Nonlinearity in Single Photon Detection: Modeling and Quantum Tomography

TL;DR

This paper develops an improved, device-independent quantum optical model for superconducting nanowire single photon detectors, capturing their nonlinear response to multiple photons, which enhances understanding and application in quantum optics.

Contribution

It introduces a new nonlinear, device-independent model for superconducting nanowire single photon detectors based on detector tomography, advancing the theoretical understanding of their behavior.

Findings

Improved model fits experimental data more accurately.

Reveals nonlinear response characteristics of detectors.

Supports applications requiring nonlinear photon detection.

Abstract

Single Photon Detectors are integral to quantum optics and quantum information. Superconducting Nanowire based detectors exhibit new levels of performance, but have no accepted quantum optical model that is valid for multiple input photons. By performing Detector Tomography, we improve the recently proposed model [M.K. Akhlaghi and A.H. Majedi, IEEE Trans. Appl. Supercond. 19, 361 (2009)] and also investigate the manner in which these detectors respond nonlinearly to light, a valuable feature for some applications. We develop a device independent model for Single Photon Detectors that incorporates this nonlinearity.