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

光学技术通过一系列的应用在现代生活中产生了广泛的影响，包括医学成像和外科、通信、机械加工和精密测量。量子光学技术旨在利用光独特的量子特性，在自然允许的情况下尽可能高效地处理和交流信息。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使技术突破。直到最近，可用的最好的单光子探测器还是硅雪崩光电二极管(APD)。致力于开发一种更好的替代方案的努力导致了超导纳米线单光子探测器(SNSPD)的实现和商业化。这些探测器极大地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上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一个技术转折点。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闭合循环低温恒温器。*这个探测系统将为我的团队在未来的量子光学实验研究中提供显著的竞争优势。在短期内，这个系统将使我的团队追求的以下研究方向取得进展：下一代量子光源、超快量子光学和基础实验。它们提高的探测效率和低噪声将使我们能够在仅1小时内完成多光子纠缠实验，而不是使用目前的探测器几天。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。它们将提供所需的光子收集效率，以执行最终的量子无漏洞测试，这是量子行为的一个非常有用和普遍的特征。*探测器将立即用于3名研究生的论文研究，并将在未来由更多的高素质人员(HQP)访问，包括本科生和博士后研究人员。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。他们的研究成果将发表在顶级科学期刊和国际会议上，从而获得宝贵的口头和书面沟通技能，提高他们的知名度，并开始他们自己的职业生涯。**

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.**