Single-Photon Detection Systems
Physical Measurement Laboratory, Quantum Measurement Division
NIST only participates in the February and August reviews.
We are conducting research at the intersection of quantum optics and single-electron physics. We are particularly interested in coherently transducing quantum states (e.g. number states, entanglement) between photons and electrons. Our work is motivated by the advantages photon-based and electron-based technologies each have. For example, photons propagate and maintain coherence well, whereas electron states are easier to prepare and measure (e.g. count). Our current research is aimed at developing room-temperature photon-number-resolving detectors for applications in optical metrology and quantum optics research. This work capitalizes on our expertise in single-photon and single-electron devices. Longer-term goals include an optical source whose output power is tied to electrical current standards, the generation of optical Fock states (photon number states) on demand, and coherently transducing entanglement between photons and electrons. We are open to any motivated applicant; experience in single-photon devices, single-electron devices, semiconductor device physics, or ASIC design is helpful.