Paper 13102-144
Cryogenic high-linearity and dynamic range C-band low-noise amplifier for uMUX TES and CMB readout systems
Abstract
We describe a two-stage cryogenic low noise amplifier (LNA) with a usable frequency range of 0.5 to 8 GHz (L to C-band) designed for operation at 4 Kelvin. The amplifier was designed to have high linearity and dynamic range with a low noise temperature and low power dissipation. The LNA uses two Diramics Indium Phosphide (InP) Pseudomorphic High Electron Mobility Transistors (pHEMTs) and other commercial surface mount (SMT) components. The use of SMT components minimizes the number of bond wires needed to assemble the amplifier increasing its manufacturability. The LNA has a gain of 25 dB with a gain flatness of ±1 - 2 dB and a power consumption at 4 Kelvin ranging from 3.4 to 8 mW. The measured noise temperature at an operating temperature of 10 Kelvin is less than 10 Kelvin from 1 GHz to 2 GHz, less than 8 Kelvin from 2 GHz to 4 GHz, less than 6 Kelvin from 4 GHz to 5 GHz and less than 4 Kelvin from 5 GHz to 9.5 GHz. The measured performance is in good agreement with the computer simulation with a output 1 dB compression point (OP1dB) ~-5 dBm and input third order intercept point (IIP3) ∼ -12 dBm when measured with a full readout chain. The amplifier is designed to be used as the first stage LNA in the readout of arrays of microwave multiplexed transition edge sensors (TES) for the Simons Observatory1 (SO) in Chile. A common problem with highly sensitive frequency multiplexed detectors is optimizing the probe-tone drive power without saturating the LNA. The high dynamic range of these LNAs sets a saturation point well above the saturation point of the detectors.
Presenter
Arizona State Univ. (United States)
is a Research Specialist for the Astronomical Instruments Laboratory at Arizona State University in the School of Earth & Space Exploration where he recieved his BS degree in Exploration Systems Design in 2015 and is currently seeking his MS degree from the same institution in the field of Exploration Systems Design (Systems Engineering). His main work is in designing, building and testing room and cryogenic low noise amplifiers for radio telescope receivers and projects that operate at different wavelengths. He has done work for notable projects such as ASTHROS, TolTec, ALPACA, Simons Observatory and GUSTO.