Self-alignment device and superconducting nanowire single-photon detector

Abstract

The invention discloses a self-alignment device and a superconducting nanowire single-photon detector. The self-alignment device comprises a sleeve and a base, one end of the sleeve is used for inserting an optical fiber head of the superconducting nanowire single-photon detector, and the other end of the sleeve is used for inserting a detection chip of the superconducting nanowire single-photon detector; the base is provided with an insertion hole and a supporting face, the sleeve is inserted into the insertion hole, and the bottom face of the detection chip is attached to the supporting face. The alignment between the optical fiber head and the detection chip can be efficiently realized by putting the optical fiber head and the detection chip into the two ends of the sleeve. According to the alignment device, the sleeve is inserted into the insertion hole of the base, and the bottom surface of the detection chip is attached to the supporting surface, so that the stability of the detection chip and the sleeve can be remarkably improved, the routing stability of the detection chip can be improved, the installation position of the detection chip can be conveniently judged, and the assembly efficiency of the alignment device can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of photon detection, and in particular to a self-alignment device and a superconducting nanowire single-photon detector. Background Art

[0002] A superconducting nanowire single-photon detector (SNSPD) is a high-performance detector based on superconducting materials. It exploits the extreme sensitivity of superconducting materials to photons at low temperatures to enable single-photon detection. The SNSPD's performance characteristics include high detection efficiency, low dark count rate, fast response speed, and minimal timing jitter. These characteristics make the SNSPD potentially applicable in a wide range of fields. For example, in quantum communications, the SNSPD's high efficiency and low noise make it an ideal single-photon detector. In space applications, the SNSPD's high performance also opens up possibilities for deep-space optical communications and astronomical observations.

[0003] At present, a fiber optic sleeve is usually used for alignment and packaging between the detector and the fiber head in the SNSPD. This method requires the alignment of three components: the fiber optic sleeve, the fiber optic ferrule, and the single-photon detector. In addition, the single-photon detector is set in the air, which is not conducive to electrode wiring and overall stability. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a self-aligning device and a superconducting nanowire single-photon detector in order to overcome the above-mentioned defects of the SNSPD in the prior art, that is, the detector is suspended, which is not conducive to electrode wiring and overall stability.

[0005] The present invention solves the above technical problems through the following technical solutions:

[0006] A self-alignment device for a superconducting nanowire single-photon detector, comprising: a sleeve and a base, one end of the sleeve being used to insert the optical fiber head of the superconducting nanowire single-photon detector, and the other end of the sleeve being used to insert the detection chip of the superconducting nanowire single-photon detector; the base having a socket and a support surface, the sleeve being inserted into the socket, and the bottom surface of the detection chip being in contact with the support surface.

[0007] In this solution, by adopting the above structure, the optical fiber head and detection chip are placed at both ends of the sleeve, effectively achieving alignment between the optical fiber head and the detection chip. By inserting the sleeve into the socket of the base and aligning the bottom surface of the detection chip with the support surface, the stability of the detection chip and sleeve is significantly improved, the bonding stability of the detection chip is improved, the detection chip installation position is easily determined, and the assembly efficiency of the alignment device is improved.

[0008] Optionally, the base has a raised portion, the raised portion is higher than the supporting surface, and the socket is provided on the raised portion.

[0009] In this solution, by adopting the above structure, the base has a raised portion, which is convenient for setting the socket.

[0010] Optionally, the protrusion has a suspended block, the suspended block is located above the supporting surface, and the socket is provided on the suspended block.

[0011] In this solution, by adopting the above structure, the socket is provided on the suspended block, so that there is more space at the bottom of the socket, which is convenient for processing the socket and assembling the detection chip.

[0012] Optionally, the axis of the socket is perpendicular to the supporting surface.

[0013] In this solution, by adopting the above structure, the positioning and assembly of the jack, plug and detection chip are facilitated, and the alignment accuracy can be improved.

[0014] Optionally, the bottom surface of the socket is not lower than the supporting surface.

[0015] In this solution, by adopting the above structure, the bottom surface of the socket is not lower than the supporting surface, so that the bottom of the socket is suspended in the air, which is convenient for installing the detection chip.

[0016] Optionally, the detection chip has a connecting portion, the connecting portion is exposed from the sleeve, and the connecting portion is used to connect to a circuit board of the superconducting nanowire single-photon detector, and the circuit board is provided on the supporting surface.

[0017] In this solution, by adopting the above structure, the connecting portion is exposed from the sleeve, which facilitates wiring between the circuit board and the detection chip.

[0018] Optionally, the sleeve has a longitudinal seam, and the longitudinal seam runs through the sleeve from top to bottom;

[0019] And / or, the side wall of the insertion hole has a slot, and the slot runs through the insertion hole.

[0020] In this solution, by adopting the above structure, it is easy to install the detection chip.

[0021] A superconducting nanowire single-photon detector comprises the self-alignment device described above.

[0022] In this solution, by adopting the above structure, the superconducting nanowire single-photon detector uses a self-alignment device, which can significantly improve the stability of the detection chip and sleeve, improve the wire bonding stability of the detection chip, facilitate the judgment of the installation position of the detection chip, and improve the assembly efficiency of the superconducting nanowire single-photon detector.

[0023] Optionally, the superconducting nanowire single-photon detector includes: an optical fiber head, a detection chip, a circuit board and a self-alignment device, the optical fiber head is inserted into the sleeve of the self-alignment device, the detection chip is arranged at the end of the sleeve, and the circuit board is arranged on the support surface of the self-alignment device.

[0024] On the basis of conforming to the common sense in this field, the above-mentioned preferred conditions can be arbitrarily combined to obtain the preferred embodiments of the present invention.

[0025] The positive progress effect of the present invention is:

[0026] The present invention efficiently aligns the optical fiber head and the detection chip by placing them at both ends of a sleeve. By inserting the sleeve into the socket of the base and aligning the bottom surface of the detection chip with the support surface, the stability of the detection chip and sleeve can be significantly improved, the bonding stability of the detection chip can be enhanced, the detection chip installation position can be easily determined, and the assembly efficiency of the alignment device can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of an explosion of a superconducting nanowire single-photon detector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the detection chip in a superconducting nanowire single-photon detector.

[0029] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the base in a superconducting nanowire single-photon detector.

[0030] Figure 4 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the sleeve in the superconducting nanowire single-photon detector from a top-down perspective.

[0031] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the structure of the second base of superconducting nanowire single-photon detector.

[0032] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the structure of the third base of superconducting nanowire single-photon detector.

[0033] Description of reference numerals:

[0034] Superconducting Nanowire Single Photon Detector 100

[0035] Fiber optic head 11

[0036] Detection chip 12

[0037] Connecting portion 121

[0038] substrate 122

[0039] Nanowire detection area 123

[0040] Detection electrode 124

[0041] Circuit board 13

[0042] Onboard electrode 131

[0043] SMA interface 14

[0044] Self-aligning device 20

[0045] Sleeve 21

[0046] Longitudinal seam 211

[0047] Base 22

[0048] Jack 221

[0049] Support surface 222

[0050] Protrusion 223

[0051] Suspended block 224

[0052] Slotted 225 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] The present invention will be described more clearly and completely below by way of embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiments.

[0054] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, this embodiment includes a self-alignment device 20 and a superconducting nanowire single-photon detector 100 , wherein the superconducting nanowire single-photon detector 100 uses the self-alignment device 20 .

[0055] The superconducting nanowire single-photon detector 100 includes a self-alignment device 20, as described below. The self-alignment device 20 significantly improves the stability of the detector chip 12 and the sleeve 21, enhances the bonding stability of the detector chip 12, facilitates determination of the installation position of the detector chip 12, and improves the assembly efficiency of the superconducting nanowire single-photon detector 100.

[0056] As an embodiment, the superconducting nanowire single-photon detector 100 may specifically include: an optical fiber head 11, a detection chip 12, a circuit board 13 and a self-alignment device 20, the optical fiber head 11 is inserted into the sleeve 21 of the self-alignment device 20, the detection chip 12 is arranged at the end of the sleeve 21, and the circuit board 13 is arranged on the support surface 222 of the self-alignment device 20.

[0057] In this example, the fiber optic head 11 is also equipped with an optical fiber. The optical signal is transmitted through the optical fiber to the detection chip 12. The detection chip 12 senses the optical signal and converts it into an electrical signal. The detection electrode 124 of the detection chip 12 is connected to the onboard electrode 131 of the circuit board 13 via a wire. The electrical signal is transmitted to the circuit board 13 and can then be recorded or transmitted externally. The circuit board 13 is also equipped with an SMA interface 14 to facilitate external communication.

[0058] As an embodiment, the detection chip 12 can be understood to include a chip device capable of detecting photons. The detection chip 12 can sense photon signals and generate corresponding electrical signals, which are then transmitted to the circuit board 13. The detection chip 12 and the circuit board 13 can be located on the same horizontal plane, that is, on the support surface 222 of the base 22. This makes the detection chip 12 more stable and less susceptible to damage during the packaging process, facilitating wire bonding and signal extraction.

[0059] Combine Figure 2 The detection chip 12 has a connecting portion 121, which is exposed from the sleeve 21. The connecting portion 121 is used to connect to the circuit board 13 of the superconducting nanowire single-photon detector 100. The circuit board 13 is provided on the support surface 222. The connecting portion 121 is exposed from the sleeve 21, which facilitates wiring between the circuit board 13 and the detection chip 12. In this example, the connecting portion 121 is in the shape of a thin strip. The connecting portion 121 is located between the nanowire detection region 123 and the detection electrode 124. The nanowire detection region 123 is generally circular and can be embedded in the sleeve 21. The connecting portion 121 can be embedded in the longitudinal slit 211 of the sleeve 21. The detection electrode 124 is generally quadrilateral and is located outside the sleeve 21.

[0060] Combine Figure 1The self-alignment device 20 includes a sleeve 21 and a base 22. One end of the sleeve 21 is used to insert the optical fiber head 11 of the superconducting nanowire single-photon detector 100, and the other end of the sleeve 21 is used to insert the detection chip 12 of the superconducting nanowire single-photon detector 100. The base 22 has a socket 221 and a support surface 222. The sleeve 21 is inserted into the socket 221, and the bottom surface of the detection chip 12 is aligned with the support surface 222. By placing the optical fiber head 11 and the detection chip 12 at both ends of the sleeve 21, the alignment between the optical fiber head 11 and the detection chip 12 can be efficiently achieved. By inserting the sleeve 21 into the socket 221 of the base 22 and making the bottom surface of the detection chip 12 aligned with the support surface 222, the stability of the detection chip 12 and the sleeve 21 can be significantly improved, the bonding stability of the detection chip 12 can be improved, the installation position of the detection chip 12 can be easily determined, and the assembly efficiency of the alignment device can be improved.

[0061] Combine Figure 1 and Figure 4 The sleeve 21 can be understood as comprising a component capable of housing the optical fiber head 11 and the detection chip 12. The sleeve 21 can be hollow as a whole. In this example, the sleeve 21 is a circular tube. The sleeve 21 has a longitudinal slit 211 that runs through the sleeve 21 from top to bottom.

[0062] As a specific embodiment, the inner diameter of the sleeve 21 can be slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the optical fiber head 11, so that the optical fiber head 11 can be well fixed. Generally, the outer diameter of the optical fiber head 11 ranges from 2.496 to 2.499 mm, and the inner diameter of the sleeve 21 can be 2.496 mm.

[0063] The sleeve 21 and the optical fiber head 11 may be made of a material with a low expansion coefficient, so that the sleeve 21 and the optical fiber head 11 have a small deformation when changing from room temperature to low temperature, and the deformation of the two is kept synchronous. Specific examples of the material include zirconium oxide.

[0064] The optical fiber head 11 and the detection chip 12 are packaged into the sleeve 21 to achieve high-tolerance coupling of light, and the sleeve 21 is subsequently inserted into the base 22 to fix the optical fiber sleeve 21 .

[0065] exist Figure 3 、 Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the embodiment, the base 22 can be understood as a component located at the bottom that can provide support and fixation for the sleeve 21 and the detection chip 12. In this example, the base 22 can be made of metal, specifically oxygen-free copper, which has good thermal conductivity and is convenient for providing a low-temperature environment for the detection chip 12.

[0066] The base 22 has a raised portion 223 that is higher than the support surface 222. The socket 221 is located on the raised portion 223. The base 22 has a raised portion 223 that facilitates the placement of the socket 221. The raised portion 223 can be understood as comprising a component that is higher than the support surface 222. The support surface 222 can be flat. The lower side of the detection chip 12 is also flat. The detection chip 12 is attached to the support surface 222, which provides greater stability and facilitates subsequent wire bonding operations.

[0067] In this example, the bottom surface of the socket 221 is not lower than the support surface 222. The bottom surface of the socket 221 is not lower than the support surface 222, so that the bottom of the socket 221 is suspended, which is convenient for installing the detection chip 12.

[0068] A side wall of the insertion hole 221 has a slot 225 , which passes through the insertion hole 221 to facilitate installation of the detection chip 12 .

[0069] In one embodiment, the axis of the jack 221 is perpendicular to the support surface 222. This facilitates the positioning and assembly of the jack 221, the plug, and the detection chip 12, and improves alignment accuracy. The term "perpendicular" here does not strictly refer to perpendicularity between lines or surfaces in geometry. Due to machining accuracy, the perpendicularity between the axis of the jack 221 and the support surface 222 may deviate within a certain range.

[0070] exist Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the embodiment, the protrusion 223 has a suspension block 224, which is located above the support surface 222, and the socket 221 is provided on the suspension block 224. The socket 221 is provided on the suspension block 224, so that there is more space at the bottom of the socket 221, which is convenient for the processing of the socket 221 and the assembly of the detection chip 12.

[0071] exist Figure 1 and Figure 5 In FIG, the protrusion 223 extends upward from the edge of the base 22. Figure 6 In the embodiment, the protrusion 223 extends upward from the middle area of ​​the base 22 .

[0072] This example of a self-aligning device 20 eliminates the need for a ferrule-mounted sleeve 21. Instead, a metal base 22 is used to create a socket 221 to secure the sleeve 21. Light coupling relies solely on the fit between the sleeve 21 and the detector chip 12. The sleeve 21 is then inserted into the metal base 22 to secure it. This simple packaging method ensures contact between the detector chip 12 and the metal base 22, promoting thermal conductivity and greater stability. This example of a self-aligning device 20 reduces the number of components and steps required for existing self-aligning packages, resulting in a more stable structure.

[0073] Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, those skilled in the art will appreciate that these are merely illustrative and that the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art may make various changes or modifications to these embodiments without departing from the principles and essence of the present invention, and such changes and modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A self-aligning device for a superconducting nanowire single-photon detector, characterized in that: The self-aligning device comprises: A sleeve, one end of which is used to insert the optical fiber head of the superconducting nanowire single-photon detector, and the other end of which is used to insert the detection chip of the superconducting nanowire single-photon detector; The base has an insertion hole and a support surface, the sleeve is inserted into the insertion hole, and the bottom surface of the detection chip is in contact with the support surface.

2. The self-aligning device according to claim 1, wherein The base has a raised portion, the raised portion is higher than the supporting surface, and the insertion hole is arranged on the raised portion.

3. The self-aligning device according to claim 2, wherein The protrusion has a suspended block, the suspended block is located above the supporting surface, and the insertion hole is provided on the suspended block.

4. The self-aligning device according to claim 1, wherein The axis of the insertion hole is perpendicular to the supporting surface.

5. The self-aligning device according to claim 1, wherein The bottom surface of the socket is not lower than the supporting surface.

6. The self-aligning device according to claim 1, wherein The detection chip has a connecting portion, which is exposed from the sleeve and is used to connect to a circuit board of the superconducting nanowire single-photon detector. The circuit board is arranged on the supporting surface.

7. The self-aligning device according to claim 1, wherein The sleeve has a longitudinal seam, and the longitudinal seam runs through the sleeve from top to bottom; And / or, the side wall of the insertion hole has a slot, and the slot runs through the insertion hole.

8. A superconducting nanowire single-photon detector, characterized in that: The superconducting nanowire single-photon detector comprises the self-alignment device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The superconducting nanowire single-photon detector according to claim 8, wherein: The superconducting nanowire single-photon detector includes: an optical fiber head, a detection chip, a circuit board and a self-alignment device. The optical fiber head is inserted into the sleeve of the self-alignment device, the detection chip is arranged at the end of the sleeve, and the circuit board is arranged on the support surface of the self-alignment device.

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