Three-Wave Mixing Kinetic Inductance Traveling-Wave Amplifier with Near-Quantum-Limited Noise Performance

We present a theoretical model and experimental characterization of a microwave kinetic inductance traveling-wave (KIT) amplifier, whose noise performance, measured by a shot-noise tunnel junction (SNTJ), approaches the quantum limit. Biased with a dc current, this amplifier operates in a three-wave mixing fashion, thereby reducing by several orders of magnitude the power of the microwave pump tone and associated parasitic heating compared to conventional four-wave mixing KIT amplifier devices. It consists of a 50 Omega artificial transmission line whose dispersion allows for a controlled amplification bandwidth. We measure 16.5(-1.3)(+1) dB of gain across a 2 GHz bandwidth with an input 1 dB compression power of -63 dBm, in qualitative agreement with theory. Using a theoretical framework that accounts for the SNTJ-generated noise entering both the signal and idler ports of the KIT amplifier, we measure the system-added noise of an amplification chain that integrates the KIT amplifier as the first amplifier. This system-added noise, 3.1 +/- 0.6 quanta (equivalent to 0.66 +/- 0.15 K) between 3.5 and 5.5 GHz, is the one that a device replacing the SNTJ in that chain would see. This KIT amplifier is therefore suitable to read large arrays of microwave kinetic inductance detectors and promising for multiplexed superconducting qubit readout.

Automated summary

This study presents a microwave kinetic inductance traveling-wave amplifier with noise performance approaching the quantum limit, suitable for large arrays of microwave kinetic inductance detectors and promising for multiplexed superconducting qubit readout. The amplifier operates in a three-wave mixing fashion, with reduced power of the microwave pump tone and associated parasitic heating compared to conventional devices. The system-added noise is measured between 3.5 and 5.5 GHz, showcasing the amplifier's potential for practical applications.