A four-channel superconducting single-photon counter for next-generation quantum light sources, ultrafast quantum optics, and foundational experiments

用于下一代量子光源、超快量子光学和基础实验的四通道超导单光子计数器

• 批准号: RTI-2019-00047
• 负责人: Resch, Kevin
• 金额: $ 10.93万
• 依托单位: University of Waterloo
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Research Tools and Instruments
• 财政年份: 2018
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2018-01-01 至 2019-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=663231
• 关键词: four; channel; superconducting; single; photon

Optical technologies have widespread impact in modern life through a range of applications, including medical imaging and surgery, communication, machining, and precision measurement. Quantum optical technologies aim to exploit the uniquely quantum properties of light to process and communicate information as efficiently as nature allows. Since quantum optical technologies rely on our ability to detect and generate light, significant advances in detectors directly enable technological breakthroughs.******Until very recently, the best single-photon detectors available were silicon avalanche photodiodes (APDs). A focused effort on developing a superior alternative has led to the realization and commercialization of superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs). These detectors offer dramatically improved detection efficiency of near infrared and telecom band single photons, and significantly reduced dark count noise and temporal jitter. They exceed the specifications of silicon avalanche photodiodes in these critical parameters to such an extent that they represent a technological turning point in quantum optical technologies. We are requesting funds to acquire a four-channel superconducting single-photon detection system that comprises four detection channels and a closed-cycle cryostat.******This detection system will afford my group with a significant competitive advantage going forward in experimental quantum optics research. In the near term, this system will enable advances in the following research streams pursued by my team: next-generation quantum light sources, ultrafast quantum optics, and foundational experiments. Their improved detection efficiency and low noise will allow us to perform multiphoton entanglement experiments in just 1 hour, instead of several days using current detectors. They will allow us to take advantage of the best nonlinear optical materials facilitating the strongest possible interactions between ultrafast laser pulses and single photons. They will provide the photon collection efficiency needed to perform the ultimate loophole free tests of quantum noncontextuality, a very useful and general signature of quantum behavior.******The detectors will be used immediately for the thesis research of 3 graduate students and will be accessed in the future by additional highly-qualified personnel (HQP) at all levels, including undergraduate and post-doctoral researchers. The HQP will gain extensive experience with state-of-the-art detectors as well as lasers, optics, and cryogenics. Their research results will be presented in top-tier scientific journals and international conferences, thereby gaining valuable oral and written communication skill, enhancing their profile, and launching their own careers.**

光学技术通过一系列应用对现代生活产生广泛影响，包括医学成像和手术、通信、加工和精密测量。量子光学技术旨在利用光的独特量子特性，以自然允许的效率处理和传递信息。由于量子光学技术依赖于我们探测和产生光的能力，探测器的重大进步直接实现了技术突破。直到最近，最好的单光子探测器是硅雪崩光电二极管（APD）。一个专注于开发一个上级的替代品的努力，导致实现和商业化的超导纳米线单光子探测器（SNSPD）。这些探测器显著提高了近红外和电信波段单光子的探测效率，并显著降低了暗计数噪声和时间抖动。它们在这些关键参数方面超过了硅雪崩光电二极管的规格，以至于它们代表了量子光学技术的技术转折点。我们正在申请资金，以购买一个四通道超导单光子探测系统，该系统包括四个探测通道和一个封闭循环低温恒温器。该检测系统将为我的团队在实验量子光学研究中提供显着的竞争优势。在短期内，该系统将使我的团队在以下研究领域取得进展：下一代量子光源，超快量子光学和基础实验。它们改进的探测效率和低噪声将使我们能够在短短1小时内进行多光子纠缠实验，而不是使用当前探测器的几天。它们将使我们能够利用最好的非线性光学材料，促进超快激光脉冲和单光子之间最强的相互作用。它们将提供光子收集效率，以执行量子非上下文性的最终无漏洞测试，这是量子行为的一个非常有用和通用的签名。该探测器将立即用于3名研究生的论文研究，并将在未来由包括本科生和博士后研究人员在内的其他各级高素质人员（HQP）访问。HQP将在最先进的探测器以及激光、光学和低温方面获得丰富的经验。他们的研究成果将在顶级科学期刊和国际会议上发表，从而获得宝贵的口头和书面沟通技巧，提高他们的形象，并开始自己的职业生涯。