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Low Noise SQUID Array Amplifiers for High Speed Applications

Award Information
Agency: Department of Energy
Branch: N/A
Contract: DE-FG02-06ER84499
Agency Tracking Number: 81126S06-I
Amount: $99,989.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: 47
Solicitation Number: DE-FG01-05ER05-28
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2005
Award Year: 2006
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
175 Clearbrook Road
Elmsford, NY 10523
United States
DUNS: N/A
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Masoud Radparvar
 Dr.
 (914) 592-1190
 masoud@hypres.com
Business Contact
 Edward Kulinski
Title: Mr.
Phone: (914) 592-1190
Email: ekulinski@hypres.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

A low-noise amplifier chip, based on Superconducting QUantum Interference Device (SQUID) technology, is needed for the high speed instrumentation used in nuclear physics experiments. SQUIDs are ultra-high-speed devices that are extremely sensitive detectors of magnetic flux. They dissipate very low power and, as a result, can be instrumented with detectors in situations where low power dissipation and high speed are critical. In previous work, an analog SQUID array amplifier system ¿ which has room temperature electronics, sensitivity better than 2 pA/root Hz, and a bandwidth in excess of 10 MHz ¿ has been developed. To improve upon the bandwidth, this project will develop a novel, SQUID amplifier architecture that utilizes an analog SQUID coupled to an array of SQUIDs using Josephson Transmission Lines (JTLs). Because bandwidth associated with JTLs is on the order of several GHz, this SQUID array amplifier can achieve a switching speed in excess of 50 psec. In Phase I, a SQUID array amplifier with 1 GHz bandwidth will be designed, developed, and demonstrated. Single amplifier chips, which contain arrays of SQUID amplifiers for integration in a multi-channel systems, will be designed and fabricated. The amplifier chips will be compact and cost effective, and will require minimal support electronics. Commercial Applications And Other Benefits as described by the Applicant: A low noise high speed SQUID amplifier chip would find use in many high-speed digital systems, such as analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) and digital receivers. Such a SQUID, coupled to a large transformer (100 nH), would enable the development of an amplifier with sub-pico ampere sensitivity, needed for many applications. A sensitive, low-speed version of these SQUID chips should have commercial applications in non-invasive medical diagnostic instrumentation or as SQUID amplifiers for readout of cryogenic detector arrays.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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