University of Rochester

Credence Systems Corporation

Roman Sobolewski

Steven Kasapi

Kenneth R Wilsher

Grigory N Gol'tsman

Oleg V Okunev

Alexey D Semenov

A single-photon detector includes a superconductor strip biased near its critical current. The superconductor strip provides a discernible output signal upon absorption of a single incident photon. In one example, the superconductor is a strip of NbN (niobium nitride). In another example, the superconductor strip meanders to increase its probability of receiving a photon from a light source. The single-photon detector is suitable for a variety of applications including free-space and satellite communications, quantum communications, quantum cryptography, weak luminescence, and semiconductor device testing.

Superconducting single photon detector

A single photon detector includes a superconductor strip biased near its critical current. The superconductor strip provides a discernible output signal upon absorption of a single incident photon. In one example, the superconductor is a strip of NbN (niobium nitride). In another example, the superconductor strip meanders to increase its probability of receiving a photon from a light source. The single-photon detector is suitable for a variety of applications including free-space and satellite communications, quantum communications, quantum cryptography, weak luminescence, and semiconductor device testing.

A magneto-optic modulator modulates signals from a superconducting circuit such as a single-flux-quantum (SFQ) logic system onto a carrier wave light beam. The modulator is formed by depositing a magneto-optic material such as EuSe onto a superconducting ground plane such as that of the circuit. A microwave microstrip line is formed on the magneto-optic material and carries a signal from the circuit. The signal induces an H field in the magneto-optic material which causes the magneto-optic material to modulate the light.

Growing community of inventors

Pittsford, NY, United States of America

Roman Sobolewski