All optical operation of a superconducting photonic interface

Abstract

Quantum photonic processing via electro-optic components typically requires electronic links across different operation environments, especially when interfacing cryogenic components such as superconducting single photon detectors with room-temperature control and readout electronics. However, readout and driving electronics can introduce detrimental parasitic effects. Here we show an all-optical control and readout of a superconducting nanowire single photon detector (SNSPD), completely electrically decoupled from room temperature electronics. We provide the operation power for the superconducting detector via a cryogenic photodiode, and readout single photon detection signals via a cryogenic electro-optic modulator in the same cryostat. This method opens the possibility for control and readout of superconducting circuits, and feedforward for photonic quantum computing.