Device and system for single photon detection using a plurality of superconducting detection means connected in parallel
US11988551B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 16, 2020 |
| Grant date | May 21, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 28, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01J2005/208
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A device for single-photon detection comprising two superconducting detectors, a bias-current source, a filter element and a readout circuit. Each detector forms a detection area for absorption of incident photons and is connected in parallel; each detector being maintained below its critical temperature and provided with an electrical bias current situated close to and below its critical current so as to be maintained in a non-resistive superconducting state, and configured to transition, at photon absorption, from the non-resistive state to a resistive state due to an increase in current density within the detector above the critical current. The readout circuit senses a voltage change corresponding to the, allowing creation of an event signal for each absorption of an incident photon by a detector. The device includes a current-redistribution portion for redistributing current arising after absorption of incident photons so as to avoid increases in current density above the critical current.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.