Year: 2019
Type: article
Abstract: In this work, we present a novel device that is a combination of a superconducting nanowire single-photon detector and a superconducting multilevel memory. We show that these devices can be used to count the number of detections through single-photon to single-flux conversion. Electrical characterization of the memory properties demonstrates single-flux quantum (SFQ) separated states. Optical measurements using attenuated laser pulses with different mean photon number, pulse energies and repetition rates are shown to differentiate single-photon detection from other possible phenomena, such as multiphoton detection and thermal activation. Finally, different geometries and material stacks to improve device performance, as well as arraying methods, are discussed.
Source: Nano Letters
Institution: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Language: English
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funder: Army Research Office
Award: G7127108642
OpenAlex ID: W2996297015