Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 9, 2026
16:11
Implementation of a Reference Interferometer for Nanodetection
Published on: April 26, 2014
9.9K
Position-Dependent Local Detection Efficiency in a Nanowire Superconducting Single-Photon Detector.
J J Renema1, Q Wang1, R Gaudio2
1†Leiden Institute of Physics, Leiden University, Niels Bohrweg 2, 2333 CA Leiden, The Netherlands.
Nano Letters
|June 19, 2015
Summary
Researchers investigated the detection efficiency of superconducting single-photon detectors. They discovered significant variations across the detector
Area of Science:
- Quantum Optics
- Solid State Physics
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Superconducting single-photon detectors (SSPDs) are crucial for quantum information science.
- Variations in detector efficiency have been observed but not fully explained.
- Understanding local detection efficiency is key to optimizing SSPD performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To spatially map the local detection efficiency of nanowire SSPDs.
- To investigate the influence of the detector's cross-sectional geometry on efficiency.
- To elucidate the underlying causes of previously observed efficiency variations in NbN detectors.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a far subwavelength resolution technique to probe the detector.
- Performed experimental measurements of detection efficiency along the nanowire cross-section.
- Correlated measured efficiency variations with device geometry.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated a strong, spatially dependent variation in local detection efficiency.
- Observed significant differences in efficiency across the detector's cross-section.
- Established a direct link between these variations and the detector's geometry.
Conclusions:
- The local detection efficiency of SSPDs is not uniform.
- Device geometry is a critical factor influencing spatially varying detection efficiency.
- This finding explains previously reported inconsistencies in NbN detector performance.
