Photonics for Quantum (PfQ)

Superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors: from photon-number resolution to dark-matter detection

Karl K. Berggren

Published Aug 27, 2021• 0 citations

Abstract

Superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) have distinguished themselves as a near-optimal choice for a range of quantum information applications, including integrated photonics and quantum key distribution. But the most recent demands from the quantum domain are stretching their capabilities. In particular, photon number resolution has not been readily available in high-performance variants of the devices, and superconducting nanowires were generally thought not to be capable of intrinsic photon number resolution. Recently, significant results in this area have shown that photon number resolution is quite practical with SNSPDs. In addition, wider nanowires have shown good performance, suggesting that the devices can be fabricated using standard photolithography equipment. In this talk, I will review the SNSPD technology, as well as discuss our latest results.

DOI: 10.1117/12.2611196

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