Design and Simulation of High Quantum Efficiency Segmented Waveguide Photodetector for Quantum Measurements

The segmented waveguide photodetector has the potential to play a crucial role in quantum measurements, especially for photon number resolution. My findings reveal that the proposed segmented waveguide photodetector can exhibit extremely low loss performance once it is fully optimized.
In this study, I focus on the design and simulation of a segmented waveguide photodetector with high quantum efficiency, utilizing the eigenmode expansion (EME) in FIMMWAVE software. By utilizing the FDM (finite difference mode) Solver, I was able to model and simulate the device with precision, allowing me to optimize its design for optimal performance. Through optimization of the device design and comprehensive analysis of the quantum efficiency and loss mechanisms, I have achieved valuable results. The enhanced quantum efficiency makes it an ideal candidate for accurate photon number resolution in quantum measurements.
The detailed analysis of the quantum efficiency and loss mechanisms provides valuable insights into the underlying physics and mechanisms governing the device's performance. Through the analysis of a single PD cycle, optimizing the PD width, PD length, PD absorber thickness, and etching cladding layer depth, I was able to reduce the radiation loss to a level of 10e-5. This significantly enhanced the entire system's potential, eventually reaching up to 337 PDs. The final outcome reveals that the system of the 337 segment PDs except the first PD is with a total radiation loss of only 0.29% and the total quantum efficiency is 99.6%, which is already quite high, very close to 100%, suggesting that my optimization efforts have been highly successful. This substantially surpasses previous designs, elevating the optimization of reducing radiation loss to an exceptionally high level. This optimization can be leveraged to further improve the device and explore potential applications in quantum information processing and quantum communication.
Overall, this study presents an advancement in the design and simulation of high quantum efficiency segmented waveguide photodetector. The promising results obtained highlight the potential of this device for use in quantum measurements, paving the way for further advancements in the field of quantum technologies.