Drone-based superconducting nanowire single-photon detection system with a detection efficiency of more than 90%

Conventional superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) have been typically limited in their applications due to their size, weight, and power consumption, which confine their use to laboratory settings. However, with the rapid development of remote imaging, sensing technologies, and long-range quantum communication with fewer topographical constraints, the demand for high-efficiency single-photon detectors integrated with avionic platforms is rapidly growing. We herein designed and manufactured the first drone-based SNSPD system with a system detection efficiency (SDE) as high as 91.8%. This drone-based system incorporates high-performance NbTiN SNSPDs, a self-developed miniature liquid helium dewar, and custom-built integrated electrical setups, making it capable of being launched in complex topographical conditions. Such a drone-based SNSPD system may open the use of SNSPDs for applications that demand high SDE in complex environments.