Nanowire superconducting single-photon detectors integrated with optical microcavities based on GaAs substrates

Nanowire superconducting single photon detectors (SSPDs) are superior detectors of choice for many applications particularly in quantum information and communication technology. SSPD's excellent sensitivity and time resolution are brought about by the ultrafast transition of the very thin and narrow NbN nanowire meander from superconducting to normal state upon absorption of a single photon at near-infrared wavelengths [1]. However, low optical absorption in the ultrathin nanowire structures, puts a limit on the detection efficiency of these devices. A promising approach to improve the photon absorption in SSPDs is integrating them with advanced optical structures [2]. In this work, we report on the successful integration of SSPDs with optical cavity based on GaAs/AlAs distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) to enhance their detection efficiency.