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Optics Express

Optics Express

  • Editor: Andrew M. Weiner
  • Vol. 21, Iss. 2 — Jan. 28, 2013
  • pp: 1440–1447

Optics InfoBase > Optics Express > Volume 21 > Issue 2 > Page 1440

High-speed and high-efficiency superconducting nanowire single photon detector array

D. Rosenberg, A. J. Kerman, R. J. Molnar, and E. A. Dauler  »View Author Affiliations


Optics Express, Vol. 21, Issue 2, pp. 1440-1447 (2013)
http://dx.doi.org/10.1364/OE.21.001440


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Abstract

Superconducting nanowire single photon detectors (SNSPDs) have separately demonstrated high efficiency, low noise, and extremely high speed when detecting single photons. However, achieving all of these simultaneously has been limited by detector subtleties and tradeoffs. Here, we report an SNSPD system with <80 ps timing resolution, kHz noise count rates, and 76% fiber-coupled system detection efficiency in the low-flux limit at 1550 nm. We present a model for determining the detection efficiency penalty due to the detection recovery time, and we validate our method using experimental data obtained at high count rates. We demonstrate improved performance tradeoffs, such as 68% system detection efficiency, including losses due to detector recovery time, when coupled to a Poisson source emitting 100 million photons per second. Our system can provide limited photon number resolution, continuous cryogen-free operation, and scalability to future imaging and GHz-count-rate applications.

© 2013 OSA

OCIS Codes
(040.5160) Detectors : Photodetectors
(220.0220) Optical design and fabrication : Optical design and fabrication
(230.0230) Optical devices : Optical devices

ToC Category:
Detectors

History
Original Manuscript: November 5, 2012
Revised Manuscript: December 10, 2012
Manuscript Accepted: December 10, 2012
Published: January 14, 2013

Citation
D. Rosenberg, A. J. Kerman, R. J. Molnar, and E. A. Dauler, "High-speed and high-efficiency superconducting nanowire single photon detector array," Opt. Express 21, 1440-1447 (2013)
http://www.opticsinfobase.org/oe/abstract.cfm?URI=oe-21-2-1440


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