Single photon detection at visible and x-ray wavelengths with Nb–Al superconducting tunnel junctions

Photon counting experiments at wavelengths ranging from near infrared to x-ray with niobium based superconducting tunnel junctions with aluminum trapping layers are presented. Single photons can be detected up to a wavelength of 1 μm. The response in the ultraviolet to near-infrared region is characterized by a good energy linearity (≪2.5%), a capability to handle event rates up to ∼3 kHz, and moderate energy resolving power (E/ΔE≈7 for E=4 eV). The x-ray response at 6 keV is characterized by anomalously high signals compared to the low energy response, a severe energy nonlinearity and a relatively poor energy resolution of ∼140 eV, full width at half maximum. © 1998 American Institute of Physics.