Superconducting nanowire singe-photon detectors (SNSPD) are promising detectors in the field of applications, where single-photon resolution is required like in quantum optics, spectroscopy or astronomy. These cryogenic detectors gain from a broad spectrum in the optical and infrared range and deliver low dark count rates and low jitter times. This thesis improves the understanding of the detection mechanism of SNSPDs and intodruces new and promising multi-pixel readout concepts.

Superconducting nanowire singe-photon detectors (SNSPD) are promising detectors in the field of applications, where single-photon resolution is required like in quantum optics, spectroscopy or astronomy. These cryogenic detectors gain from a broad spectrum in the optical and infrared range and deliver low dark count rates and low jitter times. This thesis improves the understanding of the detection mechanism of SNSPDs and intodruces new and promising multi-pixel readout concepts. This work was published by Saint Philip Street Press pursuant to a Creative Commons license permitting commercial use. All rights not granted by the work's license are retained by the author or authors.

This work presents three advances to scale SNSPDs from few-pixel devices to large detector arrays: atomic layer deposition for the fabrication of uniform superconducting niobium nitride films of few-nanometer thickness, a frequency-multiplexing scheme to operate multiple detectors with a reduced number of lines, and the integration of SNSPDs with free-form polymer structures to achieve efficient optical coupling onto the active area of the detectors.

This work investigates the capability of the high-temperature superconductor YBCO to sense the evolution of the electrical field of THz pulses. A deposition process for ten unit-cell thin films and a sub-μm patterning process were developed to enable high sensitivities. The detector response to THz exctiations and its electrical-field sensitivity were studied. This unique characteristic allows for the investigation of instabilities of the THz radiation emitted from synchrotron storage rings.

This work presents a comprehensive investigation of the influence of geometry-dependent factors on performance metrics of superconducting single-photon detectors. With fundamental knowledge, main investigations are focused to extend the spectral bandwidth and to enhance the detection efficiency, especially in infrared range. The developed technology of single-spiral detectors and unconventional electron-beam lithography allows to improve the performance of superconducting detectors.

Nuclear fusion is a key technology to satisfy the basic demand for electric energy sustainably. The official EUROfusion schedule foresees a first industrial DEMOnstration Fusion Power Plant for 2050. In this work several high temperature superconductor sub-size cables are investigated for their applicability in large scale DEMO toroidal field coils. Main focus lies on the electromechanical stability under the influence of high Lorentz forces at peak magnetic fields of up to 12 T.

Electrical power grids are the lifeline of technical infrastructure and fundamental for industry and modern lives. Fault Currents can disrupt the continuous supply of electrical energy, cause instable grid conditions and damage electrical equipment. The Air Coil Superconducting Fault Current Limiter (AC-SFCL) is a measure to effectively limit fault currents. The concept is investigated and proven experimentally by designing, building and successfully testing a 60 kV, 400 V, z = 6% demonstrator.

This work presents the development and application of high-speed fluorescent thermal imaging for quench analysis in high-temperature superconductors (HTS). Using a fluorescent coating, with a temperature-dependent light emission, temperature changes can be calculated over 2D surfaces. The technique uncovered peculiar transient effects in novel HTS tape architectures and also helped to verify and better understand hot spot development in both insulated and non-insulated, HTS–wound pancake coils.