Single-photon detectors have been widely used in many vital fields, such as quantum teleportation and quantum computation. Compared with other single-photon detectors, superconducting nanowire single-photon detector exhibits relatively wide response spectrum, low dark count rate and high detection efficiency. The principle of superconducting nanowire single-photon detector is demonstrated, especially on the process of the generation and the diffusion of the hotspot, and the simulation is done to illustrate this process. Many important parameters of superconducting nanowire single-photon detector are measured, such as R-T curve and photon response. Through the analysis of experimental data, the approach to improve the performance of superconducting nanowire single-photon detector is proposed.
Single-photon detectors have been widely used in many vital fields, such as quantum teleportation and quantum computation. Compared with other single-photon detectors, superconducting nanowire single-photon detector exhibits relatively wide response spectrum, low dark count rate and high detection efficiency. The principle of superconducting nanowire single-photon detector is demonstrated, especially on the process of the generation and the diffusion of the hotspot, and the simulation is done to illustrate this process. Many important parameters of superconducting nanowire single-photon detector are measured, such as R-T curve and photon response. Through the analysis of experimental data, the approach to improve the performance of superconducting nanowire single-photon detector is proposed.
In this review, we present recent advances relating to superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SSPDs or SNSPDs) and their broad range of applications. During a period exceeding ten years, the system performance of SSPDs has been drastically improved, and lately excellent detection efficiencies have been realized in practical systems for a wide range of target photon wavelengths. Owing to their advantages such as high system detection efficiency, low dark count rate, and excellent timing jitter, SSPDs have found application in various research fields such as quantum information, quantum optics, optical communication, and also in the life sciences. We summarize the photon detection principle and the current performance status of practical SSPD systems. In addition, we introduce application examples in which SSPDs have been applied.
Photon detectors connect optical and electrical systems by converting light to electrical signals. Single photon detectors detect single photons which measure ultra-weak light. Traditional semiconductor single-photon detectors suffer from high dark count rates, low infrared detection efficiency, and poor temporal resolution. Superconducting-nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) overcome these limitations using the hotspot effect. SNSPDs have created a solid foundation for optical technologies and become key in quantum information, LiDARs and Deep-Space Communications. This paper reviews working principles and performance metrics: system detection efficiency, dark count rate, recovery time, and timing jitter. The study summarizes applications in quantum information (quantum key distribution, optical quantum computing), single-photon LiDAR, and deep-space optical communication, replacing most single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs). Recent experiments show that SNSPD-based systems can achieve meter-scale detection of sea fog, interplanetary laser communication over billions of kilometers, and boson sampling with 20 photons. Ongoing research is expected to improve performance in maximum count rate, system integration, and cryogenic operation, as well as to find applications in emerging fields such as environmental monitoring.
Since the first report on superconducting nanowire single photon detector (SNSPD) in 2001, it has turned to be a‘hotspot’in superconducting electronics. As a novel single photon detector (SPD), SNSPD outperforms the traditional semiconducting SPDs in near infrared wavelength with high detection efficiency, low dark count rate, low timing jitter, high counting rate, wide response waveband and simple circuit etc. In this review we give a brief introduction of materials, fabrication process, properties, system integration and frontier applications of SNSPD from the point of view of application, and also discuss the challenge and future development trend of this field.
Abstract Superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) have been widely applied in quantum information and deep-space exploration owing to their high detection efficiency, low dark count rate, and wide spectral response. In particular, the heat transfer in SNSPDs largely affects their performance parameters (e.g. quantum efficiency, count rates and recovery time), which can be modulated to optimize the performance and develop novel devices. Considering the potential of SNSPDs and the significance of heat transfer, the most recent progress toward understanding the mechanism and the modulation of heat transfer in SNSPDs is critically reviewed, with particular emphasis on the macroscopic correlation with device performance parameters and the microscopic analysis of existing theories, especially at interfaces. Furthermore, representative novel devices inspired by the need for heat transfer modulation in SNSPDs are discussed in detail. Finally, the development of heat transfer in SNSPDs is placed in perspective with the aim of highlighting future theoretical directions and practical applications.
Superconducting Nanowire Single Photon Detectors (SNSPDs) excel at a wide variety of performance criteria for single photon counting. They combine unprecedented high detection efficiency, high timing resolution, high count rates, low intrinsic dark count rates, and are sensitive to ultraviolet through mid-infrared single-photons. At JPL, we are working on several projects to push the performance limits of SNSPDs to achieve higher maximum count rates, larger active areas, higher timing resolution, and a wider spectral range. Our recent advances enable new applications for dark matter detection, imaging, and space-to-ground communication and provide insight into the fundamental physics of single-photon detection in superconducting nanowires.
Abstract The superconducting nanowire single‐photon detector (SNSPD) is a quantum‐limit superconducting optical detector based on the Cooper‐pair breaking effect by a single photon, which exhibits a higher detection efficiency, lower dark count rate, higher counting rate, and lower timing jitter when compared with those exhibited by its counterparts. SNSPDs have been extensively applied in quantum information processing, including quantum key distribution and optical quantum computation. In this review, we present the requirements of single‐photon detectors from quantum information, as well as the principle, key metrics, latest performance issues, and other issues associated with SNSPD. The representative applications of SNSPDs with respect to quantum information will also be covered.