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Superconducting Ultra Low-Noise Amplifier (SULNA)
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Description
Develop an ultra-low noise amplifier with noise temperature TN at the standard quantum limit (SQL) to enhance capacity and reduce cost of deep space communications radio-frequency (RF) receiver systems.
Benefits
Increase Deep Space Network (DSN) receiver gain to noise temperature ratio, G/TN, approximately 20% which corresponds directly higher signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and therefore achievable data rates. A 20% increase in G/TN can be used to reduce antenna aperture size from 34-m diameter to 30.4-m, reducing costs on the order of $10M per antenna.
Details
| Technology area | Sensors and Instruments > Remote Sensing Instruments and Sensors > Microwave, Millimeter Waves, and Submillimeter Waves |
| Program | Center Innovation Fund: GRC CIF (GRC CIF) |
| Lead organization | Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, OH |
| Start date | 2025-10-01 |
| End date | 2026-09-30 |
Project contacts
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How to get involved
This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.
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