Vetter, A., Ferrari, S., Rath, P., Alaee, R., Kahl, O., Kovalyuk, V., et al. (2016). Cavity-enhanced and ultrafast superconducting single-photon detectors. Nano Lett., 16(11), 7085–7092.
Abstract: Ultrafast single-photon detectors with high efficiency are of utmost importance for many applications in the context of integrated quantum photonic circuits. Detectors based on superconductor nanowires attached to optical waveguides are particularly appealing for this purpose. However, their speed is limited because the required high absorption efficiency necessitates long nanowires deposited on top of the waveguide. This enhances the kinetic inductance and makes the detectors slow. Here, we solve this problem by aligning the nanowire, contrary to usual choice, perpendicular to the waveguide to realize devices with a length below 1 mum. By integrating the nanowire into a photonic crystal cavity, we recover high absorption efficiency, thus enhancing the detection efficiency by more than an order of magnitude. Our cavity enhanced superconducting nanowire detectors are fully embedded in silicon nanophotonic circuits and efficiently detect single photons at telecom wavelengths. The detectors possess subnanosecond decay ( approximately 120 ps) and recovery times ( approximately 510 ps) and thus show potential for GHz count rates at low timing jitter ( approximately 32 ps). The small absorption volume allows efficient threshold multiphoton detection.
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Pyatkov, F., Khasminskaya, S., Kovalyuk, V., Hennrich, F., Kappes, M. M., Goltsman, G. N., et al. (2017). Sub-nanosecond light-pulse generation with waveguide-coupled carbon nanotube transducers. Beilstein J. Nanotechnol., 8, 38–44.
Abstract: Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have recently been integrated into optical waveguides and operated as electrically-driven light emitters under constant electrical bias. Such devices are of interest for the conversion of fast electrical signals into optical ones within a nanophotonic circuit. Here, we demonstrate that waveguide-integrated single-walled CNTs are promising high-speed transducers for light-pulse generation in the gigahertz range. Using a scalable fabrication approach we realize hybrid CNT-based nanophotonic devices, which generate optical pulse trains in the range from 200 kHz to 2 GHz with decay times below 80 ps. Our results illustrate the potential of CNTs for hybrid optoelectronic systems and nanoscale on-chip light sources.
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Trifonov, A., Tong, C. - Y. E., Grimes, P., Lobanov, Y., Kaurova, N., Blundell, R., et al. (2017). Development of A Silicon Membrane-based Multi-pixel Hot Electron Bolometer Receiver. In IEEE Trans. Appl. Supercond. (Vol. 27, 6).
Abstract: We report on the development of a multi-pixel
Hot Electron Bolometer (HEB) receiver fabricated using
silicon membrane technology. The receiver comprises a
2 × 2 array of four HEB mixers, fabricated on a single
chip. The HEB mixer chip is based on a superconducting
NbN thin film deposited on top of the silicon-on-insulator
(SOI) substrate. The thicknesses of the device layer and
handling layer of the SOI substrate are 20 μm and 300 μm
respectively. The thickness of the device layer is chosen
such that it corresponds to a quarter-wave in silicon at
1.35 THz. The HEB mixer is integrated with a bow-tie
antenna structure, in turn designed for coupling to a
circular waveguide,
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Lobanov, Y. V., Shcherbatenko, M. L., Semenov, A. V., Kovalyuk, V. V., Korneev, A. A., Goltsman, G. N., et al. (2017). Heterodyne spectroscopy with superconducting single-photon detector. In EPJ Web Conf. (Vol. 132, 01005).
Abstract: We demonstrate successful operation of a Superconducting Single Photon Detector (SSPD) as the core element in a heterodyne receiver. Irradiating the SSPD by both a local oscillator power and signal power simultaneously, we observed beat signal at the intermediate frequency of a few MHz. Gain bandwidth was found to coincide with the detector single pulse width, where the latter depends on the detector kinetic inductance, determined by the superconducting nanowire length.
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Titova, N., Kardakova, A. I., Tovpeko, N., Ryabchun, S., Mandal, S., Morozov, D., et al. (2017). Slow electron–phonon cooling in superconducting diamond films. IEEE Trans. Appl. Supercond., 27(4), 1–4.
Abstract: We have measured the electron-phonon energy-relaxation time, τ eph , in superconducting boron-doped diamond films grown on silicon substrate by chemical vapor deposition. The observed electron-phonon cooling times vary from 160 ns at 2.70 K to 410 ns at 1.8 K following a T -2-dependence. The data are consistent with the values of τ eph previously reported for single-crystal boron-doped diamond films epitaxially grown on diamond substrate. Such a noticeable slow electron-phonon relaxation in boron-doped diamond, in combination with a high normal-state resistivity, confirms a potential of superconducting diamond for ultrasensitive superconducting bolometers.
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Gayduchenko, I., Kardakova, A., Fedorov, G., Voronov, B., Finkel, M., Jiménez, D., et al. (2015). Response of asymmetric carbon nanotube network devices to sub-terahertz and terahertz radiation. J. Appl. Phys., 118(19), 194303.
Abstract: Demand for efficient terahertz radiation detectors resulted in intensive study of the asymmetric carbon nanostructures as a possible solution for that problem. It was maintained that photothermoelectric effect under certain conditions results in strong response of such devices to terahertz radiation even at room temperature. In this work, we investigate different mechanisms underlying the response of asymmetric carbon nanotube (CNT) based devices to sub-terahertz and terahertz radiation. Our structures are formed with CNT networks instead of individual CNTs so that effects probed are more generic and not caused by peculiarities of an individual nanoscale object. We conclude that the DC voltage response observed in our structures is not only thermal in origin. So called diode-type response caused by asymmetry of the device IV characteristic turns out to be dominant at room temperature. Quantitative analysis provides further routes for the optimization of the device configuration, which may result in appearance of novel terahertz radiation detectors.
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Elezov, M. S., Ozhegov, R. V., Goltsman, G. N., & Makarov, V. (2017). Development of the experimental setup for investigation of latching of superconducting single-photon detector caused by blinding attack on the quantum key distribution system. In EPJ Web of Conferences (Vol. 132, 2).
Abstract: Recently bright-light control of the SSPD has been
demonstrated. This attack employed a “backdoor†in the detector biasing
scheme. Under bright-light illumination, SSPD becomes resistive and
remains “latched†in the resistive state even when the light is switched off.
While the SSPD is latched, Eve can simulate SSPD single-photon response
by sending strong light pulses, thus deceiving Bob. We developed the
experimental setup for investigation of a dependence on latching threshold
of SSPD on optical pulse length and peak power. By knowing latching
threshold it is possible to understand essential requirements for
development countermeasures against blinding attack on quantum key
distribution system with SSPDs.
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Kahl, O., Ferrari, S., Kovalyuk, V., Vetter, A., Lewes-Malandrakis, G., Nebel, C., et al. (2017). Spectrally multiplexed single-photon detection with hybrid superconducting nanophotonic circuits. Optica, 4(5), 557–562.
Abstract: The detection of individual photons by superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors is an inherently binary mechanism, revealing either their absence or presence while concealing their spectral information. For multicolor imaging techniques, such as single-photon spectroscopy, fluorescence resonance energy transfer microscopy, and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, wavelength discrimination is essential and mandates spectral separation prior to detection. Here, we adopt an approach borrowed from quantum photonic integration to realize a compact and scalable waveguide-integrated single-photon spectrometer capable of parallel detection on multiple wavelength channels, with temporal resolution below 50 ps and dark count rates below 10 Hz at 80% of the devices' critical current. We demonstrate multidetector devices for telecommunication and visible wavelengths, and showcase their performance by imaging silicon vacancy color centers in diamond nanoclusters. The fully integrated hybrid superconducting nanophotonic circuits enable simultaneous spectroscopy and lifetime mapping for correlative imaging and provide the ingredients for quantum wavelength-division multiplexing on a chip.
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Shcherbatenko, M., Lobanov, Y., Semenov, A., Kovalyuk, V., Korneev, A., Ozhegov, R., et al. (2017). Coherent detection of weak signals with superconducting nanowire single photon detector at the telecommunication wavelength. In I. Prochazka, R. Sobolewski, & R. B. James (Eds.), Proc. SPIE (Vol. 10229, 0G (1 to 12)). Spie.
Abstract: Achievement of the ultimate sensitivity along with a high spectral resolution is one of the frequently addressed problems, as the complication of the applied and fundamental scientific tasks being explored is growing up gradually. In our work, we have investigated performance of a superconducting nanowire photon-counting detector operating in the coherent mode for detection of weak signals at the telecommunication wavelength. Quantum-noise limited sensitivity of the detector was ensured by the nature of the photon-counting detection and restricted by the quantum efficiency of the detector only. Spectral resolution given by the heterodyne technique and was defined by the linewidth and stability of the Local Oscillator (LO). Response bandwidth was found to coincide with the detector’s pulse width, which, in turn, could be controlled by the nanowire length. In addition, the system noise bandwidth was shown to be governed by the electronics/lab equipment, and the detector noise bandwidth is predicted to depend on its jitter. As have been demonstrated, a very small amount of the LO power (of the order of a few picowatts down to hundreds of femtowatts) was required for sufficient detection of the test signal, and eventual optimization could lead to further reduction of the LO power required, which would perfectly suit for the foreseen development of receiver matrices and the need for detection of ultra-low signals at a level of less-than-one-photon per second.
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Vorobyov, V. V., Kazakov, A. Y., Soshenko, V. V., Korneev, A. A., Shalaginov, M. Y., Bolshedvorskii, S. V., et al. (2017). Superconducting detector for visible and near-infrared quantum emitters [Invited]. Opt. Mater. Express, 7(2), 513–526.
Abstract: Further development of quantum emitter based communication and sensing applications intrinsically depends on the availability of robust single-photon detectors. Here, we demonstrate a new generation of superconducting single-photon detectors specifically optimized for the 500–1100 nm wavelength range, which overlaps with the emission spectrum of many interesting solid-state atom-like systems, such as nitrogen-vacancy and silicon-vacancy centers in diamond. The fabricated detectors have a wide dynamic range (up to 350 million counts per second), low dark count rate (down to 0.1 counts per second), excellent jitter (62 ps), and the possibility of on-chip integration with a quantum emitter. In addition to performance characterization, we tested the detectors in real experimental conditions involving nanodiamond nitrogen-vacancy emitters enhanced by a hyperbolic metamaterial.
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Shcherbatenko, M., Lobanov, Y., Semenov, A., Kovalyuk, V., Korneev, A., Ozhegov, R., et al. (2016). Potential of a superconducting photon counter for heterodyne detection at the telecommunication wavelength. Opt. Express, 24(26), 30474–30484.
Abstract: Here, we report on the successful operation of a NbN thin film superconducting nanowire single-photon detector (SNSPD) in a coherent mode (as a mixer) at the telecommunication wavelength of 1550 nm. Providing the local oscillator power of the order of a few picowatts, we were practically able to reach the quantum noise limited sensitivity. The intermediate frequency gain bandwidth (also referred to as response or conversion bandwidth) was limited by the spectral band of a single-photon response pulse of the detector, which is proportional to the detector size. We observed a gain bandwidth of 65 MHz and 140 MHz for 7 x 7 microm2 and 3 x 3 microm2 devices, respectively. A tiny amount of the required local oscillator power and wide gain and noise bandwidths, along with unnecessary low noise amplification, make this technology prominent for various applications, with the possibility for future development of a photon counting heterodyne-born large-scale array.
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Goltsman, G. N., Samartsev, V. V., Vinogradov, E. A., Naumov, A. V., & Karimullin, K. R. (2015). New generation of superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors. In EPJ Web of Conferences (Vol. 103, 01006 (1 to 2)).
Abstract: We present an overview of recent results for new generation of infrared and optical superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) that has already demonstrated a performance that makes them devices-of-choice for many applications. SNSPDs provide high efficiency for detecting individual photons while keeping dark counts and timing jitter minimal. Besides superior detection performance over a broad optical bandwidth, SNSPDs are also compatible with an integrated optical platform as a crucial requirement for applications in emerging quantum photonic technologies. By embedding SNSPDs in nanophotonic circuits we realize waveguide integrated single photon detectors which unite all desirable detector properties in a single device.
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Galin, M. A., Klushin, A. M., Kurin, V. V., Seliverstov, S. V., Finkel, M. I., Goltsman, G. N., et al. (2015). Towards local oscillators based on arrays of niobium Josephson junctions. Supercond. Sci. Technol., 28(5), 055002 (1 to 7).
Abstract: Various applications in the field of terahertz technology are in urgent need of compact, wide-tunable solid-state continuous wave radiation sources with a moderate power. However, satisfactory solutions for the THz frequency range are scarce yet. Here we report on coherent radiation from a large planar array of Josephson junctions (JJs) in the frequency range between 0.1 and 0.3 THz. The external resonator providing the synchronization of JJ array is identified as a straight fragment of a single-strip-line containing the junctions themselves. We demonstrate a prototype of the quasioptical heterodyne receiver with the JJ array as a local oscillator and a hot-electron bolometer mixer.
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Florya, I. N., Korneeva, Y. P., Sidorova, M. V., Golikov, A. D., Gaiduchenko, I. A., Fedorov, G. E., et al. (2015). Energy relaxtation and hot spot formation in superconducting single photon detectors SSPDs. In EPJ Web of Conferences (Vol. 103, 10004 (1 to 2)).
Abstract: We have studied the mechanism of energy relaxation and resistive state formation after absorption of a single photon for different wavelengths and materials of single photon detectors. Our results are in good agreement with the hot spot model.
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Lusche, R., Semenov, A., Ilin, K., Siegel, M., Korneeva, Y., Trifonov, A., et al. (2014). Effect of the wire width on the intrinsic detection efficiency of superconducting-nanowire single-photon detectors. J. Appl. Phys., 116(4), 043906 (1 to 9).
Abstract: A thorough spectral study of the intrinsic single-photon detection efficiency in superconducting TaN and NbN nanowires with different widths has been performed. The experiment shows that the cut-off of the intrinsic detection efficiency at near-infrared wavelengths is most likely controlled by the local suppression of the barrier for vortex nucleation around the absorption site. Beyond the cut-off quasi-particle diffusion in combination with spontaneous, thermally activated vortex crossing explains the detection process. For both materials, the reciprocal cut-off wavelength scales linearly with the wire width where the scaling factor agrees with the hot-spot detection model.
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