Chinese scientists build 100-channel single-photon detector for quantum internet

Researchers at Shanghai's SIMIT have built a 100-channel superconducting nanowire single-photon detector, replacing coaxial cables with ultrathin thermally insulating microstrip lines. In a seven-day test the cryostat stayed below 2.1 K, detection efficiency reached 80%, and a five-user network with 10 two-way quantum links showed fidelity above 90%.

• 100 channels versus the previous 32-channel standard
• Thermal load cut 21-fold with flexible multi-core microstrip lines
• 80% detection efficiency with very low false positives
• Over 90% fidelity in a five-user, 10-link test network