Extending photon-counting to mid-infrared wavelengths with superconducting nanowire

Superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SSPDs or SNSPDs) set the gold standard for high speed, high efficiency, low noise single-photon detection at infrared wavelengths. Single photon sensitivity has been demonstrated with these devices deep into the mid-infrared, but characterization remains challenging. We have developed a state-of-the-art testbed based on Optical Parametric Oscillator sources. I will discuss recent experiments precisely determining timing jitter up to 3800 nm wavelength and benchtop time-of-flight single-photon LIDAR trials.