Optical Single-Photon Detection in Micrometer-Scale NbN Bridges
Yu. P. Korneeva, D. Yu. Vodolazov, A. V. Semenov, I. N. Florya, N. Simonov, E. Baeva, A. A. Korneev, G. N. Goltsman, T. M. Klapwijk · Physical Review Applied · 2018
The success of superconducting single-photon detectors has recently led to theoretical analysis of the impact of photons on a current-carrying superconductor, accompanied by the emergence of resistance due to vortices. Based on this analysis, a device unlike the standard long, narrow variety is developed, enabling operation close to the intrinsic critical pair-breaking current of the superconductor. These devices, which can be as wide as a few $\ensuremath{\mu}$m, clearly show single-photon detection for optical wavelengths from 408 to 1550 nm, making them compatible with optical fibers and promising for next-generation large-area detectors for quantum optics applications.