Superconducting nanowire single photon detectors for high-rate quantum communication

The important development of quantum technologies during the past decade brought the need for efficient, fast and precise single-photon detection. Superconducting Nanowire Single-Photon Detectors (SNSPDs) are currently considered as the detection method of choice when extreme performances are required. This thesis aimed at investigating this technology, with the objective of improving existing detectors for high-rate applications in quantum communication. This document presents the work and result achieved over four years dedicated to the subject. During this thesis, single-photon detection based on superconducting nanowire has been investigated, with a particular focus on specific requirements for high speed quantum communication applications. The work achieved ranges from the design and nano-fabrication of the structures, to the characterization and the understanding of the physics, detection models and fundamental limits of the devices