A compact, low-power <1K cooling platform for superconducting nanowire detectors

Abstract

Superconducting nanowire single photon detectors (SNSPD) with high detection efficiency, low dark count rate, small timing jitter and short recovery times require cryogenic cooling. Detector performance is strongly dependent on temperature and though many detectors will operate at ~4K, lower temperatures offer significant performance gains. Fortunately, the technology for sub-Kelvin cooling is now mature and products are available that offer simple operation, with reliable and repeatable performance at relatively low cost. In this paper we review performance data from tests on more than 45 individual sub-Kelvin modules manufactured by Chase Research Cryogenics. We compare modules of different sizes and discuss how modules can be scaled to achieve a range of technical specifications for specialised end-user applications.