Photon Number Resolving Detector With Destructive-Interference Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photon detectors face challenges in efficiently detecting single photons while minimizing reflections and optimizing absorption rates, which affects their performance in optical quantum information applications.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves configuring an optical circuit with an optical waveguide and a plurality of photodetectors, where the photodetectors are spaced and sized to meet destructive interference criteria, thereby reducing reflections and optimizing absorption rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If photon detectors are placed close to the waveguide to maximize absorption, then absorption rate is improved, but reflections increase due to interference effects
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide is divided into multiple segments with different cross-sectional areas, creating distinct regions that control light propagation. This segmentation allows the system to manage absorption and reflection separately in different zones, resolving the contradiction between maximizing absorption and minimizing reflections.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the waveguide are given different local properties - some regions have larger cross-sectional areas for reduced reflection while others have smaller areas for enhanced absorption. This local differentiation allows simultaneous optimization of both absorption rate and reflection minimization in different spatial locations.
2Measurement precision
If multiple photodetectors are used to resolve photon numbers, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single photodetector is designed to perform multiple functions: it detects photons across different spatial zones of the segmented waveguide, enabling photon number resolution without requiring multiple separate detectors. This multi-functionality achieves measurement precision while avoiding the complexity of detector arrays.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented waveguide structure acts as an intermediary that distributes photons to different spatial zones before detection. This intermediary structure enables a single photodetector to effectively resolve photon numbers by spatially separating detection events, avoiding the need for complex multi-detector systems.
Data Source
AI summary
The various embodiments described herein include methods, devices, and systems for detecting photons. As described herein, superconducting photodetectors may be coupled with a waveguide such that reflection is reduced/minimized. In one aspect, an optical circuit includes an optical waveguide and a plurality of photodetectors coupled to the optical waveguide, adjacent photodetectors of the plurality of photodetectors being spaced to meet one or more preset destructive interference criteria.