Mid Infrared single photon detection with superconducting detectors

探测单量子光的能力--光子--支撑了21世纪通信、遥感和医学领域的许多新兴技术。探测中红外波长的单光子尤其具有挑战性--目前还不存在现成的半导体设备。本研究项目将研究和优化超导纳米线中红外单光子探测器(SNSPD)。利用詹姆斯瓦特纳米制造中心最先进的设施，制造基于超导材料的超箭纳米线。这些设备将使用量子传感器集团先进的低温和红外测试设施进行表征，包括新投入使用的光学参数振荡器(OPO)源，提供1-4微米波长的亚皮秒脉冲。将与量子技术中心合作伙伴探索中红外单光子成像和遥感应用。

The ability to detect single quanta of light - photons - underpins a host of emerging 21st century technologies in communications, remote sensing and medicine. Detection of single photons at mid infrared wavelengths is particularly challenging - off-the-shelf semiconductor devices do not exist. This research project will investigate and optimise superconducting nanowire single photon detectors (SNSPDs) for the mid infrared range. Using the state-of-the-art facilities of the James Watt Nanofabrication Centre to fabricate ultranarrow nanowires based on superconducting materials. These devices will be characterised using the advanced low temperature and infrared test facilities of the Quantum Sensors group, including a newly commissioned Optical Parametric Oscillator (OPO) source supplying sub-picosecond pulses across 1-4 micrometre wavelength. Mid infrared single photon imaging and remote sensing applications will be explored with QUANTIC quantum technology hub partners.