articleSuperconductor Science and TechnologyApr 4, 2012HYBRID OA

Superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors: physics and applications

CMChandra M NatarajanMGMichael G TannerRHRobert H Hadfield

Heriot-Watt University · Scottish Universities Physics Alliance · +1 more institution

Indexed inarxivcrossref

Abstract

Single-photon detectors based on superconducting nanowires (SSPDs or SNSPDs) have rapidly emerged as a highly promising photon-counting technology for infrared wavelengths. These devices offer high efficiency, low dark counts and excellent timing resolution. In this review, we consider the basic SNSPD operating principle and models of device behaviour. We give an overview of the evolution of SNSPD device design and the improvements in performance which have been achieved. We also evaluate device limitations and noise mechanisms. We survey practical refrigeration technologies and optical coupling schemes for SNSPDs. Finally we summarize promising application areas, ranging from quantum cryptography to remote…

Citation impact

932
total citations
FWCI
69.86
Percentile
100%
References
142
Citations per year

Authors

3
  • CM
    Chandra M Natarajan

    Heriot-Watt University, Scottish Universities Physics Alliance, Stanford University

  • MG
    Michael G Tanner

    Heriot-Watt University, Scottish Universities Physics Alliance

  • RH
    Robert H HadfieldCorresponding

    Heriot-Watt University, Scottish Universities Physics Alliance

Topics & keywords

Topics
Keywords
  • Nanowire
  • Superconductivity
  • Detector
  • Snapshot (computer storage)
  • Ranging
  • Refrigeration
No related works found for this paper.

Funding