Superconducting Nanowire-Based Single-Photon Detectors and Electronics

Abstract: Superconducting nanowires exhibit interesting and unique physical properties, ranging from electrothermal instabilities to ultra-high ​“kinetic” (non-magnetic) inductance. However, they have long taken a backseat to the Josephson junction (the favorite of superconducting electronics), which have promised faster and lower power dissipation.

In recent years, superconducting nanowires have proven themselves indispensable as single-photon detectors, and increasingly, electronic devices are being explored that take advantage of their exceptional characteristics. In addition, nanowires may be robust to operation in magnetic fields and radiation levels that would incapacitate other electronics technologies, although of course they still require ultra-low operating temperatures.

For applications where temperatures are already below the superconducting critical temperature, or where high radiation levels or magnetic fields prevail, these devices hold promise. They also may be useful as interface electronics between other (lower signal-level) superconducting electronics and traditional complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor. This presentation will provide an overview of the nanowire detectors and electronics device family and discuss future directions for the field.

Refreshments will be served.

Bio: Karl Berggren is the head of the faculty of electrical engineering and the Julius A. Stratton Professor in Electrical Engineering and Physics at Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the department of electrical engineering and computer science, where he co-heads the Quantum Nanostructures and Nanofabrication Group. He is a Kavli fellow, a fellow of American Association for the Advancement of Science and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and a recipient of the 2015 Paul T. Forman Team Engineering Award from the Optical Society of America.

Series: The Argonne Microelectronics Institute colloquium series invites leaders in the field from academia, national labs and industry to present their forefront research and perspectives. Join us in person or online to learn and connect.

If you have questions about the colloquium series or would like to suggest or host a future speaker, contact Dan Durham (durhamd@​anl.​gov).