Electrical performance of next generation single-photon detectors

Light detectors are a mature technology that we encounter on a day-to-day basis without even realizing it, such as in cameras for high resolution imaging and in satellites and dishes for communication. The ability to detect light at the fundamental limit (i.e., single photons) is critical for numerous applications in modern medicine, imaging and quantum information science. Examples include dose monitoring for cancer treatment through singlet oxygen detection, 3D imaging with high resolution over long distances, and in quantum communication for enhanced security to safeguard our sensitive data in banking transactions. Superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) are pushing the limits of single-photon detector performance, but their cost and need for cryogenic cooling systems are significant drawbacks for many applications. Comparatively, single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) technologies can be made portable without cryogenics but falls significantly short of the SNSPD performance.

The aim of this project is to overcome these drawbacks through the development of novel semiconductor nanowire p-n junction array avalanche photodiode (SN-APD) designs for high-efficiency single-photon detection.

Faculty Supervisor:

Michael Reimer

Student:

Partner:

Single Quantum Systems Inc.

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

University of Waterloo

Program: