601 research outputs found
Superconducting Quantum Interference Device Amplifiers with over 27 GHz of Gain-Bandwidth Product Operated in the 4 GHz--8 GHz Frequency Range
We describe the performance of amplifiers in the 4 GHz--8 GHz range using
Direct Current Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices(DC SQUIDs) in a
lumped element configuration. We have used external impedance transformers to
couple power into and out of the DC SQUIDs. By choosing appropriate values for
coupling capacitors, resonator lengths and output component values, we have
demonstrated useful gains in several frequency ranges with different
bandwidths, showing over 27 GHz of power gain-bandwidth product. In this work,
we describe our design for the 4 GHz--8 GHz range and present data
demonstrating gain, bandwidth, dynamic range, and drift characteristics.Comment: four pages, 5 figure
Input Impedance and Gain of a Gigahertz Amplifier Using a DC SQUID in a Quarter Wave Resonator
Due to their superior noise performance, SQUIDs are an attractive alternative
to high electron mobility transistors for constructing ultra-low-noise
microwave amplifiers for cryogenic use. We describe the use of a lumped element
SQUID inductively coupled to a quarter wave resonator. The resonator acts as an
impedance transformer and also makes it possible for the first time to
accurately measure the input impedance and intrinsic microwave characteristics
of the SQUID. We present a model for input impedance and gain, compare it to
the measured scattering parameters, and describe how to use the model for the
systematic design of low-noise microwave amplifiers with a wide range of
performance characteristics
Proximity-Coupled Ti/TiN Multilayers for use in Kinetic Inductance Detectors
We apply the superconducting proximity effect in TiN/Ti multi-layer films to
tune the critical temperature, Tc, to within 10 mK with high uniformity (less
than 15 mK spread) across a 75 mm wafer. Reproducible Tc's are obtained from
0.8 - 2.5 K. These films had high resistivities, > 100 uOhm-cm and internal
quality factors for resonators in the GHz range on the order of 100k and
higher. Both trilayers of TiN/Ti/TiN and thicker superlattice films were
prepared, demonstrating a highly controlled process for films over a wide
thickness range. Detectors were fabricated and showed single photon resolution
at 1550 nm. The high uniformity and controllability coupled with the high
quality factor, kinetic inductance, and inertness of TiN make these films ideal
for use in frequency multiplexed kinetic inductance detectors and other
potential applications such as nanowire detectors, transition edge sensors and
associated quantum information applications
Are Newly Discovered HI High Velocity Clouds Minihalos in the Local Group?
A set of HI sources extracted from the north Galactic polar region by the
ongoing ALFALFA survey has properties that are consistent with the
interpretation that they are associated with isolated minihalos in the
outskirts of the Local Group (LG). Unlike objects detected by previous surveys,
such as the Compact High Velocity Clouds of Braun & Burton (1999), the HI
clouds found by ALFALFA do not violate any structural requirements or halo
scaling laws of the LambdaCDM structure paradigm, nor would they have been
detected by extant HI surveys of nearby galaxy groups other than the LG. At a
distance of d Mpc, their HI masses range between $5 x 10^4 d^2 and 10^6 d^2
solar and their HI radii between <0.4d and 1.6 d kpc. If they are parts of
gravitationally bound halos, the total masses would be on order of 10^8--10^9
solar, their baryonic content would be signifcantly smaller than the cosmic
fraction of 0.16 and present in a ionized gas phase of mass well exceeding that
of the neutral phase. This study does not however prove that the minihalo
interpretation is unique. Among possible alternatives would be that the clouds
are shreds of the Leading Arm of the Magellanic Stream.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures, 1 table; to appear Ap.J. Letter
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