Press Releases > Superconducting Electronics for Radio Preamplification with Eliminated Noise Temperature (SERPENT)

Superconducting Electronics for Radio Preamplification with Eliminated Noise Temperature (SERPENT)

Press Release

Press Release

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) has been awarded a contract from the U.S. Army to develop quantum-based high sensitivity radio-frequency (RF) components.

PSI and their subcontract partner will develop an RF low noise amplifier (LNA) based on traveling-wave parametric amplifier (TWPA) technology. This new device will approach the fundamental quantum mechanical noise limit of an amplifier, surpassing the noise performance of current cryogenic semiconductor-based LNAs. Additionally, it will simultaneously act as a down-converting mixer, taking advantage of the nonlinear wave-mixing process inherent in TWPA operation. The device will operate over a wide bandwidth of at least several GHz, with different variants covering operation from 2 GHz to 27 GHz. We aim to extend the TWPA operating temperature from 100 mK to 4 K to allow for easier integration into cryogenic systems by taking advantage of higher-Tc superconductors. The reduced noise-temperature of our LNA will enable the detection of extremely weak RF signals due to the reduced noise contribution from the LNA.

For more information, contact:

Dr. Christopher Evans
Group Leader, Scalable Photonic Technologies
cevans@psicorp.com
Physical Sciences Inc.
Office: (978) 689-0003

Acknowledgement of Sponsorship:  This work is supported under a contract with the U.S. Army. This support does not constitute an express or implied endorsement on the part of the Government.