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.