Measurement, Simulation, and Design of the Dispersion-Engineered Traveling-Wave Kinetic Inductance Amplifier

Author: Chaudhuri, Saptarshi

Year: 2013

Degree: Senior thesis (Major)

Advisor: Zmuidzinas, Jonas

Committee Member: None, None

Option: Physics

DOI: 10.7907/KTZD-SQ44

Abstract

Recently, Eom et al. [1 J proposed a new concept for a low-noise cryogenic amplifier known as a Dispersion-Engineered Traveling-Wave Kinetic Inductance (DTWKI) amplifier. This device exploits the nonlinear kinetic inductance of superconducting thin-film nitrides to achieve high gain-bandwidth, near quantum-limited noise, and excellent dynamic range. In this thesis, we describe recent progress toward an experimental realization of the DTWKI; in particular, we focus on improvements in the areas of gain-bandwidth and noise performance. We describe a numerical model of the amplifier, and use this model to interpret experimental results and provide insight into the effects of dispersion-engineering on gain processes. Lastly, based on experimental results and model output, we propose some improvements to the DTWKI device.

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