We present a detailed simulation and design framework for realizing traveling-wave parametric amplifiers (TWPAs) using the nonlinear kinetic inductance of disordered superconductors—in our case niobium-titanium-nitride (NbTiN). These kinetic inductance TWPAs (KITs) operate via three-wave mixing to achieve high broadband gain and near-quantum-limited noise. Representative fabricated devices—realized using an inverted microstrip, dispersion-engineered, artificial transmission line—demonstrate power gains above 25 dB and bandwidths beyond 3 GHz, and achieve ultimate system noise levels of 1.1 quanta, even when operated with no magnetic shielding. These performance metrics are competitive with state-of-the-art Josephson-junction-based TWPAs, while offering further advantages: KITs require simpler fabrication, provide more than 3 orders of magnitude higher dynamic range (IIP1 =−68 dBm, IIP3 =−55 dBm), and offer higher magnetic field resilience. These features make KITs an attractive technology for highly multiplexed readout of quantum information and superconducting detector systems.
Howe, L., Giachero, A., Vissers, M., Campana, P., Wheeler, J., Gao, J., et al. (2026). Kinetic inductance traveling-wave parametric amplifiers near the quantum limit: Methodology and characterization. PHYSICAL REVIEW APPLIED, 25(4) [10.1103/yg71-j2dn].
Kinetic inductance traveling-wave parametric amplifiers near the quantum limit: Methodology and characterization
Giachero, A.;Campana, P.;Nucciotti, A.;
2026
Abstract
We present a detailed simulation and design framework for realizing traveling-wave parametric amplifiers (TWPAs) using the nonlinear kinetic inductance of disordered superconductors—in our case niobium-titanium-nitride (NbTiN). These kinetic inductance TWPAs (KITs) operate via three-wave mixing to achieve high broadband gain and near-quantum-limited noise. Representative fabricated devices—realized using an inverted microstrip, dispersion-engineered, artificial transmission line—demonstrate power gains above 25 dB and bandwidths beyond 3 GHz, and achieve ultimate system noise levels of 1.1 quanta, even when operated with no magnetic shielding. These performance metrics are competitive with state-of-the-art Josephson-junction-based TWPAs, while offering further advantages: KITs require simpler fabrication, provide more than 3 orders of magnitude higher dynamic range (IIP1 =−68 dBm, IIP3 =−55 dBm), and offer higher magnetic field resilience. These features make KITs an attractive technology for highly multiplexed readout of quantum information and superconducting detector systems.
I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
