Low-noise kinetic inductance traveling-wave amplifier using three-wave mixing

• Published in: arXiv.org
• Main Authors: Vissers, Michael R, Erickson, Robert P, Hsiang-Sheng Ku, Vale, Leila, Wu, Xian, Hilton, Gene, Pappas, David P
• Format: Paper Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ithaca Cornell University Library, arXiv.org 30.09.2015
• Subjects: Amplification; Coplanar waveguides; Four-wave mixing; Inductance; Large scale integration; Physics - Quantum Physics; Physics - Superconductivity; Qubits (quantum computing); Radio frequency; Three-wave mixing; Traveling wave amplifiers
• ISSN: 2331-8422
• DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.1509.09280

We have fabricated a wide-bandwidth, high dynamic range, low-noise cryogenic amplifier based on a superconducting kinetic inductance traveling-wave device. The device was made from NbTiN and consisted of a long, coplanar waveguide on a silicon chip. By adding a DC current and an RF pump tone we are able to generate parametric amplification using three-wave mixing. The devices exhibit gain of more than 15 dB across an instantaneous bandwidth from 4 to 8 GHz. The total usable gain bandwidth, including both sides of the signal-idler gain region, is more than 6 GHz. The noise referred to the input of the devices approaches the quantum limit, with less than 1 photon excess noise. Compared to similarly constructed four-wave mixing amplifiers, these devices operate with the RF pump at \(\sim\)20 dB lower power and at frequencies far from the signal. This will permit easier integration into large scale qubit and detector applications.