Frequency-domain multiplexing of SNSPDs with tunable superconducting resonators

This work culminates in a demonstration of an alternative frequency-domain multiplexing (FDM) scheme for superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) using the kinetic inductance parametric up-converter (KPUP) made out of NbTiN. There are multiple multiplexing architectures for SNSPDs that are already in use, but FDM could prove superior in applications where the operational bias currents are very low, especially for mid-infrared and far-infrared SNSPDs. Previous FDM schemes integrated the SNSPD within the resonator, while, in this work, we use an external resonator, which gives more flexibility to optimize the SNSPD architecture. The KPUP is a DC-biased superconducting λ/2 resonator that is sensitive to current perturbations. When coupled to an SNSPD, the KPUP can be used to read out current pulses on a few μA scale. The KPUP is made out of NbTiN, which has a large kinetic inductance and a high operating temperature. Meanwhile, the SNSPD is made from WSi, which is a popular material for broadband SNSPDs. A software-defined radio platform and a graphics processing unit are used to read out the KPUP and SNSPD array. Frequency-domain multiplexed SNSPDs have applications in astronomy, remote sensing, exoplanet science, dark matter detection, and quantum sensing.