Compact Superconducting Nanowire Single-Photon Detector System

Superconducting nanowire photon detectors have enabled new scientific measurements and secure communication systems by improving the detection of near-infrared photons, a band that is traditionally problematic for semiconductor- and photomultiplier-based detectors. Although nanowire technology is maturing, significant applications and markets are untapped because of the lack of a "plug and play" system with the desired combination of high speed (1 GHz counting), high-efficiency (>90% system detection efficiency), and low noise (<1 Hz system dark count rate). Through computer and laboratory studies we will quantitatively assess the feasibility of building such a system -- specifically, a turn-key, multichannel system of near-infrared-optimized, high-efficiency, high-speed, superconducting nanowire detectors, all operating in an ultra-compact 19" rack-mounted cryostat.