Superconducting single photon detector, e.g. for quantum code key detection, has coupling unit with metallic guide to generate and guide surface plasmon until detection unit, which absorbs energy of plasmon, and forms thin and short strip

摘要

The detector has a dielectric substrate (SB) on which a detection unit (39a) is provided to generate an electrical signal from the energy of received photons. A coupling unit, formed on the substrate, is distinct from the unit (39a) that is made of a superconductor material. The coupling unit has a metallic guide (G) to generate a surface plasmon by an interaction with the photons and to guide the plasmon until the unit (39a) which absorbs the energy of the plasmon. The unit (39a) forms a thin and short strip.