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Published on: August 2, 2019
Single-photon detection in few-layer NbSe2 superconducting nanowires
Lucio Zugliani1, Alessandro Palermo2, Bianca Scaparra2
1Walter Schottky Institute, TUM School of Computation, Information and Technology, and MCQST, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany. lucio.zugliani@tum.de.
Nature Communications
|July 29, 2026
Summary
Researchers demonstrate single-photon detection using few-layer niobium diselenide (NbSe2) nanowires. This breakthrough advances superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) for quantum technologies, enabling detection across broader spectral ranges.
Area of Science:
- Quantum Optics
- Materials Science
- Condensed Matter Physics
Background:
- Superconducting Nanowire Single-Photon Detectors (SNSPDs) are crucial for quantum technologies, offering high efficiency and fast response.
- Current SNSPDs face limitations in extending detection to terahertz frequencies due to material constraints.
- Substrate independence is key for integrating detectors with diverse functional materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore few-layer niobium diselenide (NbSe2) as a novel material for SNSPDs.
- To demonstrate single-photon detection capabilities of NbSe2 nanowires.
- To assess the potential of NbSe2 for broadband and integrated quantum photonic applications.
Main Methods:
- Patterning few-layer NbSe2 into nanowires with widths under 100 nm.
- Testing single-photon detection efficiency at 780 nm and 1550 nm wavelengths.
- Measuring dark-count rates and timing jitter.
Main Results:
- Successful demonstration of single-photon detection in NbSe2 nanowires at 780 nm and 1550 nm.
- Achieved dark-count rates below 1 Hz and timing jitter below 50 ps.
- Theoretical modeling suggests potential for millimetre-wave detection with optimized parameters.
Conclusions:
- Few-layer NbSe2 is a promising material for fabricating advanced SNSPDs.
- NbSe2-based detectors offer potential for broadband quantum-limited detection.
- This work paves the way for integrated quantum photonic circuits and novel quantum devices.
