Development of Secure, High-Performance Superconducting Nanowire Single Photon Detectors for Quantum Networks

Superconducting Nanowire Single Photon Detectors (SNSPDs) are crucial in determining the performance and security of Quantum Networks, Photonic Quantum Computers, and Trapped-Ion Quantum Computers. SNSPDs, in general, suffer from shortcomings such as low speed, high timing-jitter, low security, low scalability, and low energy efficiency. Hypres, Inc. will develop Secure, High-Performance SNSPDs using our patent-pending technology to address these issues. The superior performance of Hypres system is based on the integrated fabrication of optical structures, SNSPDs, and Josephson junction circuits on a single chip. Single Flux Quantum (SFQ) digital logic based on Josephson junctions enables control, readout, time stamping, and digital post processing of large arrays of SNSPDs which results in significant enhancement in performance, security, scalability, and energy efficiency. In phase I, we will design a compact photonic coupling structure for the integrated SFQ-assisted SNSPDs for maximum detection efficiency. We will develop integrated fabrication of Optical Structures, SNSPDs and SFQ electronics. We will design and simulate the SFQ circuits for digital readout and detection of hacking attempts. Upon completion of this project in phase I and beyond, our SNSPD system will enable significant development in Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), Optical Quantum Computing, Trapped-Ion Quantum Computing, Quantum Standards, DNA sequencing, Deep Space Communication, Defect analysis in CMOS and more.