Two-dimensional cuprate nanodetector with single telecom photon sensitivity at T = 20 K

Abstract

Detecting light at the single-photon level is one of the pillars of emergent photonic technologies. This is realized through state-of-the-art superconducting detectors that offer efficient, broadband and fast response. However, the use of low TC superconducting thin films limits their operation temperature below 4 K. Here, we demonstrate proof-of-concept nanodetectors based on exfoliated, two-dimensional cuprate superconductor Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8-δ that exhibit single-photon sensitivity at telecom wavelength at a record temperature of T = 20 K. These non-optimized devices exhibit a slow (~ ms) reset time and a low detection efficiency (~ 10^(-4)). We realize the elusive prospect of single-photon sensitivity on a high-TC nanodetector thanks to a novel approach, combining van der Waals fabrication techniques and a non-invasive nanopatterning based on light ion irradiation. This result paves the way for broader application of single-photon technologies, relaxing the cryogenic constraints for single-photon detection at telecom wavelength.

Photon counting carbon dioxide gas sensing at 2.05μm wavelength

“…Compact closed-cycle SNSPD cryostat systems have been demonstrated [27], [28] and indeed today more compact commercial helium compressors are available [29]. Finally, it is worth noting recent progress in telecom wavelength single-photon detection with high temperature superconductors would allow much more compact SNSPD systems [30].…”

Apparent color and Raman vibrational modes of the high-temperature superconductor Bi2Sr2CaCu2O 8+δ exfoliated flakes

“…One or half unit cell (UC) of BSCCO-2212 has claimed attention as it stands as a perfect platform to study nonconventional 2D superconductivity [13,14]. Besides, it has been demonstrated the possibility to fabricate different devices such as: single photon detectors [15], nanomechanical oscillators [16], twistronic devices [14,17,18] or superconducting qubits [19,20], based on exfoliated BSCCO-2212. Although it is a promising material that can be used to create innovative devices, only a few works [21,22] have studied BSCCO-2212 exfoliated flakes in depth due to the difficulty in its manipulation.…”

Fundamental Limits of Few-Layer NbSe2 Microbolometers at Terahertz Frequencies

“…It would also be interesting to conduct similar experiments with atomically thin high-T c vdW superconductors, which have recently gained momentum in the field of infrared optoelectronics. 50…”

“…As an outlook, we envision a further boost of responsivity through a significant reduction of the heat capacity in thinner and narrower flakes. It would also be interesting to conduct similar experiments with atomically thin high- T c vdW superconductors, which have recently gained momentum in the field of infrared optoelectronics. , …”