Modelling superconducting nanowire single photon detectors in a waveguide cavity

Area of Science:

• Quantum optics and photonics
• Superconducting device physics
• Nanofabrication technologies

Background:

• Superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) are crucial for quantum information science.
• Achieving near-unity detection efficiency typically requires longer nanowires, posing fabrication challenges.
• Existing SNSPDs often lack spectral selectivity, limiting their application in complex photonic systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a single photon detector system with near-unity detection efficiency using significantly shorter SNSPDs.
• To improve fabrication yield by reducing nanowire length and associated inhomogeneities.
• To introduce spectral selectivity into SNSPDs via resonant cavity integration.

Main Methods:

• Integration of 1 μm long superconducting nanowires within a racetrack resonator cavity.
• Utilizing waveguide coupling for efficient photon delivery to the detector.
• Simulations to model detector performance, including detection efficiency and timing jitter.

Main Results:

• Achieved near-unity detection efficiency with 1 μm long SNSPDs embedded in a racetrack resonator.
• Simulations indicate realistic fabrication parameters for achieving the designed performance.
• The resonant cavity provides spectral selectivity and introduces insignificant timing jitter for SNSPDs > 1 μm.

Conclusions:

• Short, waveguide-coupled SNSPDs integrated into racetrack resonators offer a viable path to near-unity detection efficiency.
• This approach enhances fabrication yield and introduces spectral selectivity, crucial for scalable quantum technologies.
• The developed system represents a significant advancement in single photon detection technology.