Nanoantenna enhancement for telecom-wavelength superconducting single photon detectors

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates how nanoantenna integration can significantly boost the efficiency of superconducting single photon detectors at telecom wavelengths, advancing infrared photon detection technology.

Contribution

It introduces a nanoantenna design that enhances superconducting nanowire detector efficiency at specific telecom wavelengths, with experimental validation.

Findings

50% to 130% increase in detection efficiency

Nanoantennas resonant at 1480 nm and 1525 nm

Potential for larger active areas and longer wavelength detection

Abstract

Superconducting nanowire single photon detectors are rapidly emerging as a key infrared photon-counting technology. Two front-side-coupled silver dipole nanoantennas, simulated to have resonances at 1480 nm and 1525 nm, were fabricated in a two-step process. An enhancement of 50% to 130% in the system detection efficiency was observed when illuminating the antennas. This offers a pathway to increasing absorption into superconducting nanowires, creating larger active areas, and achieving more efficient detection at longer wavelengths.