CUDOS Secures Major Equipment grant for Superconducting single-photon detectors

18 Nov 2011

We will establish a unique capability within the School of Physics for the measurement of single photons in the near infrared. The detection of single photons at near infrared wavelengths such as 1550 nm is one of the major challenges to research programs crossing three disciplines in the School: nonlinear and integrated photonics in CUDOS and IPOS, astrophotonics in the Astronomy group and quantum information processing in the Quantum Science group. The enabling role of this equipment for research across three major experimental disciplines (including two Centres of Excellence and involving two Federation Fellows) demonstrates the alignment of this proposed purchase with strategic priorities of the School. The purchase aligns with and supports strategy 6 (Research Excellence) of the University’s strategic plan.

Single-photon detection in the near infrared is a key component of a platform for integrated quantum photonics which will benefit two ARC Centres of Excellence in the School of Physics: the Centre for Engineered Quantum Systems (Quantum Science group) and CUDOS (Integrated Nonlinear Quantum Photonics group). This sophisticated tool for the measurement of ultra low levels of light in the near infrared will also be of benefit to the astrophotonic instrumentation program of Prof. Bland- Hawthorn. The single-photon detector is thus a major enabling tool for cross-disciplinary collaboration between researchers from photonics, astronomy and quantum groups within the School. It will also underpin external collaborations in quantum science and quantum photonics with academics at the University of Bristol, University of St. Andrews, ANU and Macquarie University.