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All optical operation of a superconducting photonic interface
Optics Express
|October 20, 2023
Summary
We demonstrate all-optical control and readout for superconducting nanowire single photon detectors (SNSPDs). This method eliminates electronic links, preventing parasitic effects in quantum photonic systems.
Area of Science:
- Quantum optics
- Cryogenic engineering
- Photonics
Background:
- Interfacing cryogenic quantum components with room-temperature electronics presents challenges.
- Electronic links can introduce detrimental parasitic effects in quantum photonic systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an all-optical method for controlling and reading out superconducting nanowire single photon detectors (SNSPDs).
- To achieve complete electrical decoupling between cryogenic detectors and room-temperature electronics.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a cryogenic photodiode to supply operational power to the SNSPD.
- Employed a cryogenic electro-optic modulator for reading out single photon detection signals within the same cryostat.
Main Results:
- Successfully demonstrated all-optical control and readout of an SNSPD.
- Achieved complete electrical decoupling from room-temperature electronics.
Conclusions:
- This all-optical approach enables control and readout of superconducting circuits.
- The method facilitates feedforward operations essential for photonic quantum computing.
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