English

Shanghai Microsystems Institute has developed a high-speed photon detector with distinguishable photon numbers

264
2024-07-12 11:14:40
See translation

Recently, Li Hao and You Lixing's team from the Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai Institute of Microsystems and Information Technology developed an ultrahigh speed, photon number resolvable optical quantum detector with a maximum count rate of 5GHz and a photon number resolution of 61 by using the sandwich structure superconducting nanowires and multi wires working in parallel. The related research results, titled "Superconducting single photon detector with speed of 5 GHz and photon number resolution of 61", were published online in Photonics Research and were selected for editorial recommendation.

In recent years, superconducting nanowire single photon detectors have been widely used in quantum communication, optical quantum computing, and quantum mechanics principle verification due to their high efficiency, low dark count rate, and excellent time resolution.

The team has developed a highly efficient, ultra high speed, and high photon resolution superconducting detector integrated system. To ensure the portability and reliability of the detection system, the project has built a cooling integrated system based on a GM small refrigeration mechanism. The system supports 64 electrical channels and has a minimum operating temperature of 2.3 K. The detector chip integrates 64 superconducting nanowires on a distributed Bragg reflector, achieving both improved photon absorption and detection speed. After characterization, the yield of nanowire preparation was 61/64, and the system detection efficiency reached 90% at a wavelength of 1550 nm. The maximum counting rate was 5.2 GHz, and the counting rate was 1.7 GHz when the detection efficiency decreased by 3dB. The photon number resolution was 61. The performance indicators of this detection system are expected to support applications such as deep space laser communication, high-speed quantum communication, and basic quantum optical experiments.

The research work was supported by the Science and Technology Innovation 2030 Major Project, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Youth Innovation Promotion Association of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the "Sailing Plan" of Shanghai.


Device structure (a), superconducting nanowires (b), device packaging (c), and refrigeration system (d)

Source: Shanghai Institute of Microsystems and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences

Related Recommendations
  • Jena Helmholtz Institute Using Air Deflection Laser Beam

    A novel method is used to deflect the laser beam using only air. The interdisciplinary research team reported in the journal Nature Photonics that invisible gratings made solely of air not only do not suffer damage from lasers, but also retain the original quality of the beam. The researchers have applied for a patent for their method.Technology and PrinciplesThis innovative technology utilizes so...

    2023-10-07
    See translation
  • The Innovation Road of Laser Welding Automation Production Line for New Energy Vehicle Motor stators

    With the increasing global attention to environmental protection and sustainability, new energy vehicles have become an important trend in the automotive industry. In this context, the production method of the core component of new energy vehicles - the motor stator - has also undergone profound changes. Welding, as a key manufacturing process, has brought disruptive innovation to the manufacturin...

    2024-02-28
    See translation
  • Cannon-Brookes spotlights Singapore with SunCable solar

    Billionaire Mike Cannon-Brookes' plan to export clean energy from Australia to Singapore via a 4,200km undersea cable has gained new momentum after taking control of the stalled project.Cannon-Brookes' Grok Ventures has completed its acquisition of SunCable from the government and is advancing talks with authorities in Singapore and Indonesia, the investment firm said on Thursday. The revised plan...

    2023-09-08
    See translation
  • Fraunhofer ISE develops a faster laser system for wafer processing

    By using a new type of laser, the processing speed of wafers can be 10 to 20 times faster than before. This is the result of a research project at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Systems in Germany.Researchers have developed a prototype that can use ultraviolet waves to carve the most intricate structures on silicon wafers. The new system concept enables solar cell manufacturers to perform lase...

    2023-12-23
    See translation
  • Mitsubishi Electric has launched a light source module for high-capacity laser optical communication in outer space

    On August 22nd, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, a multinational electronics and electrical equipment manufacturing company, announced that it had successfully demonstrated laser optical frequency control using a new light source module, which is a key component of a high-capacity laser optical communication network to be deployed in outer space.It is reported that this module can generate 1.5 &mu...

    2023-08-24
    See translation