Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a superconducting single photon detector having a high time resolution. SOLUTION: The superconducting single photon detector comprises a superconductor strip biased up to a level near its critical current value. This strip generates a recognizable output signal upon absorption of an incident single photon. In an embodiment, this strip is made of NbN. In another embodiment, the superconductor strip is formed in a twisted shape to raise the probability of catching photons from a light source. The single photon detector is suited to various application such as space communications, satellite communications, quantum communications, quantum cryptography, micro-emission, semiconductor device tests, etc.
Abstract:
A magneto-optic modulator 1 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 3 such as EuSe onto a superconducting ground plane 5 such as that of the circuit. A microwave microstrip line 7 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.
Abstract:
The detection of photons consists of: (a) providing a superconductive band; (b) electrically polarizing the superconductive band; (c) directing light onto the polarized superconductive band. The polarization takes place at a level approaching the critical current of the superconductive band in order to detect a single photon that meets the superconductive band. An Independent claim is also included for a photon detector using this method of detection.