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Quantum Computing, Communication, and Simulation

Integrated electronics for superconducting-nanowire single-photon detector readout

Karl K. Berggren

Published Mar 13, 2024• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Superconducting single-photon detectors are a key technology for quantum information science, being of particular use for quantum key distribution and photonics-based quantum computing. However, the biasing, readout, and signal processing associated with the detector is typically handled by off-chip conventional semiconductor electronics. Increasingly, this solution is proving problematic: such electronics consume large amounts of power and are cumbersome to integrate on the same chip as the detectors. Superconducting classical electronics relying on Josephson junctions are an alternative, but require an integrated fabrication process, which adds complexity to the device. An alternative is to use the superconducting nanowires themselves, in the form of “cryotrons”, an alternative to Josephson junction superconducting switches first proposed in the 1950s, but recently experiencing renewed interest with scaling to the nanometer length scale. These technologies and applications of them to SNSPD readout and signal processing will be discussed.

DOI
10.1117/12.3009634

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Superconducting single-photon detectors are a key technology for quantum information science, being of particular use for quantum key distribution and photonics-based quantum computing. However, the biasing, readout, and signal processing associated with the detector is typically handled by off-chip conventional semiconductor electronics. Increasingly, this solution is proving problematic: such electronics consume large amounts of power and are cumbersome to integrate on the same chip as the detectors. Superconducting classical electronics relying on Josephson junctions are an alternative, but require an integrated fabrication process, which adds complexity to the device. An alternative is to use the superconducting nanowires themselves, in the form of “cryotrons”, an alternative to Josephson junction superconducting switches first proposed in the 1950s, but recently experiencing renewed interest with scaling to the nanometer length scale. These technologies and applications of them to SNSPD readout and signal processing will be discussed.
The superconducting nanowire single-photon detector (SNSPD) is a leading technology for quantum information science applications using photons, and is finding increasing uses in photon-starved classical imaging applications. Critical detector characteristics, such as timing resolution (jitter), reset time, and maximum count rate, are heavily influenced by the readout electronics that sense and amplify the photon detection signal. We describe a readout circuit for SNSPDs using commercial off-the-shelf amplifiers operating at cryogenic temperatures. Our design demonstrates a 35 ps timing resolution and a maximum count rate of over 2 × 107 counts per second, while maintaining <3 mW power consumption per channel, making it suitable for a multichannel readout.
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.
Scalable superconducting nanowire single photon detector (SNSPDs) arrays require cryogenic digital circuits for multiplexing the output detection pulses. Among existing superconducting digital devices, superconducting nanowire cryotron (nTron) is a three-terminal device with an ultra-compact size, which is promising for large scale monolithic integration. In this report, in order to evaluate the potential and possibility of using nTrons for reading and digitizing SNSPD signals, we characterized the grey zone, speed, timing jitter and power dissipation of a proper designed nTron. With a DC bias on the gate, the nTron can be triggered by a few μA high and nanoseconds wide input signal, showing the nTron was capable of reading an SNSPD pulse at the same signal level. The timing jitter depended on the input signal level. For a 20 μA high and 5 ns wide input pulse, the timing jitter was 33.3 ps, while a typical SNSPD's jitter was around 50 ps. With removing the serial inductors and operating it in an AC bias mode. The nTron was demonstrated to be operated at a clock frequency of 615.4 MHz, which was faster than the maximum counting rate of a typical SNSPD. In additional, with a 50 Ω bias resistor and biased at 17.6 μA, the nTron had a total power dissipation of 19.7 nW. Although RSFQ circuits are faster than nTrons, for reading SNSPD or other detector arrays that demands less operation speed, our results suggest a digital circuit made from nTrons could be another promising alternative.
We demonstrate the transfer of single photon triggered electrical pulses from a superconducting nanowire single photon detector (SNSPD) to a single flux quantum (SFQ) pulse. We describe design and test of a digital SFQ based SNSPD readout circuit and demonstrate its correct operation. Both circuits (SNSPD and SFQ) operate under the same cryogenic conditions and are directly connected by wire bonds. A future integration of the present multi-chip configuration seems feasible because both fabrication process and materials are very similar. In contrast to commonly used semiconductor amplifiers, SFQ circuits combine very low power dissipation (a few microwatts) with very high operation speed, thus enabling count-rates of several gigahertz. The SFQ interface circuit simplifies the SNSPD readout and enables large numbers of detectors for future compact multi-pixel systems with single photon counting resolution. The demonstrated circuit has great potential for scaling the present interface solution to 1,000 detectors by using a single SFQ chip.
Scalable, low power, high speed data transfer between cryogenic and room temperature environments is essential for the realization of practical, large-scale systems based on superconducting technologies. Optical fiber presents a 100–1,000x lower heat load than conventional electrical wiring, relaxing the requirements for thermal anchoring, and allows for very high bandwidth densities by carrying multiple signals through the same physical fiber. By operating a CMOS modulator in the forward bias regime at a temperature of 3.6 K, we have demonstrated the optical readout of a superconducting nanowire single-photon detector (SNSPD) without the need for an interfacing device.
Single-photon detection possibility is a fundamental requirement for quantum technologies, including communication, computing and sensing. To achieve scalability and practical deployment, increasing attention is being directed toward integration of detectors with photonic integrated circuits, which offer compactness and compatibility with mass production. Superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors have emerged as the leading solution, combining near-unity efficiency, high temporal performance and the ability to be embedded across a wide range of photonic material platforms. In this review we trace the development of integrated superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors from early demonstrations to recent advances, outlining the progress in device architectures, material engineering and integration strategies. We also discuss performance benchmarks, emerging alternative designs, the future opportunities and challenges for this rapidly evolving field.