Single-photon detectors
MICRO-635 / 1 credit
Teacher(s): Bruschini Claudio, Taylor Gregor Gibson
Language: English
Remark: August 31-Sept 4, 2026
Frequency
Every year
Summary
Students analyse the fundamental characteristics of single-photon detectors, their specific strengths and architectures, selected applications and case studies. Topics will include solid-state detectors, such as SPADs, photoemissive devices, and superconducting detectors, such as SNSPDs.
Content
Students analyse the fundamental characteristics of single-photon detectors, their specific strengths and architectures, selected applications and case studies. Topics will include on one side solid-state detectors, such as SPAD (single-photon avalanche diode) cameras and photoemissive devices, e.g. PMTs and intensified cameras, and on the other three of the most widely utilised superconducting single-photon detectors, i.e. transition edge sensors (TES), kinetic inductance detectors (KID) and superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs). We will also highlight future research directions.
Syllabus:
- Single-photon detection: solid-state: SPADs, electron-multiplying CCDs, low-noise CMOS imagers; photoemissive: PMTs, intensified cameras, hybrid detectors.
- SPAD-based detectors: basic principles, metrology, silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) vs. SPAD arrays, imagers. Selected use cases (time-resolved imaging, commercial systems & LIDAR, biophotonics & microscopy).
- Indirect single-photon detection: X- and gamma-ray detection.
- Basics of Applied Superconductivity: an engineering approach to applied superconductivity for single-photon detection, including basics of superconductivity, thin film dynamics, microscopic theory of superconductors, thermal considerations.
- Superconducting detectors: principles of operation, readout architectures, detection metrics, and applications of Transition Edge Sensors, Kinetic Inductance Detectors, and Superconducting Nanowire Single-Photon Detectors.
Keywords
Photodetectors, single-photon detection, solid-state detectors, SPAD cameras, photoemissive detectors, superconducting detectors, SNSPDs, metrology, applications.
Learning Prerequisites
Required courses
Bachelor/master in microengineering or in electrical and electronic engineering.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, the student must be able to:
- Explain the basic operation of single-photon detectors, and their underlying physical detection mechanism.
- Analyze the differences and advantages/disadvantages between types of single-photon detectors.
- Interpret their use in science and techology.
Transversal skills
- Demonstrate the capacity for critical thinking
Teaching methods
Ex cathedra, exercises and homeworks. Q&A during lectures.
Expected student activities
In-class presence and active participation strongly encouraged.
Resources
Notes/Handbook
On Moodle: handouts of current year.
Moodle Link
In the programs
- Exam form: Oral (session free)
- Subject examined: Single-photon detectors
- Courses: 10 Hour(s)
- Exercises: 5 Hour(s)
- Type: optional