Josephson-junction infrared single-photon detector

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a novel method for detecting single near-infrared photons using a graphene-based Josephson junction, leveraging quasiparticle generation for high-sensitivity optical detection in superconducting devices.

Contribution

It introduces a new photon detection technique utilizing Josephson junctions coupled with surface plasmons in graphene, enabling single-photon sensitivity in the near-infrared range.

Findings

Photon-induced switching reveals quasiparticle generation

Graphene-based JJ detects single near-infrared photons

Potential for high-speed, low-power optical interconnects

Abstract

Josephson junctions (JJs) are ubiquitous superconducting devices, enabling high sensitivity magnetometers and voltage amplifiers, as well as forming the basis of high performance cryogenic computer and superconducting quantum computers. While JJ performance can be degraded by quasiparticles (QPs) formed from broken Cooper pairs, this phenomenon also opens opportunities to sensitively detect electromagnetic radiation. Here we demonstrate single near-infrared photon detection by coupling photons to the localized surface plasmons of a graphene-based JJ. Using the photon-induced switching statistics of the current-biased JJ, we reveal the critical role of QPs generated by the absorbed photon in the detection mechanism. The photon-sensitive JJ will enable a high-speed, low-power optical interconnect for future JJ-based computing architectures.