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Completed TRL 2 (started at 1, targeting 2)
We plan to demonstrate a proof-of-concept for an amplifier technology called the Kinetic Inductance Traveling-Wave Parametric Amplifier (KI-TWPA) applicable in the microwave to THz range (0.001 – 1 THz). These ""paramps"" exhibit ultra-low noise reaching the standard quantum limit (SQL), along with a very wide bandwidth and large dynamic range. Our study has two thrusts: a) demonstrate superior readout of an x-ray calorimeter array using a microwave (4-8 GHz) paramp and b) study a proof-of-concept millimeter-wave paramp (65-150 GHz) in an experimental testbed.
At the end of FY21, we will have demonstrated the basic operation of highly novel paramps. Ideally, we would pursue a 2nd year IRAD proposal to fully study a larger range of designs. If good performance is obtained this would justify a full system design of a prototype mm-wave receiver under a follow-on APRA proposal and testing on a ground-based or balloon-based system to verify performance for astronomical observations. We will also pursue separate APRA funding to mature the microwave amplifiers for missions such as Lynx and OST. Finally we will also pursue alternative funding in the “quantum-sensing” and “quantum information science” domains since these devices have many applications outside of NASA.
Commercial low-noise amplifier (LNA) technologies are limited to noise levels 10-20 times the quantum limit and have significant SWaP limitations in terms of power dissipation. Specialized superconducting junction amplifiers are quantum-noise-limited, but have serious limitations with dynamic range and bandwidth and operate at temperatures <50 mK, and also do not exist for frequencies > 20 GHz. The proposed parametric amplifier technology will address all these issues and enable wide-range of quantum-enhanced sensing applications including drastic increases in observation speed and sensitivity of space-based receivers and imagers, such as those for Lynx and OST.
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