Flux-driven Josephson traveling-wave parametric amplifier

Abstract

We have developed a concept for a traveling-wave parametric amplifier driven by a magnetic flux wave. The circuit consists of a serial array of symmetric dc SQUIDs coupled inductively to a separate superconducting LC transmission line carrying the pump microwave; thereby the signal and pump are applied to different ports. The proposed three-wave-mixing amplifier includes, firstly, an adjustable phase velocity of the signal (idler) wave and hence good phase matching yielding large gain in a wide frequency range and, secondly, overcoming of the pump depletion problem. The experimental parameters and characteristics of this amplifier have been evaluated and show promise for applications in quantum-information single-photon circuits.