Ultra low noise readout with travelling wave parametric amplifiers: the DARTWARS project

TL;DR

The paper discusses the development of ultra low noise travelling wave parametric amplifiers in the 5-10 GHz range, aiming for high gain, bandwidth, and near-quantum-limited noise performance, with a focus on Josephson junction-based designs.

Contribution

It introduces the design and preliminary results of a Josephson junction-based travelling wave parametric amplifier for quantum-limited noise performance.

Findings

Successful design of Josephson junction arrays for TWPA

Preliminary measurements show promising gain and noise characteristics

Homogeneity tests indicate consistent junction performance

Abstract

The DARTWARS project has the goal of developing high-performing innovative travelling wave parametric amplifiers with high gain, large bandwidth, high saturation power, and nearly quantum-limited noise. The target frequency region for its applications is 5 - 10 GHz, with an expected noise temperature of about 600 mK. The development follows two different approaches, one based on Josephson junctions and one based on kinetic inductance of superconductors. This contribution mainly focuses on the Josephson travelling wave parametric amplifier, presenting its design, preliminary measurements and the test of homogeneity of arrays of Josephson junctions.