Superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs or SSPDs) are among the highest performing detectors in the visible and near-infrared frequency range. At Photon Spot, we work hard to continually improve our detector specifications. Our typical specs are:

  • >85% system detection efficiency
  • Sub-100Hz dark counts
  • ~70 ps FWHM timing jitter; enhanced spec of 30-40ps is also offered for NbN detectors.
  • Recovery times of ~50 ns

We have demonstrated these specifications at many wavelengths, including 1550 nm, 1310 nm, 940nm, 825nm, and 780nm and have also built many broadband detectors.

We have recently made detectors with 95.5% efficiency @ 1550nm, 100kcps as verified by NIST.  Please contact us if you are interested in receiving a copy of the test report.

We also manufacture customized detectors that can provide:

  • High efficiency at a user-specified wavelength from the UV to near-IR
  • Ultralow dark counts (<10cps)
  • Photon number resolution
  • Large areas for coupling to multi-mode fibers
  • Faster reset times, e.g. ~10-15ns
  • Mid-Infrared sensitivity

We have made detectors for >15 wavelengths between the UV and mid-IR, and broadband detectors that span many hundreds of nanometers in wavelength.  Email us with your specifications -- there is a chance that we have it in stock!

We hold exclusive licenses to many detector-related patented technologies, including multi-element nanowire detectors.

Our detectors are ideally suited to low photon-flux applications, such as:

Contact us today with your desired specifications.