Photon detection at subwavelength scales

Wang, Q. (2015)

Doctoral Thesis

We first investigate the microscopic working principle of the nanowire superconducting single-photon detectors (SSPDs), and we find that the edge of the nanowire is much more sensitive than the central part. The experimental results agree quantitatively with the theory based on a photon-assisted vertex- entry model. We then explore its potential to be used as a probe for near-field detection. Our calculations show that the SSPDs have a much higher signal collection efficiency than the conventional near-field optical microscopy, and that their spacial resolution can reach 20 nm. With photon number resolving ability, a SSPD fabricated on a micro-pillar can be used to investigate the quantum information of the optical near-field at subwavelength scales.

• Superconducting single-photon detectors
• Near-field
• Tomography
• SNOM

• All authors: Wang, Q.
• Supervisor: Eliel, E.R.
• Co-supervisor: Dood, M.J.A. de
• Committee: Fiore, A.; Koenderink, A.F.; Dogterom, M.; Baselmans, J.J.A.; Groenen, E.J.J.; Aarts, J.; Exter, M.P. van
• Qualification: Doctor (dr.)
• Awarding Institution: Leiden Institute of Physics (LION), Faculty of Science, Leiden University
• Date: 2015-10-27
• ISBN (print): 9789085932291