Superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors: physics and applications

• Published in: Superconductor science & technology Vol. 25; no. 6; pp. 63001 - 1-16
• Main Authors: Natarajan, Chandra M, Tanner, Michael G, Hadfield, Robert H
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bristol IOP Publishing 01.06.2012; Institute of Physics
• Subjects: Detectors; Devices; Exact sciences and technology; Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); Nanocomposites; Nanomaterials; Nanostructure; Nanowires; Optics; Photon statistics and coherence theory; Physics; Quantum optics; Superconductivity; Superconductors; Thresholds; Superconducting devices; Cooling; Photon counting; Nanowire device; Quantum computer; Readout systems; Background noise; Single photon source
• ISSN: 0953-2048; 1361-6668
• DOI: 10.1088/0953-2048/25/6/063001

Single-photon detectors based on superconducting nanowires (SSPDs or SNSPDs) have rapidly emerged as a highly promising photon-counting technology for infrared wavelengths. These devices offer high efficiency, low dark counts and excellent timing resolution. In this review, we consider the basic SNSPD operating principle and models of device behaviour. We give an overview of the evolution of SNSPD device design and the improvements in performance which have been achieved. We also evaluate device limitations and noise mechanisms. We survey practical refrigeration technologies and optical coupling schemes for SNSPDs. Finally we summarize promising application areas, ranging from quantum cryptography to remote sensing. Our goal is to capture a detailed snapshot of an emerging superconducting detector technology on the threshold of maturity.