Traveling wave parametric amplifier with Josephson junctions using minimal resonator phase matching

TL;DR

This paper introduces a traveling wave parametric amplifier using Josephson junctions with resonator phase matching, achieving high gain, broad bandwidth, and near-quantum-limited noise performance.

Contribution

The authors demonstrate a novel TWPA design with resonator phase matching that enhances gain and bandwidth compared to previous approaches.

Findings

Average gain of 12 dB over 4 GHz bandwidth

Saturation power of -92 dBm

Noise approaching quantum limit

Abstract

Josephson parametric amplifiers have become a critical tool in superconducting device physics due to their high gain and quantum-limited noise. Traveling wave parametric amplifiers (TWPAs) promise similar noise performance while allowing for significant increases in both bandwidth and dynamic range. We present a TWPA device based on an LC-ladder transmission line of Josephson junctions and parallel plate capacitors using low-loss amorphous silicon dielectric. Crucially, we have inserted $\lambda/4$ resonators at regular intervals along the transmission line in order to maintain the phase matching condition between pump, signal, and idler and increase gain. We achieve an average gain of 12\,dB across a 4\,GHz span, along with an average saturation power of -92\,dBm with noise approaching the quantum limit.