SuperPHOTON · 2D Topological Superconducting Single Photon Detector Devices

Superconducting single photon detectors are critical components for emerging quantum technologies due to their high detection efficiencies, short jitter, photon number resolution, high maximum and low dark count rates. These devices may enable new ground-breaking applications in topological quantum computing and quantum internet. Niobium-based nanowires (Nb, NbN) are some of the most used superconductors for photodetection, but their material characteristics, device jitter and efficiencies cannot be effectively tuned or reproduced for scalable quantum technology deployment. The structural and electronic properties of these nanowires are not suitable for scalable cryogenic or room temperature readout. The challenges in growing high-quality quantum materials consistently provide a significant bottleneck against the development of quantum technologies that might efficiently interface with conventional microelectronics. In my ERC Grant (948063), we are using our pulsed laser deposition (PLD) and molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) expertise for magnetic topological insulators (MTI) and garnets for spintronic and superconducting devices with high conversion efficiency between electronic spins and charges. Here, I propose to develop three prototypes and obtain their patents: (1) Three MTI superconductor-based single photon detector prototypes with beyond state-of-the-art high efficiencies and ultralow jitter owing to the unique properties of MTI such as ultrafast sub-ps magnetization reversal, ballistic transport of Dirac electrons along the interfaces and integrated spin logic. (2) We are going to provide a steady supply of high-quality superconductor and spintronic films (NbN, MTI, and magnetic garnets) to accelerate basic and applied research, which is a market growing with about 20% annual rate. (3) A custom low-cost cryostat for 2-3K detector tests will be prepared with fiber optical and RF cable feedthroughs, electromagnets, readout electronics and software.