Multi-Pixel Superconducting Single Photon Detector, Toward an Imaging Sensor

This work reports on the implementation of multi-pixel Superconducting Single Photon Detectors (SSPD). SSPDs have proven superior properties compared to other single photon detection techniques. Those advantages make this device an attractive candidate for sensitive imaging. Although there have been prior efforts for implementing arrays of SSPDs, a scalable approach allowing one to integrate practical sensors, has not yet been proposed. In this work we introduce methods toward practical implementation of large arrays of SSPDs. Our methods have good scalability and offer faster operation (higher count rates). The first approach is a serial solution which offers spatial information as well as simultaneous operation of the SSPDs (enabling higher count rates). The second method (parallel array) has higher scalability and can be a good candidate for practical imaging sensor. Finally, we propose an array which is built based on combination of both methods and has the advantages of both arrays. For the proof of principle we tried arrays of 2, 3 and 4 detectors for the three above-mentioned methods, respectively. The measurement results of those arrays are promising and show the potentials for high resolution sensors. In chapter 3 we also propose a practical sensor which is made of cells and each cell is built of arrays of SSPDs (based on our methods). The cells are readout similar to a computer memory. This sensor could be a solution toward real SSPD imaging.