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Completed TRL 2 (started at 2, targeting 2)
Use superconducting paramps to increase the DSN millimeter wave (Ka-band) receiver signal-to-noise, yielding a factor of two improvement in DSN data rates.
Traveling-wave parametric amplifiers based on superconducting kinetic inductance are a new technology which allows for wide-band operation + quantum limited noise. The key to making this type of device work is phase matching pump, signal and idler tones along the length of the device. The challenge of extending the technology to higher frequencies is to compensate for dispersion along the structure. The DSN sensitivity improvement / Ka-band data rate increase will benefit future planetary missions, prior to widespread use of optical com.
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