Proposal for a GHz count rate near-IR single-photon detector based on a nanoscale superconducting transition edge sensor

Daniel F. Santavicca; Faustin W. Carter; Daniel E. Prober

doi:10.1117/12.883979

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13 May 2011 Proposal for a GHz count rate near-IR single-photon detector based on a nanoscale superconducting transition edge sensor

Daniel F. Santavicca, Faustin W. Carter, Daniel E. Prober

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Proceedings Volume 8033, Advanced Photon Counting Techniques V; 80330W (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.883979
Event: SPIE Defense, Security, and Sensing, 2011, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

We describe a superconducting transition edge sensor based on a nanoscale niobium detector element. This device is predicted to be capable of energy-resolved near-IR single-photon detection with a GHz count rate. The increased speed and sensitivity of this device compared to traditional transition edge sensors result from the very small electronic heat capacity of the nanoscale detector element. In the present work, we calculate the predicted thermal response time and energy resolution. We also discuss approaches for achieving efficient optical coupling to the sub-wavelength detector element using a resonant near-IR antenna.

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Daniel F. Santavicca, Faustin W. Carter, and Daniel E. Prober "Proposal for a GHz count rate near-IR single-photon detector based on a nanoscale superconducting transition edge sensor", Proc. SPIE 8033, Advanced Photon Counting Techniques V, 80330W (13 May 2011); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.883979

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