Work

Unified theory of dark count rate and system detection efficiency for NbN, WSi based superconducting single photon detectors

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Predicting the behavior of superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) is important as their use becomes more widespread in fields ranging from quantum computing to quantum remote sensing. Here, we present a vortex-crossing theory of photon detection that provides a unified definition of system detection efficiency and dark-count rates. Our approach quantitatively captures the plateau region of system detection efficiency for NbN- and WSi-based SNSPDs. We concurrently predict the temperature dependence of dark-count rates and the intrinsic timing jitter of SNSPDs. We extensively benchmark our model against various experiments to aid in the design of the next generation of SNSPDs.

Source: Journal of Applied Physics

DOI: 10.1063/5.0299428

Authors: Daien He, Leif Bauer, Sathwik Bharadwaj, Zubin Jacob

Institutions: Purdue University West Lafayette, Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Language: English

Topic: Superconducting and THz Device Technology

Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,500

Funder: Defense Sciences Office, DARPA