Search for content and authors
 

Ultrafast Superconducting Single-Photon Detectors for Near-Infrared-Wavelength Quantum Communications

Gregory N. Gol'tsman 2W. Slysz 1A. Pearlman 3A. Verevkin 3R. Sobolewski 3

1. Institute of Electron Technology (ITE), al. Lotników 32/46, Warszawa 02-668, Poland
2. Moscow State Pedagogical University, Department of Physics, M. Pirogovskaya, 29, Moscow 119435, Russian Federation
3. University of Rochester, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Computer Studies Bldg., CSB410, P.O. Box 270231, Rochester, NY 14627-0231, United States

Abstract

We present our progress on the research and development of niobium-nitride, superconducting single-photon detectors (SSPDs) for ultrafast counting of near-infrared photons for secure quantum communications. The SSPDs operate in the quantum detection mode, based on photon-induced hotspot formation and subsequent development of a transient resistive barrier across an ultrathin and submicron-width superconducting stripe. The devices are fabricated from 4-nm-thick NbN films and kept at cryogenic (liquid helium) temperatures. The detector experimental quantum efficiency in the photon-counting mode reaches above 40% in the visible range of radiation and up to 30% at the 1.3 to 1.55 μm infrared range. The dark counts are below 0.01 per second. The measured real-time counting rate is above 2 GHz and is limited by our readout electronics. The SSPD jitter is below 18 ps, and the best-measured value of the noise-equivalent power (NEP) is 5 x 10-21 W/Hz1/2 at 1.3 μm. In terms of the photon-counting efficiency and speed, our NbN SSPDs significantly outperform semiconductor avalanche photodiodes and photomultipliers at the 1.3 to 1.55 μm infrared range.

 

Legal notice
  • Legal notice:
 

Related papers

Presentation: invited oral at NATO Advanced Research Workshop, by Gregory N. Gol'tsman
See On-line Journal of NATO Advanced Research Workshop

Submitted: 2004-08-06 11:03
Revised:   2009-06-08 12:55