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Single-Photon Detectors on Arbitrary Photonic Substrates

Journal Article (2025)
Author(s)

Max Tao (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)

Samuel Gyger (KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology)

Hamed Sattari (CSEM SA)

Yang Yu (Raith America Inc.)

Stephan Steinhauer (KTH Royal Institute of Technology)

Gerald L. Leake (State University of New York)

Daniel J. Coleman (State University of New York)

Michael L. Fanto (Air Force Research Laboratory)

Carlos Errando-Herranz (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Kavli institute of nanoscience Delft, TU Delft - QuTech Advanced Research Centre, TU Delft - Quantum Circuit Architectures and Technology, TU Delft - QID/Herranz Lab, Universität Münster)

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Research Group
Quantum Circuit Architectures and Technology
DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.1021/acsphotonics.5c00345
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Publication Year
2025
Language
English
Research Group
Quantum Circuit Architectures and Technology
Issue number
5
Volume number
12
Pages (from-to)
2325-2330
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Abstract

Detecting nonclassical light is a central requirement for photonics-based quantum technologies. Unrivaled high efficiencies and low dark counts have positioned superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) as the leading detector technology for integrated photonic applications. However, a central challenge lies in their integration within photonic integrated circuits, regardless of material platform or surface topography. Here, we introduce a method based on transfer printing that overcomes these constraints and allows for the integration of SNSPDs onto arbitrary photonic substrates. With a kinetically controlled elastomer stamp, we transfer suspended SNSPDs onto commercially manufactured silicon and lithium niobate on insulator integrated photonic circuits. Focused ion beam metal deposition then wires the detectors to the circuits, thereby allowing us to monitor photon counts with >7% detection efficiencies. Our method eliminates detector integration bottlenecks and provides new venues for versatile, accessible, and scalable quantum information processors.