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Abstract: I will present our recent efforts towards realizing the photoelectric detection of single microwave photons, a key missing element in microwave quantum optics. I will start first by explaining our approach to realize an efficient and continuous microwave photon-to-electron converter with large quantum efficiency and low dark current. I will insist on the fact that these unique properties were enabled by the use of a high kinetic inductance disordered superconductor, granular aluminium, to enhance light-matter interaction and the coupling of microwave photons to electron tunnelling processes. As a consequence of strong coupling, we could observe both linear and nonlinear photon-assisted processes where two, three, and four photons are converted into a single electron at unprecedentedly low light intensities. I will then proceed by explaining the implementation of a charge-based detection technique that allows to sense individual microwave photons as a result of photoelectron conversion.
