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Advanced Photon Counting Techniques

Amplitude multiplexing readout for an array of integrated SNSPDs

Alessandro Gaggero, Francesco Martini, F. Mattioli, Alberto Politi, Robert Čerňanský, Roberto Leoni

Published Apr 8, 2021• 1 citation
Publisher

Abstract

The quest to enlarge the capabilities of quantum information experiments based on non-classical states of light has directed the research toward an integrated approach. Thanks to integrated photonics circuits, photons can be efficiently generated, manipulated and detected within the same integrated chip. SNSPDs are the unique detectors that showed an integration compatibility with standard PICs. Nowadays the increasing complexity of integrated quantum optics experiments requires the manipulation of many modes and the simultaneous readout of an increasing number (N) of integrated detectors, thus posing new challenges regarding the simultaneous readout of different channels. In this presentation, we will discuss the advantages and drawbacks of our approach based on the amplitude multiplexing of N active pixels, each one consisting of a SNSPD with in parallel an on-chip AuPd resistor (Ri), to read (measure) simultaneously the output of several optical modes using only one coax cable.

DOI
10.1117/12.2589650

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The quest to enlarge the capabilities of quantum information experiments based on non-classical states of light has directed the research toward an integrated approach. Thanks to integrated photonics circuits, photons can be efficiently generated, manipulated and detected within the same integrated chip. SNSPDs are the unique detectors that showed an integration compatibility with standard PICs. Nowadays the increasing complexity of integrated quantum optics experiments requires the manipulation of many modes and the simultaneous readout of an increasing number (N) of integrated detectors, thus posing new challenges regarding the simultaneous readout of different channels. In this presentation, we will discuss the advantages and drawbacks of our approach based on the amplitude multiplexing of N active pixels, each one consisting of a SNSPD with in parallel an on-chip AuPd resistor (Ri), to read (measure) simultaneously the output of several optical modes using only one coax cable.
The realization of large-scale photonic circuit for quantum optics experiments at telecom wavelengths requires an increasing number of integrated detectors. Superconductive nanowire single photon detectors (SNSPDs) can be easily integrated on chip and they can efficiently detect the light propagating inside waveguides. The thermal budget of cryostats poses a limit on the maximum number of elements that can be integrated on the same chip due to the thermal impact of the readout electronics. In this paper, we propose and implement a novel scheme able for an efficient reading of several SNSPDs with only one readout port, enabling the realization of photonic circuits with a large number of modes.
Photonic integrated circuits serve as essential platforms in quantum science, particularly in quantum communication and quantum computing, where linear high-performance single-photon detector arrays are required. Superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) are known for their outstanding overall performance and compatibility with on-chip integration, making them the preferred choice for quantum photonic applications. However, conventional SNSPD arrays face challenges such as increased readout complexity or reduced detection speed. Herein, we present an amplitude-encoded SNSPD array featuring single-channel readout and high-speed detection capabilities, demonstrating high-quality discrimination of 12 pixels. This detector can readily achieve proof-of-concept quantum random number generation, underscoring its promise for advanced quantum information applications.
Integration of photon number resolving superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (PNR-SNSPDs) with nanophotonic waveguides is a key technology that enables a broad range of quantum technologies on chip-scale platforms. However, all on-chip integrated SNSPDs are fabricated above the waveguide layer, which makes the characteristics of the detector’s photoresponsive film material only depend on the waveguide material, thus lowering the waveguide selectivity. Here, we report an on-chip integrated SNSPD based on optimized topology that the nanowire is sandwiched between the waveguide and the substrate. This device maintains the film characteristics with different waveguides and the light transmitted from the upper waveguide to the substrate is absorbed by the film, which not only increases the selectivity of the waveguide, but also improves light absorption of SNSPD. As an example, SiO2 waveguide with the lower optical transmission loss was fabricated in an integrated PNR-SNSPD. We proposed a multi-channel photon response amplitude superposition multiplexing scheme, which realized photon detection by integrating SNSPD on the optical transmission waveguide in the photonic integrated circuit. The solution not only can effectively read the photon responses of multiple SNSPDs through a readout port, but also can distinguish the number of photons and the corresponding response channels through the amplitude of the readout circuit, thereby realizing a photonic integrated circuit with multiple modes. Finally, we prepared a 4-channel integrated PNR-SNSPD, which resolved the number of photons and corresponding photon response positions through 16 different signal amplitudes. This result is compatible of a wide range of waveguide materials, overcoming the limitation of single photon detector integrated on waveguide for quantum photonic integrated circuit.
Integrated arrays of Superconducting Nanowire Single Photon Detectors (SNSPDs) have shown capabilities such as Photon Number Resolution, single photon imaging and coincidences detection, and can be effectively used also in other different applications related to quantum optics. The growing complexity of such applications requires the use of multiplexing schemes for the simultaneous readout of different detectors. A simple multiplexing scheme can be realized by arranging a series of SNSPDs elements, shunted by appropriate resistances. The goal of this work is to investigate and optimize this scheme, developing a general method able to identify the optimal sets of shunting resistences for any different application. The methodology obtained is very general, and can be extended to other detection systems.