Three-Wave Mixing Quantum-Limited Kinetic Inductance Parametric Amplifier operating at 6 Tesla and near 1 Kelvin

TL;DR

This paper presents a NbN-based kinetic inductance parametric amplifier capable of quantum-limited amplification at high magnetic fields and temperatures, offering a robust alternative to Josephson junction amplifiers for quantum technologies.

Contribution

The work introduces a high-quality NbN kinetic inductance parametric amplifier that operates effectively at 6 Tesla and near 1 Kelvin, surpassing limitations of traditional Josephson-based amplifiers.

Findings

Achieves >20 dB quantum-limited gain

Operates at magnetic fields up to 6 Tesla

Functions at temperatures as high as 850 mK

Abstract

Parametric amplifiers play a crucial role in modern quantum technology by enabling the enhancement of weak signals with minimal added noise. Traditionally, Josephson junctions have been the primary choice for constructing parametric amplifiers. Nevertheless, high-kinetic inductance thin films have emerged as viable alternatives to engineer the necessary nonlinearity. In this work, we introduce and characterize a Kinetic Inductance Parametric Amplifier (KIPA) built using high-quality NbN superconducting thin films. The KIPA addresses some of the limitations of traditional Josephson-based parametric amplifiers, excelling in dynamic range, operational temperature, and magnetic field resilience. We demonstrate a quantum-limited amplification (> 20 dB) with a 20 MHz gain-bandwidth product, operational at fields up to 6 Tesla and temperatures as high as 850 mK. Harnessing kinetic inductance in NbN thin films, the KIPA emerges as a robust solution for quantum signal amplification, enhancing research possibilities in quantum information processing and low-temperature quantum experiments. Its magnetic field compatibility and quantum-limited performance at high temperatures make it an invaluable tool, promising new advancements in quantum research.