the devices and quenching techniques are summarized.
Single-photon detectors (SPDs) are the most sensitive instruments for light detection. In the near-infrared range, SPDs based on III–V compound semiconductor avalanche photodiodes have been extensively used during the past two decades for diverse applications due to their advantages in practicality including small size, low cost and easy operation. In the past decade, the rapid developments and increasing demands in quantum information science have served as key drivers to improve the device performance of single-photon avalanche diodes and to invent new avalanche quenching techniques. This Review aims to introduce the technology advances of InGaAs/InP single-photon detector systems in the telecom wavelengths and the relevant quantum communication applications, and particularly to highlight recent emerging techniques such as high-frequency gating at GHz rates and free-running operation using negative-feedback avalanche diodes. Future perspectives of both the devices and quenching techniques are summarized. Recent progress in single-photon detectors for quantum communication based on III–V compound semiconductor avalanche photodiodes is reviewed. Specifically, Jun Zhang and Jian-Wei Pan at the University of Science and Technology of China and their colleagues in the USA and Switzerland introduce technological advances for InGaAs/InP single-photon detector systems in the telecommunication band along with their associated applications in quantum communication. III–V single-photon avalanche diodes are the most practical tools available for detecting ultraweak near-infrared light. The scientists overview important parameters for evaluating the performance of detector systems based on single-photon avalanche diodes and describe the experimental characterization of these parameters. They also consider emerging techniques, including high-frequency gating at gigahertz rates and free-running operation using negative-feedback avalanche diodes. Finally, the future prospects of these devices are considered.
Two approaches to single-photon detection at telecom wavelengths have been investigated, using semiconductor and superconductor technologies. The low temperature operation of free-running InGaAs/InP negative feedback avalanche diodes (NFADs) was studied, demonstrating that they can operate with an extremely low dark count rate, which opens up a host of new applications. Secondly, superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) based on amorphous materials were developed, fabricated and characterized. These detectors are highly attractive because they can achieve excellent attributes simultaneously, such as high efficiency, low noise, good temporal resolution, no afterpulsing and high count rates. Finally, it was demonstrated that the use of NFADs can enable record distance quantum key distribution (QKD) over 307 km of optical fiber. A next generation QKD system has been proposed and numerically analyzed, aiming at extending the record distance by an additional 100 km and increasing the state-of-the-art secret key rate by over an order of magnitude.
The paper reports progress on the design and development of niobium-nitride, superconducting single-photon detectors (SSPDs) for ultrafast counting of near-infrared photons for secure quantum communications. The SSPDs operate in the quantum detection mode, based on photon-induced hotspot formation and subsequent appearance of a transient resistive barrier across an ultrathin and submicron-width superconducting stripe. The devices are fabricated from 3.5 nm thick NbN films and kept at cryogenic (liquid helium) temperatures inside a cryostat. The detector experimental quantum efficiency in the photon-counting mode reaches above 20% in the visible radiation range and up to 10% at the 1.3–1.55 μn infrared range. The dark counts are below 0.01 per second. The measured real-time counting rate is above 2 GHz and is limited by readout electronics (the intrinsic response time is below 30 ps). The SSPD jitter is below 18 ps, and the best-measured value of the noise-equivalent power (NEP) is 2 × 10−18 W/Hz1/2. at 1.3 μm. In terms of photon-counting efficiency and speed, these NbN SSPDs significantly outperform semiconductor avalanche photodiodes and photomultipliers.