Numerical simulation of dynamical response in superconducting quantum detectors

We numerically study the dynamical response of superconducting quantum detectors such as a single-photon detector, using the time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau equation coupled with heat diffusion and Maxwell equations. Our simulation shows a dynamical transition to a resistive state via an incident particle with energy higher than $T_{\rm c}$. We find that such a transition is associated with the generation of vortex-antivortex pairs and the occurrence of a normal-state region within the superconductor. We also discuss the applicability of this approach to a superconducting single-photon detector.