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Title: Quantum dynamics of single-photon detection using functionalized quantum transport electronic channels

Journal Article · · Physical Review Research
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Single-photon detectors have historically consisted of macroscopic-sized materials but recent experimental and theoretical progress suggests new approaches based on nanoscale and molecular electronics. Here, we present a theoretical study of photodetection in a system composed of a quantum electronic transport channel functionalized by a photon absorber. Notably, the photon field, absorption process, transduction mechanism, and measurement process are all treated as part of one fully coupled quantum system, with explicit interactions. Using nonequilibrium, time-dependent quantum transport simulations, we reveal the unique temporal signatures of the single-photon detection process, and show that the system can be described using optical Bloch equations, with a new nonlinearity as a consequence of time-dependent detuning caused by the back-action from the transport channel via the dynamical Stark effect. We compute the photodetector signal-to-noise ratio and demonstrate that single-photon detection at high count rate is possible for realistic parameters by exploiting a unique nonequilibrium control of back-action.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Lab. (SNL-CA), Livermore, CA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA); Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)
Grant/Contract Number:
AC04-94AL85000; NA-0003525
OSTI ID:
1566246
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 1570277; OSTI ID: 1650182
Report Number(s):
SAND-2019-10977J; SAND-2020-8539J; 013018
Journal Information:
Physical Review Research, Journal Name: Physical Review Research Vol. 1 Journal Issue: 1; ISSN 2643-1564
Publisher:
American Physical Society (APS)Copyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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Figures / Tables (8)

FIG. 1(p. 2)figure FIG. 1
FIG. 2(p. 3)figure FIG. 2
FIG. 3(p. 4)figure FIG. 3
FIG. 4(p. 4)figure FIG. 4
FIG. 5(p. 5)figure FIG. 5
FIG. 6(p. 5)figure FIG. 6
FIG. 7(p. 8)figure FIG. 7
FIG. 8(p. 9)figure FIG. 8

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71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
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photon counting
two-level models