Self-aligned device and superconducting nanowire single-photon detector

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of self-alignment device and superconducting nanometer line single-photon detector.The self-alignment device includes: sleeve, base, one end of the sleeve is used to insert the optical fiber head of the superconducting nanometer line single-photon detector, the other end of the sleeve is used to insert the detection chip of the superconducting nanometer line single-photon detector;The base has a jack and support surface, the sleeve is inserted into the jack, the bottom surface of the detection chip is attached to the support surface.By putting optical fiber head and detection chip into the two ends of sleeve, the alignment between optical fiber head and detection chip can be efficiently realized.By inserting the sleeve into the jack of base, and attaching the bottom surface of detection chip to the support surface, the stability of detection chip and sleeve can be significantly improved, the wire bonding stability of detection chip can be improved, it is convenient to judge the installation position of detection chip, and the assembly efficiency of alignment device can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of photon detection, and in particular to a self-aligning device and a superconducting nanowire single-photon detector. Background Technology

[0002] A superconducting nanowire single-photon detector (SNSPD) is a high-performance detector based on superconducting materials. It utilizes the extreme sensitivity of superconductors to photons at low temperatures to achieve single-photon level detection. SNSPDs are characterized by high detection efficiency, low dark count rate, fast response speed, and low time jitter. These properties make SNSPDs promising for a wide range of applications. For example, in quantum communication, the high efficiency and low noise of SNSPDs make them ideal single-photon detectors; in space applications, their high performance also makes them suitable for use in deep-space optical communication and astronomical observation.

[0003] Currently, in SNSPD, the detector and fiber optic head are usually aligned and packaged using a fiber optic sleeve. This method requires the fiber optic sleeve, fiber optic ferrule, and single-photon detector to be aligned together. Furthermore, the single-photon detector is suspended in the air, which is not conducive to electrode bonding and overall stability. Utility Model Content

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by this invention is to overcome the above-mentioned defects in the existing SNSPD, which is not conducive to electrode bonding and overall stability, and to provide a self-aligning device and a superconducting nanowire single-photon detector.

[0005] The present invention solves the above-mentioned technical problems through the following technical solution:

[0006] A self-alignment device for a superconducting nanowire single-photon detector, the self-alignment device comprising: a sleeve and a base, one end of the sleeve for inserting the fiber optic head of the superconducting nanowire single-photon detector, and the other end of the sleeve for inserting the detector 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 detector chip being in contact with the support surface.

[0007] In this solution, by adopting the above structure, alignment between the fiber optic head and the probe chip can be efficiently achieved by placing the fiber optic head and the probe chip at both ends of the sleeve. Inserting the sleeve into the socket of the base and aligning the bottom surface of the probe chip with the support surface significantly improves the stability of the probe chip and the sleeve, enhances the stability of the probe chip bonding process, facilitates the determination of the probe chip's installation position, and improves the assembly efficiency of the alignment device.

[0008] Optionally, the base has a protrusion that is higher than the support surface, and the insertion hole is located on the protrusion.

[0009] In this solution, by adopting the above structure, the base has a protrusion, which facilitates the installation of insertion holes.

[0010] Optionally, the protrusion has a suspended block located above the support surface, and the insertion hole is located on the suspended block.

[0011] In this solution, by adopting the above structure, the socket is located on the suspended block, which provides more space at the bottom of the socket, making it easier to process the socket and also easier to assemble the probe chip.

[0012] Optionally, the axis of the insertion hole is perpendicular to the support surface.

[0013] In this solution, the above structure facilitates the positioning and assembly of the socket, plug, and probe chip, thereby improving alignment accuracy.

[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 support surface, so that the bottom of the socket is suspended, which facilitates the installation of the detection chip.

[0016] Optionally, the detector chip has a connecting portion exposed outside the sleeve, the connecting portion being used to connect to the circuit board of the superconducting nanowire single-photon detector, the circuit board being disposed on the support surface.

[0017] In this solution, by adopting the above structure, the connecting part is exposed in the sleeve, which facilitates wire bonding between the circuit board and the detection chip.

[0018] Optionally, the sleeve has a longitudinal slit that extends through the sleeve from top to bottom;

[0019] And / or, the sidewall of the socket has a slot that extends through the socket.

[0020] In this solution, the above structure facilitates the installation of the detection chip.

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

[0022] In this scheme, by adopting the above structure, the superconducting nanowire single-photon detector can significantly improve the stability of the detector chip and sleeve by utilizing a self-alignment device, improve the stability of the detector chip bonding, facilitate the determination of the detector chip installation position, 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 located at the end of the sleeve, and the circuit board is located on the support surface of the self-alignment device.

[0024] Based on common knowledge in the field, the above-mentioned preferred conditions can be combined arbitrarily to obtain various preferred embodiments of this utility model.

[0025] The positive and progressive effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0026] This invention achieves efficient alignment between the fiber optic head and the probe chip by placing the fiber optic head and the probe chip at both ends of the sleeve. Inserting the sleeve into the socket of the base and aligning the bottom surface of the probe chip with the support surface significantly improves the stability of the probe chip and the sleeve, enhances the stability of the probe chip bonding process, facilitates the determination of the probe chip's installation position, and improves the assembly efficiency of the alignment device. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of a superconducting nanowire single-photon detector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

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

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

[0030] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A top-down view of the sleeve structure in a superconducting nanowire single-photon detector.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the second type of base for a superconducting nanowire single-photon detector.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the third type of base for a superconducting nanowire single-photon detector.

[0033] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0034] Superconducting nanowire single-photon detector 100

[0035] Fiber optic connector 11

[0036] Detection chip 12

[0037] Connecting part 121

[0038] Substrate 122

[0039] Nanowire detection area 123

[0040] Detector electrode 124

[0041] Circuit board 13

[0042] Onboard electrode 131

[0043] SMA interface 14

[0044] Self-alignment device 20

[0045] Sleeve 21

[0046] Longitudinal seam 211

[0047] Base 22

[0048] Socket 221

[0049] Support surface 222

[0050] Protrusion 223

[0051] Suspended block 224

[0052] 225 slotting Detailed Implementation

[0053] The present invention will be described more clearly and completely below by way of embodiments and 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 wire bonding stability of the detector chip 12, facilitates the determination of the installation position of the detector chip 12, and improves the assembly efficiency of the superconducting nanowire single-photon detector 100.

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

[0057] In this example, the fiber optic connector 11 also includes 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 to the outside. The circuit board 13 also includes an SMA interface 14 for easy external communication.

[0058] In one implementation, the detector chip 12 can be understood to include a chip device capable of detecting photons. The detector chip 12 can be used to sense photon signals and generate corresponding electrical signals, which are transmitted to the circuit board 13. The detector 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. During the packaging process, the detector chip 12 is more stable and less prone to damage, and it is more conducive to wire bonding to extract signals.

[0059] Combination Figure 2 The detector chip 12 has a connecting portion 121, which protrudes 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, and the circuit board 13 is disposed on the support surface 222. The connecting portion 121 protrudes from the sleeve 21 to facilitate wire bonding between the circuit board 13 and the detector chip 12. In this example, the connecting portion 121 is strip-shaped and 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 slot 211 of the sleeve 21. The detection electrode 124 is generally quadrilateral and is located outside the sleeve 21.

[0060] Combination 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 fiber optic head 11 of the superconducting nanowire single-photon detector 100, and the other end is used to insert the detector 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 detector chip 12 is in contact with the support surface 222. By placing the fiber optic head 11 and the detector chip 12 into the two ends of the sleeve 21, the alignment between the fiber optic head 11 and the detector chip 12 can be achieved efficiently. By inserting the sleeve 21 into the socket 221 of the base 22 and making the bottom surface of the detector chip 12 in contact with the support surface 222, the stability of the detector chip 12 and the sleeve 21 can be significantly improved, the wire bonding stability of the detector chip 12 can be improved, the installation position of the detector chip 12 can be easily determined, and the assembly efficiency of the alignment device can be improved.

[0061] Combination Figure 1 and Figure 4 The sleeve 21 can be understood as including components that can cover the fiber optic head 11 and the probe chip 12. The sleeve 21 can be hollow overall. 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 implementation, the inner diameter of the sleeve 21 can be slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the fiber optic head 11, which allows the fiber optic head 11 to be well fixed. Typically, the outer diameter of the fiber optic head 11 is in the range of 2.496-2.499 mm, and the inner diameter of the sleeve 21 can be 2.496 mm.

[0063] The materials used for the sleeve 21 and the fiber optic head 11 may include materials with a low coefficient of thermal expansion, so that the sleeve 21 and the fiber optic head 11 deform less when changing from room temperature to low temperature, and the deformation of the two remains synchronous. The material may specifically include zirconium oxide.

[0064] High-tolerance optical coupling can be achieved by encapsulating the fiber optic head 11 and the detector chip 12 into the sleeve 21. Subsequently, the sleeve 21 can be fixed by inserting it into the base 22.

[0065] exist Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 In this context, the base 22 can be understood as including the lower part of the component that provides 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. Oxygen-free copper has a good thermal conductivity, which helps to provide a low-temperature environment for the detection chip 12.

[0066] The base 22 has a protrusion 223 that is higher than the support surface 222, and an insertion hole 221 is located on the protrusion 223. The protrusion 223 facilitates the placement of the insertion hole 221. The protrusion 223 can be understood as including a component higher than the support surface 222. The support surface 222 can be flat. The lower side of the probe chip 12 is also flat. The probe chip 12 is attached to the support surface 222, making the probe chip 12 more stable and facilitating 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 facilitates the installation of the detection chip 12.

[0068] The side wall of the socket 221 has a slot 225 that extends through the socket 221 to facilitate the installation of the detection chip 12.

[0069] In one implementation, the axis of the socket 221 is perpendicular to the support surface 222. This facilitates the positioning and assembly of the socket 221, the plug, and the probe chip 12, and improves alignment accuracy. However, this perpendicularity is not strictly geometric; the perpendicularity between the axis of the socket 221 and the support surface 222 can deviate within a certain range due to manufacturing precision requirements.

[0070] exist Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the middle, the protrusion 223 has a suspended block 224, which is located above the support surface 222, and the insertion hole 221 is provided on the suspended block 224. The insertion hole 221 is provided on the suspended block 224, which makes the bottom of the insertion hole 221 have more space, which facilitates the processing of the insertion hole 221 and also facilitates the assembly of the detection chip 12.

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

[0072] This example of a self-alignment device 20 eliminates the need for a retainer-mounted sleeve 21. Instead, a metal base 22 provides a socket 221 to secure the sleeve 21. Optical coupling relies solely on the interaction between the sleeve 21 and the probe chip 12. Subsequently, the sleeve 21 is simply inserted into the metal base 22 for fixation. This simplified packaging method ensures proper contact between the probe chip 12 and the metal base 22, achieving both thermal conductivity and stability. This example of a self-alignment device 20 reduces the number of components required for existing self-alignment packages and also decreases the number of packaging steps, resulting in a more stable structure.

[0073] While specific embodiments of this utility model have been described above, those skilled in the art should understand that these are merely illustrative examples, and the scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications to these embodiments without departing from the principles and essence of this utility model, but all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A self-aligning device for a superconducting nanowire single-photon detector (100), characterized in that, The self-alignment device includes: A sleeve (21) is used to insert one end of the sleeve (21) into the fiber head (11) of the superconducting nanowire single-photon detector (100), and the other end of the sleeve (21) is used to insert the detector chip (12) of the superconducting nanowire single-photon detector (100). A 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 in contact with the support surface (222). The base (22) has a protrusion (223) that is higher than the support surface (222), and the insertion hole (221) is located on the protrusion (223) and the bottom of the insertion hole (221) does not fit with the support surface (222).

2. The self-aligning device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The protrusion (223) has a suspended block (224) located above the support surface (222), and the insertion hole (221) is provided on the suspended block (224).

3. The self-aligning device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The axis of the socket (221) is perpendicular to the support surface (222).

4. The self-aligning device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom surface of the socket (221) is not lower than the support surface (222).

5. The self-aligning device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The detector chip (12) has a connecting part (121) exposed in the sleeve (21). The connecting part (121) is used to connect the circuit board (13) of the superconducting nanowire single-photon detector (100). The circuit board (13) is disposed on the support surface (222).

6. The self-aligning device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The sleeve (21) has a longitudinal slit (211) that runs through the sleeve (21) from top to bottom. And / or, the sidewall of the socket (221) has a slot (225) that extends through the socket (221).

7. A superconducting nanowire single-photon detector, characterized in that, The superconducting nanowire single-photon detector includes a self-aligning device (20) as described in any one of claims 1-6.

8. The superconducting nanowire single-photon detector as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The superconducting nanowire single-photon detector (100) includes: an optical fiber head (11), a detector 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 detector chip (12) is located at the end of the sleeve (21), and the circuit board (13) is located on the support surface (222) of the self-alignment device (20).

Images