Matrix of integrated superconducting single-photon detectors with high timing resolution

TL;DR

This paper presents a large, integrated superconducting single-photon detector matrix with high timing resolution, capable of resolving photon events in complex photonic circuits at telecom wavelengths.

Contribution

It introduces a scalable, high-density detector array integrated on a chip with optimized designs for efficiency, low noise, and precise timing, advancing quantum photonics technology.

Findings

Successful fabrication of a detector matrix with high density

Detectors achieved high timing resolution for photon event discrimination

Demonstrated application in cavity ring-down measurement

Abstract

We demonstrate a large grid of individually addressable superconducting single photon detectors on a single chip. Each detector element is fully integrated into an independent waveguide circuit with custom functionality at telecom wavelengths. High device density is achieved by fabricating the nanowire detectors in traveling wave geometry directly on top of silicon-on-insulator waveguides. Our superconducting single-photon detector matrix includes detector designs optimized for high detection efficiency, low dark count rate and high timing accuracy. As an example, we exploit the high timing resolution of a particularly short nanowire design to resolve individual photon round-trips in a cavity ring-down measurement of a silicon ring resonator.