Ultrawide Dynamic Sensing from Single‐Photon Counting to Linear Detection Using a Segmented Superconducting Nanowire

Abstract

AbstractDespite their exceptional sensitivity, single photon detectors typically exhibit limited tolerance to strong light compared to conventional linear photodetectors. Consequently, a disparity arises between these two detector types, hindering the achievement of both high sensitivity and high dynamic range in sensing and imaging. To bridge this gap, a segmented architecture is implemented with a waveform‐variance readout scheme for extacting high‐flux photon informaiton.This approach gives an unprecedented ultra‐high dynamic range of 75 dB at a fixed bias current, where single photon counting mode and quasi‐linear photodetection mode coexist. High‐dynamic imaging, passive thermal imaging, and joint active and passive imaging are demonstrated, which validate the advantages of this dual‐mode detector. Such a versatile detector will offer enhanced flexibility, single‐photon sensitivity, as well as ultra‐wide dynamic range across various scientific and technical domains.