An ultra-low-noise preamplifier using superconducting quantum devices

Abstract

The application of superconducting(SQUID) galvanometers as low‐noise preamplifiers with considerable bandwidth is explored. The important role of negative feedback in maximizing the bandwidth of these preamplifiers is carefully analyzed. Also discussed is the design and construction of superconducting impedance matching transformers suitable for making the unexcelled noise characteristics of these amplifiers available over a wide range of source impedances. A working preamplifier is described which has exhibited a maximum bandwidth of 10 kHz and noise temperatures in the liquid helium temperature range or below for all source impedances up to a few ohms. The operating characteristics of this preamplifier are compared to the best conventional room temperature amplifiers and are found to be superior for source impedances less than ∼10 Ω.