Recent advances and future perspectives of single-photon avalanche diodes for quantum photonics applications

Abstract

Photonic quantum technologies promise a revolution of the world of information processing, from simulation and computing to communication and sensing, thanks to the many advantages of exploiting single photons as quantum information carriers. In this scenario, single-photon detectors play a key role. On the one hand, superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) are able to provide remarkable performance on a broad spectral range, but their applicability is often limited by the need of cryogenic operating temperatures. On the other hand, single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs) overcome the intrinsic limitations of SNSPDs by providing a valid alternative at room temperature or slightly below. In this paper, we review the fundamental principles of the SPAD operation and we provide a thorough discussion of the recent progress made in this field, comparing the performance of these devices with the requirements of the quantum photonics applications. In the end, we conclude with our vision of the future by summarizing prospects and unbeaten paths that can open new perspectives in the field of photonic quantum information processing.

Finite key effects in satellite quantum key distribution

“…Although superconducting nanowire single photon detectors exhibit excellent photon detection efficiency with improved quantum efficiencies across a wide range of wavelengths with very low jitter and dark count rates [54], the need for cryogenic coolers and single mode coupling (necessitating the use of adaptive optics) greatly restricts widespread deployment. Silicon SPADs are the preferred option for Vis/NIR photons with moderately high PDE and sufficiently low dark count rate with conventional thermoelectric cooling of the order of 10s of counts per second, leading to a few error counts per second taking into account temporal filtering [55].…”