ID281 Superconducting Nanowire

The very best in single-photon detection, with ultra-stable performance

Near-ideal detection efficiency: can exceed 95%
Highly precise timing and low noise, true latch-free operation
Ultrafast and photon-number resolving detection
Mix and match up to 16 detectors, with options for rack-mounted systems

Push your photonic experiments and applications to new heights with our Swiss-made superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs), combining incredibly high detection efficiency, timing precision, low noise, and fast recovery time.

Mix and match up to 16 detectors in a single ID281 system. Choose from our Standard, Parallel, and Multi-Pixel detector designs with a range of user-customizable specifications for the best performance in your desired application.

Interested in a compact, rack-mounted solution? Check out the ID281 Pro SNSPD system.

Get the best out of your photonic experiments and applications with the ID281 Superconducting Nanowire Series today.

Learn more about Superconducting Nanowire Single-Photon Detectors in our SNSPD Technology Spotlight.

What’s New

Detectors with > 80% system detection efficiency and > 1 cps dark count rate at 1550 nm
High efficiency at < 600 nm and > 2 μm
New detector designs for improved photon-number resolution and ultrafast detection – watch our video podcast for more information

Key Features

Near-perfect detection efficiency: can exceed 95%
Ultra-low noise: as low as < 1 cps dark count rate
Superb precision with built-in cryogenic amplifiers: as low as < 25 ps timing jitter
Mix and match up to 16 detectors, upgrade any time
High count rates: ultrafast detectors with maximum detection rates above 100 Mcps for parallel devices, and above 1 Gcps for multi-pixel devices

Hardware-based true latch-free operation at any detection rate
True 24/7 continuous operation (CO system)
Extended system lifetime through periodic automated helium recycling (SO system)
Reliable and robust performance, with worldwide round-the-clock technical support included
OPTIONAL:
- Self-contained rack-mounted systems
- Advanced time-tagging, coincidence filtering and delay/pulse generation

Detectors for any occasion

The ID281’s single-photon detectors are Swiss-made SNSPDs featuring high detection efficiency, low jitter, low noise, and short recovery time. The detectors (between 2 and 16 SNSPDs in one cryogenic system) are integrated into an automated closed-cycle cryostat, providing ease-of-use and unrivalled device performance for long-term multi-year operation.

ID281 Standard SNSPD: A single SNSPD with a linear nanowire meander, offering excellent overall performance in terms of system detection efficiency, detector noise, and timing precision. A polarization-insensitive version with a spiral meander is also available.

ID281 Parallel SNSPD: Several interleaved SNSPD pixels connected in parallel on a single readout line, offering ultrafast detection and photon-number resolution. These detectors accurately discriminate multiphoton states and achieve detection rates as high as 100 Mcps in some situations, while still benefiting from the efficiency, precision, noise performance and broadband operation of the ID281 SNSPD range.

ID281 Multi-Pixel SNSPD: Several independent SNSPD pixels each with their own readout lines, offering even faster detection rates > 1 Gcps and ‘dynamic’ PNR robust to longer pulse durations, while still benefiting from the efficiency, precision, noise performance and broadband operation of the ID281 SNSPD range.

A complete package

With performance derived from their superconducting material — operating at cryogenic temperatures — ID281 SNSPDs are delivered in a turnkey cryogenic system, tailored to your needs.

Additionally, the analogue detection pulses must be turned into digital information, meaning the fastest and most precise timing instrumentation is a must-have.

IDQ delivers all this and more, making it the most complete and versatile SNSPD system around.