A Laboratory Demonstration of Quantum-Noise-Limited Amplifiers for Future Instruments at both GHz and mm bands (LDQNLA)

Completed TRL 4 (started at 3, targeting 4)

Description

This would be continued work to further demonstrating a proof-of-concept for a radically innovative and game-changing amplifier technology called the Kinetic Inductance Traveling-Wave Parametric Amplifier (KI-TWPA) [1] applicable in the microwave to THz range (0.001 – 1 THz). The tests will perform with an external x-ray source to demonstrate the system performance with this amplifier at low operating temperature.

Benefits

These amplifiers could have far-reaching impacts to a wide range of applications in the quantum sensing domain. This is the first demonstration of a KI-TWPA at Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). This would better position Goddard to remain forefront of this important area of read-out of low-temperature detectors with a variety of potential astrophysics applications.

Details

Technology area	Sensors and Instruments
Program	Center Independent Research & Development: GSFC IRAD (GSFC IRAD)
Lead organization	Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD
Start date	2022-10-01
End date	2023-09-30

Project contacts

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

David H Richardson — david.h.richardson@nasa.gov
Keith M Jahoda — keith.m.jahoda@nasa.gov
Anh La — anh.t.la@nasa.gov
Edward J Wollack — edward.j.wollack@nasa.gov
Emily M Barrentine — emily.m.barrentine@nasa.gov
Eric Kan — eric.kan@nasa.gov
Eric R Switzer — eric.r.switzer@nasa.gov
Kyle R Helson — kyle.helson@nasa.gov
Peter K Day — peter.k.day@jpl.nasa.gov
Simon R Bandler — simon.r.bandler@nasa.gov
Wonsik Yoon — wonsik.yoon@nasa.gov

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — 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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