Transient superconductivity in parallel nanowire devices for quantum technology of the 2nd generation

Superconductivity in the non-equilibrium regime has been a subject of recent investigations by various research groups across the world, due to its potential applications in q...quantum computing and the detection of single quantum entities (photon, alpha particles, electrons, …) that will be used in quantum cryptography. For example, when a photon is adsorbed by a superconducting wire, it creates a dissipative zone referred to as a hot spot, which is characterized by the local collapse of the superconducting state and the conversion of a portion of the filament (wire) to a non-equilibrium normal state – with an electronically detectable voltage response. In this proposed project, we will design and investigate a set of quantum devices using parallel superconducting nanowires. We will focus on investigating the dynamic of the transient regime during the creation of different hotspots in parallel wires having different critical currents. This work will be supplemented by state-of-the-art theorical simulations that will be developed to support the experimental observations.