1 Introduction
The Opus One is a high-speed, high-efficiency, fiber-coupled, single-photon detection system
using superconducting nanowire technology. The system can contain between one and thirty-two
nanowire detectors, depending on configuration.
Compressor
Pressurized helium
compressor lines
Power
Cooling water
SNSPD Bias and
Amplification Module
Opus One
1
n
2
. . .
. . .
. . .
Nanowire cable(s)
SMA M-M Double-Shielded
Thermometer
Cable DB9 M/F
Light in
(Fiber)
Power
USB 2.0
1
n
2
. . .
. . .
Pulse out
(SMA)
1 2
n
. . .
1 2
n
. . .
Cold head
drive cable
Compressor Unit
Opus One Unit
Electronics Unit
(QOELEC)
Figure 2: Nanowire system schematic showing Opus One head unit, electronics unit, and com-
pressor with all connections.
1.1 Overview
The nanowire system has three main physical components, as identified in Figure
1. The “Electronics Unit” that provides system thermometry and nanowire device control and
monitoring.
2. The “Opus One Unit” consisting of the vacuum and cryogenic components, nanowire de-
tectors, and nanowire optical and electrical connections.
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