Demonstration of a superconducting nanowire microwave switch

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a superconducting nanowire switch integrated into a transmission line, showcasing high bandwidth, low power consumption, and fast response times for potential applications in microwave signal routing.

Contribution

It introduces a superconducting nanowire switch with a broad 2-8 GHz bandwidth, low power use, and rapid switching, advancing superconducting microwave device technology.

Findings

Bandwidth from 2 to 8 GHz achieved

Switch consumes negligible power in closed state

Response time approximately 370 ps

Abstract

The functionality of a nanowire integrated into a superconducting transmission line acting as a single pole single throw switch is demonstrated. The switch has an instantaneous bandwidth from 2 to 8 GHz with more than 10 dB of isolation between the open and closed states. The switch consumes no power in the closed state and $\approx 15~\rm{nW}$ in the open state. The rise and fall response time between open and closed states is approximately $370~\rm{ps}$.