Table 1.
Mid-IR performance comparison between the WSi SNSPD and the InSb detector
| Detector | Response time (ns) | aNEP (pW/Hz1/2) | Wavelength range (μm) | Temperature (K) | Detector size (μm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WSi SNSPD | < 1 | 0.005 | 2–7 b | 0.3 | 16 × 16 |
| InSb | > 1000 | 0.7 | 1–5.5 c | 77 | dia. 1000 |
a
compared at 5 μm wavelength, see Fig. 5.
b
the 7 μm cutoff is limited by the fiber optics [26]; can be extended to longer wavelengths using free-space coupling, and the detection efficiency vs. wavelength curve can be engineered by optical stack designing and optimization;
c
the 5.5 μm cutoff is limited by the band-gap energy of the InSb semiconductor material.