Ultrathin NbN film superconducting single-photon detector array

Superconducting-nanowire single-photon-detector linear array

Fiber-Coupled Single-photon deteCtorS baSed on nbn SuperConduCting nanoStruCtureS

LLE Review, Volume 106 108 Practical quantum cryptography (QC) systems require ultrafast and high-quantum-efficiency (QE) single-photon detectors (SPD’s)1 with precise timing characteristics2 and sufficiently low dark counts. For fiber-optic QC systems, SPD’s working at the standard near-infrared (NIR) telecommunication wavelengths, namely 1.3 nm and/or 1.55 nm, with counting rates well above 1...

Picosecond superconducting single-photon optical detector

We experimentally demonstrate a supercurrent-assisted, hotspot-formation mechanism for ultrafast detection and counting of visible and infrared photons. A photon-induced hotspot leads to a temporary formation of a resistive barrier across the superconducting sensor strip and results in an easily measurable voltage pulse. Subsequent hotspot healing in ;30 ps time frame, restores the superconduct...

A superconducting NbN detector for neutral nanoparticles.

We present a proof-of-principle study of superconducting single photon detectors (SSPD) for the detection of individual neutral molecules/nanoparticles at low energies. The new detector is applied to characterize a laser desorption source for biomolecules and allows retrieval of the arrival time distribution of a pulsed molecular beam containing the amino acid tryptophan, the polypeptide gramic...

Resolving Dark Pulses from Photon Pulses in NbN Superconducting Single-Photon Detectors

LLE Review, Volume 115 153 Introduction Fast and reliable single-photon detectors (SPD’s) have become a highly sought after technology in recent years.1 Some of the most interesting applications for SPD’s, which include quantum communications and quantum key distribution,2 as well as satellite communications, require devices that can successfully operate at telecommunication wavelengths, namely...