Predicted conversion gain in superconductor-insulator-superconductor quasiparticle mixers

Journal Article · Sat Mar 15 04:00:00 EST 1980 · Appl. Phys. Lett.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.91513· OSTI ID:5469860

Tucker, J R

A computer simulation is constructed to describe the performance of superconductor-insulator-superconductor (SIS) quasiparticle heterodyne receivers in terms of photon-assisted tunneling theory. The results predict that conversion efficiencies greater than unity can be realized at millimeter wave frequencies, with noise temperatures approaching the fundamental quantum limit. The nonlinearity responsible for the mixing is the extremely rapid onset of quasiparticle tunneling current in SIS junctions near the full gap voltage 2..delta../e, and is independent of the Josephson pair currents. Substantial gain is expected under a variety of conditions and for a wide range of source and load impedances.

• Research Organization: The Aerospace Corporation, P.O. Box 92957, Los Angeles, California 90009
• OSTI ID: 5469860
• Journal Information: Appl. Phys. Lett.; (United States), Journal Name: Appl. Phys. Lett.; (United States) Vol. 36:6; ISSN APPLA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

420201* -- Engineering-- Cryogenic Equipment & Devices
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION
EFFICIENCY
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
ELECTRICAL INSULATORS
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
FREQUENCY CONVERTERS
GAIN
HETERODYNE RECEIVERS
IMPEDANCE
JOSEPHSON EFFECT
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
MICROWAVE EQUIPMENT
NOISE
QUASI PARTICLES
RADIO EQUIPMENT
SIMULATION
SUPERCONDUCTORS
TUNNEL EFFECT