Design and characterisation of 36-pixel SNSPD arrays for the mid-infrared astronomical applications

Dmitry V. Morozov; Daniel Kuznesof; Ciaran Lennon; Umberto Nasti; Robert H. Hadfield

doi:10.1117/12.3020035

28 August 2024 Design and characterisation of 36-pixel SNSPD arrays for the mid-infrared astronomical applications

Dmitry V. Morozov, Daniel Kuznesof, Ciaran Lennon, Umberto Nasti, Robert H. Hadfield

Proceedings Volume PC13103, X-Ray, Optical, and Infrared Detectors for Astronomy XI; PC131030C (2024) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3020035
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2024, Yokohama, Japan

Abstract

Ability to detect individual photons in the mid-ir is crucial for many astronomical applications and detector technology is the vital part of instrumentation for future space missions. The search for bio signatures through transiting exoplanet spectroscopy requires an array of detectors covering the spectral range of 2.8 to 20μm. Superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) are highly efficient and low-noise devices ideal for counting and observing low levels of photons. They have near-perfect quantum efficiency and can be combined into arrays for imaging. Here, we report on the development of 36-pixel mid-infrared SNSPD arrays. Detectors are based on optimised ultrathin NbN films, which are grown by both magnetron sputtering and atomic layer deposition (ALD) techniques. For characterisation we assembled a setup based on tuneable optical parametric oscillator (OPO) source to provide picosecond long pulses in the 1.5 to 10μm spectral region. This work provides an analysis of the electrical, optical, and temporal performance of individual pixels as well as information on pixel performance uniformity across the array.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

Dmitry V. Morozov, Daniel Kuznesof, Ciaran Lennon, Umberto Nasti, and Robert H. Hadfield "Design and characterisation of 36-pixel SNSPD arrays for the mid-infrared astronomical applications", Proc. SPIE PC13103, X-Ray, Optical, and Infrared Detectors for Astronomy XI, PC131030C (28 August 2024); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3020035

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