Lobanov, Y., Shcherbatenko, M., Shurakov, A., Rodin, A. V., Klimchuk, A., Nadezhdinsky, A. I., et al. (2014). Heterodyne detection at near-infrared wavelengths with a superconducting NbN hot-electron bolometer mixer. Opt. Lett., 39(6), 1429–1432.
Abstract: We report on the development of a highly sensitive optical receiver for heterodyne IR spectroscopy at the communication wavelength of 1.5 μm (200 THz) by use of a superconducting hot-electron bolometer. The results are important for the resolution of narrow spectral molecular lines in the near-IR range for the study of astronomical objects, as well as for quantum optical tomography and fiber-optic sensing. Receiver configuration as well as fiber-to-detector light coupling designs are discussed. Light absorption of the superconducting detectors was enhanced by nano-optical antennas, which were coupled to optical fibers. An intermediate frequency (IF) bandwidth of about 3 GHz was found in agreement with measurements at 300 GHz, and a noise figure of about 25 dB was obtained that was only 10 dB above the quantum limit.
|
Nebosis, R. S., Heusinger, M. A., Semenov, A. D., Lang, P. T., Schatz, W., Steinke, R., et al. (1993). Ultrafast photoresponse of an YBa2Cu3O7-δ film to far-infrared radiation pulses. Opt. Lett., 18(2), 96–97.
Abstract: We report the observation of an ultrafast photoresponse of a high-T(c), film to far-infrared radiation pulses. The response of a sample, consisting of a current-carrying structured YBa(2)Cu(3)O(7-delta) film cooled to liquid-nitrogen temperature, was studied by use of ultrashort laser pulses from an optically pumped far-infrared laser in the frequency range from 0.7 to 7 THz. We found that the response time was limited by the time resolution, 120 ps, of our electronic registration equipment.
|
Martini, F., Cibella, S., Gaggero, A., Mattioli, F., & Leoni, R. (2021). Waveguide integrated hot electron bolometer for classical and quantum photonics. Opt. Express, 29(6), 7956–7965.
Abstract: The development of performant integrated detectors, which are sensitive to quantum fluctuations of coherent light, are strongly desired to realize a scalable and determinist photonic quantum processor based on continuous variables states of light. Here, we investigate the performance of hot electron bolometers (HEBs) fabricated on top of a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) photonic circuit showing responsivities up to 8600 V/W and a record noise equivalent temperature of 1.1 dB above the quantum limit. Thanks to a detailed analysis of the noise sources of the waveguide integrated HEB, we estimate 14.8 dBV clearance between the shot noise and electrical noise with just 1.1microW of local oscillator power. The full technology compatibility with superconducting nanowire single photon detectors (SNSPDs) opens the possibility of nonclassical state engineering and state tomography performed within the same platform, enabling a new class of optical quantum processors.
|
Elezov, M., Ozhegov, R., Goltsman, G., & Makarov, V. (2019). Countermeasure against bright-light attack on superconducting nanowire single-photon detector in quantum key distribution. Opt. Express, 27(21), 30979–30988.
Abstract: We present an active anti-latching system for superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors. We experimentally test it against a bright-light attack, previously used to compromise security of quantum key distribution. Although our system detects continuous blinding, the detector is shown to be partially blindable and controllable by specially tailored sequences of bright pulses. Improvements to the countermeasure are suggested.
|
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.
|
