Image distortion by ambiguous multiple-photon detections in a superconducting nanowire single-photon imager and the correction method.Scaling up superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) into a large array for imaging applications is the current pursuit. 
SNSPDs
Although various readout architectures have been proposed, they cannot resolve multiple-photon detections (MPDs) currently, which limits the operation of the SNSPD arrays at high photon flux. 
SNSPD arrays
In this study, we focused on the readout ambiguity of a superconducting nanowire single-photon imager applying time-of-flight multiplexing readout. 
time-of-flight multiplexing readout
By extracting multiple-photon detections on idle pixels, which were virtual because of the incorrect mapping from the ambiguous readout, a correction method was proposed. 
idle pixels
An improvement factor of 1.3~9.3 at a photon flux of µ = 5 photon/pulse was obtained, which indicated that joint development of the pixel design and restoration algorithm could compensate for the readout ambiguity and increase the dynamic range.
pixel design
An improvement factor of 1.3~9.3 at a photon flux of µ = 5 photon/pulse was obtained, which indicated that joint development of the pixel design and restoration algorithm could compensate for the readout ambiguity and increase the dynamic range.
restoration algorithm