Next generation nanostructured superconducting single-photon detectors
Lead Research Organisation:
Heriot-Watt University
Department Name: Sch of Engineering and Physical Science
Abstract
Infrared single-photon detectors are a key enabling technology for a host of applications at the frontiers of science, from quantum information processing to remote sensing and new types of medical imaging. Advanced photon-counting applications place exacting demands on detector performance, which conventional detectors are unable to meet. This proposal focuses on a highly promising emerging single-photon detector technology, based on a superconducting nanowire. These detectors offer spectral sensitivity from visible to mid-infrared wavelengths, with picosecond timing resolution and low dark counts. However detector performance is currently hindered by low practical quantum efficiency, small device areas, and low fabrication yields. Next generation detectors are urgently required with near-100% detection efficiency and the ability to resolve the number of photons in a pulse of light. This project is designed to take up this challenge: we aim to create a new generation of high efficiency wavelength-tunable photon-number resolving nanostructured single-photon detectors, employing advanced concepts in nanofabrication and nano-optics. We aim to realise new high efficiency device designs based on optical cavities and nanoantennas, and multi-pixel detector arrays with photon-number resolving capability. This project is a collaboration between two leading UK groups, at the University of Cambridge and Heriot-Watt University, with additional support from the leading international group in this field (MIT, USA). The Cambridge group provide world-class expertise in superconducting thin film growth and device fabrication; the Heriot-Watt group bring unrivalled expertise in nano-optical testing of superconducting single-photon detectors. The development of this new generation of high performance single-photon detectors will affirm the position of the UK at the forefront of single-photon science and applications.
Organisations
Publications
Bonneau D
(2012)
Fast path and polarization manipulation of telecom wavelength single photons in lithium niobate waveguide devices.
in Physical review letters
Bonneau D
(2012)
Quantum interference and manipulation of entanglement in silicon wire waveguide quantum circuits
in New Journal of Physics
Casaburi A
(2013)
Current distribution in a parallel configuration superconducting strip-line detector
in Applied Physics Letters
Clarke P
(2011)
Analysis of detector performance in a gigahertz clock rate quantum key distribution system
in New Journal of Physics
De Greve K
(2012)
Quantum-dot spin-photon entanglement via frequency downconversion to telecom wavelength.
in Nature
Dorenbos S
(2010)
Position controlled nanowires for infrared single photon emission
in Applied Physics Letters
Dyer SD
(2012)
Analysis of a distributed fiber-optic temperature sensor using single-photon detectors.
in Optics express
Gemmell N.R.
(2013)
Singlet oxygen luminescence detection with a fiber-coupled superconducting nanowire single-photon detector
in CLEO: Applications and Technology, CLEO_AT 2013
Gemmell NR
(2013)
Singlet oxygen luminescence detection with a fiber-coupled superconducting nanowire single-photon detector.
in Optics express
Heath R
(2014)
Nano-optical observation of cascade switching in a parallel superconducting nanowire single photon detector
in Applied Physics Letters
Description | This project enabled me to advance the development of superconducting nanowire single photon detectors, consolidating an independent research group in the UK. In partnership with Cambridge, we advanced the patterning of nanowire devices and superconducting film technology. We developed world-class capabilty in nano-optical testing. We established new international collaborations, introducing these devices into new application areas. |
Exploitation Route | This review article written towards the end of the project is a manifesto and reference point for our field worldwide. It now has more than 25000 downloads. It provides a roadmap for next generation device developments and emerging applications. There are a number of successful international startups commercializing this technology (single quantum NL, Scontel russia, Quantum Opus PhotonSpot USA) benefiting from the demand across a range of fields. |
Sectors | Aerospace Defence and Marine Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software) Electronics Energy Environment Healthcare Government Democracy and Justice Manufacturing including Industrial Biotechology Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology Security and Diplomacy |
URL | http://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/0953-2048/25/6/063001 |
Description | This project was important in translating an emerging technology (infrared photon counting detectors based on superconducting nanowires) into new scientifc and technological applications. New applications included quantum communications, single photon LIDAR, fibre optic sensing and dosimetry for photodynamic therapy. Key partnerships consolidated through this work were with TU Delft (Netherlands), ID Quantique (Switzerland), Ontario Cancer Institute (Canada), NIST (ISA), NICT (Japan) |
First Year Of Impact | 2011 |
Sector | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software),Leisure Activities, including Sports, Recreation and Tourism,Security and Diplomacy |
Impact Types | Societal |
Description | EPSRC |
Amount | £466,965 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/I036273/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 05/2012 |
End | 05/2016 |
Description | EPSRC |
Amount | £960,579 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/F048041/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2008 |
End | 09/2012 |
Description | EPSRC |
Amount | £450,135 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/J007544/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 01/2012 |
End | 01/2017 |
Description | European Commission (EC) |
Amount | £31,570 (GBP) |
Funding ID | E!6623 |
Organisation | European Commission |
Sector | Public |
Country | European Union (EU) |
Start | 05/2012 |
End | 05/2014 |
Description | European Commission (EC) |
Amount | £31,570 (GBP) |
Funding ID | E!6623 |
Organisation | European Commission |
Sector | Public |
Country | European Union (EU) |
Start | 03/2012 |
End | 09/2014 |
Description | European Research Council Consolidator Grant |
Amount | £1,330,336 (GBP) |
Funding ID | 648604 IRIS |
Organisation | European Commission |
Sector | Public |
Country | European Union (EU) |
Start | 04/2015 |
End | 10/2019 |
Description | Impact Acceleration Account Funding (via University of Glasgow) - Market Survey |
Amount | £19,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 01/2015 |
End | 03/2015 |
Description | QUANTIC - the UK quantum technology hub in quantum enhanced imaging |
Amount | £23,056,154 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/M01326X/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2014 |
End | 09/2019 |
Description | Royal Society of London |
Amount | £378,481 (GBP) |
Funding ID | University Research Fellowship (renewal) |
Organisation | The Royal Society |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2011 |
End | 09/2014 |
Description | Royal Society of London |
Amount | £378,481 (GBP) |
Funding ID | University Research Fellowship (renewal) |
Organisation | The Royal Society |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2011 |
End | 09/2014 |
Description | United States Air Force (USAF) |
Amount | £59,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EOARD |
Organisation | United States Air Force |
Sector | Public |
Country | United States |
Start | 09/2011 |
End | 09/2012 |
Description | UK National Quantum Technology Showcase 2016 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Live demonstration of miniaturized cooling platform for superconducting single photon detectors QE2 conference centre, Westminster, London 3/11/2016 Work completed for the QuantIC quantum technology hub in partnership with STFC/RAL |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
URL | https://quantic.ac.uk/category/news/ |