Frequency Multiplier Based on Distributed Superconducting Tunnel Junctions: Theory, Design, and Characterization

• In this paper, we present the analysis, design, andcharacterization of the first frequency multiplier using distributed superconductor–insulator–superconductor (SIS) junctions. We derived analytical expressions describing the properties of the distributed SIS junction as a frequency multiplier. The modeling of the distributed SIS junctions shows that high conversion efficiency can be achieved when used as the multiplier. The measured outputpower generated by such multiplier employing the distributed SIS junction at the second harmonic of the input frequency is in good agreement with the model. Furthermore, the frequency multiplier based on the distributed SIS junction for the first time was able to pump an SIS mixer. The multiplication efficiency of thedistributed SIS junction is 15–30% for a fractional bandwidth of 10% with excellent spectral line purity. The –3 dB line width of the multiplied signal is 1 Hz, which was limited by the resolution bandwidth of the spectrum analyzer. The results attained in this paper show that the distributed SIS junction frequency multiplier has considerable future potential, and could possibly be used in LO source in single-end and multipixel SIS mixer receivers.

Subject headings

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Annan teknik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Other Engineering and Technologies (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Submillimeter wave devices

superconductor–insulator–superconductor (SIS) frequency multipliers

superconducting tunnel junctions

Publication and Content Type

art (subject category)

ref (subject category)