Superconducting Quasiparticle Mixers for Moderate Power Levels Using Refractory Metals.

Abstract

All refractory superconductive tunneling devices have been evaluated as millimeter wave mixers at 115 GHz. Niobium-amorphous silicon-niobium devices fabricated by Sperry Research Center, Sudbury, MA. have been measured and yielded single-side-band (SSB) noise tremperature below 60 K and conversion losses of 6 dB. An automated test apparatus operating between 80 and 120 GHz has been constructed which will reduce testing time for individual mixers to one day compared to one week previously required. A general computer program for analyzing SIS mixers has been developed which permits the study of devices with a wide range of values for junction capacitance. Detailed analysis of realistic junction configurations indicate that chaos is not likely to be problem in practical SIS mixer systems. Originator-supplied keywords include: Superconductive tunnel devices, Quasiparticle tunneling, Sis mixer, Low noise millimeter wave receiver.

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 15, 1984
Accession Number
ADA953999

Entities

People

  • A. R. Kerr
  • M. J. Feldman

Organizations

  • National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Capacitance
  • Computer Programs
  • Computers
  • Conversion
  • Low Noise
  • Metals
  • Millimeter Waves
  • Noise
  • Polaritons
  • Power Levels
  • Quantum Tunneling
  • Quasiparticles
  • Refractory Metals
  • Subatomic Particles
  • Tunneling

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Electronics Engineering
  • Semiconductor Device Technology
  • Superconducting Magnet Technology

Technology Areas

  • 5G