Abstract
Niobium nitride nanowires show considerable promise as high-speed single-photon detectors. We report the observation of an anomalous low-frequency (∼10MHz) response in long, superconducting NbN nanowires (100nm wide, 4nm thick, and 500μm long). This behavior, although strikingly reminiscent of the ac Josephson effect, can be explained by a relaxation oscillation resulting from the high kinetic inductance of the type II nanowire. We simulate all of the observed effects using a simple resistive-hotspot/series-inductor model. The voltage pulses observed are indistinguishable from the pulses induced by visible photons, and our observations suggest noise-induced relaxation oscillations are one mechanism for the dark counts in photon detectors.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
