Parametric Amplifiers for Microwave Kinectic Inductance Detector (MKID) Readout

Completed TRL 2 (started at 2, targeting 3)

Description

Build a microwave amplifier with near quantum-limited sensitivity, octave or greater bandwidth, gain > 20 dB for input signals in the frequency range 1 – 10 GHz, and power dissipation negligible compared to typical cooling powers at its operating temperature. To obtain broad bandwidth, we will make traveling wave amplifiers using a non-linear material. To avoid shock formation, we will make periodic structures with stop bands to block shock-forming harmonics.

Find numerical solutions to the non-linear partial differential equations describing our amplifier transmission lines. Optimize periodic choke structure to block shock formation while maximizing parametric gain. Measure the microwave properties of our transmission lines at cryogenic temperatures.

Benefits

N/A

Details

Technology area	Sensors and Instruments > Remote Sensing Instruments and Sensors > Detectors and Focal Planes
Program	Center Independent Research & Development: GSFC IRAD (GSFC IRAD)
Lead organization	Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD
Start date	2011-10-01
End date	2012-09-01

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

Terry Doiron — Terence.Doiron@nasa.gov
Thomas R Stevenson — thomas.r.stevenson@nasa.gov
Edward J Wollack — edward.j.wollack@nasa.gov
John E Sadleir — john.e.sadleir@nasa.gov
Negar Ehsan — negar.ehsan@nasa.gov
Samuel H Moseley — harvey.moseley@nasa.gov

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 2) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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