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

Abstract

Despite 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.