Superconducting Nanowire Single Photon Detectors for Nuclear Physics

Superconducting nanowire single photon detectors (SNSPD) are becoming the most prominent technology in the fields of nanophotonics and quantum information sciences because of their excellent detection efficiency and timing capabilities. The possibility of high detection rates and superior timing jitter, they are also an attractive technology in the field of nuclear and particle physics as a replacement for conventional light detectors or as detectors of charged particles. These applications have unique challenges, as the detectors need to operate in strong magnetic fields and withstand radiation damage.
We present results of characterization of Niobium Nitride SNSPDs fabricated by ion beam assisted sputtering with focus on their detection capabilities in magnetic fields and effects of radiation damage on the material and detection characteristics.