NIST researchers are developing advanced single-photon detectors crucial for quantum networks. Key technologies include:
1. Superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) with near-perfect efficiency (98%) and ultra-low timing jitter (<3ps) 2. Transition edge sensors (TES) offering photon number resolution but requiring extremely low temperatures 3. Semiconductor-based single-photon avalanche photodiodes (SPADs) that are room-temperature, low-cost, and high-performing, though still needing improvements at telecom wavelengths NIST scientists are working on improving detector characteristics like latency, timing jitter, and afterpulsing. They've developed a bias gating technique that minimizes charge per avalanche, reducing dark counts and enabling high count rates. The technology readiness level varies from commercially available to proof of concept, depending on the device. Source: https://www.nist.gov/pml/quantum-networks-nist/technologies-quantum-networks/single-photon-detectors
Keywords: Photon, Detection, Efficiency, Metrology, Avalanche
