J. Garrett, B. Tan, C. Chaumont, F. Boussaha, G. Yassin
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引用次数: 1
Abstract
In this letter, we report the near quantum-limited performance of a 230 GHz endfire superconductor-insulator-superconductor (SIS) mixer utilizing a Nb/Al-AlOx/Nb trilayer. An important feature of this mixer is its use of a unilateral finline for the waveguide-to-planar circuit transition, which allows for a wide radiofrequency (RF) bandwidth, a simple waveguide structure with easy alignment, and for the mixer chip to be aligned along the optical axis. Each of these factors is beneficial in the construction of large-format focal plane arrays. We tested the new finline mixer from 210 to 260 GHz in a liquid helium cryostat at ~4 K. The best recorded noise temperature was approximately twice the quantum limit, which is comparable to conventional radial probe mixers. This suggests that endfire SIS mixers can be used in large format arrays, comprising 100s or even 1000s of SIS mixing elements, while retaining state-of-the-art quantum mixing performance.
期刊介绍:
The IEEE Microwave and Wireless Components Letters (MWCL) publishes four-page papers (3 pages of text + up to 1 page of references) that focus on microwave theory, techniques and applications as they relate to components, devices, circuits, biological effects, and systems involving the generation, modulation, demodulation, control, transmission, and detection of microwave signals. This includes scientific, technical, medical and industrial activities. Microwave theory and techniques relates to electromagnetic waves in the frequency range of a few MHz and a THz; other spectral regions and wave types are included within the scope of the MWCL whenever basic microwave theory and techniques can yield useful results. Generally, this occurs in the theory of wave propagation in structures with dimensions comparable to a wavelength, and in the related techniques for analysis and design.