Fundamentals and Applications of Superconducting Nanowire Single Photon Detectors

The demand for superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) continues to accelerate across quantum technologies, astronomy, and emerging particle-physics applications. As the field expands into areas such as in quantum communication, mid-IR sensing, megapixel imaging, and novel high-Tc and 2D materials, it faces new scientific challenges for the SNSPD community that require broad international cooperation.

Ten years after the first dedicated SNSPD seminar, this seminar once again brings together researchers from across the field, spanning microscopic theory, device physics, materials, fabrication, characterisation, and applications. Its central goal is to connect recent experimental progress with advances in modelling, identify crucial missing measurements, and outline a roadmap toward true theory-experiment convergence. Focus topics include detection mechanism and modelling, photon number resolution, wide superconducting strips, materials, device integration, scalability, multiplexing and applications. 

The seminar also places strong emphasis on supporting early-career scientists and promoting female researchers in the field. A dedicated session will address community-driven measures such as mentorship networks, support for fellowship applications, master’s exchange funds, and the creation of a shared platform for master’s and PhD project opportunities.

The conference language will be English. The Wilhelm and Else Heraeus-Foundation bears the cost of full-board accommodation for all participants.