A device has been developed for coherent detection of the polarization of the cosmic microwave background (CMB). A two-stage amplifier has been designed that covers 75–110 GHz. The device uses the emerging 35-nm InP HEMT technology recently developed at Northrop Grumman Corporation primarily for use at higher frequencies. The amplifier has more than 18 dB gain and less than 35 K noise figure across the band.
These devices have noise less than 30 K at 100 GHz. The development started with design activities at JPL, as well as characterization of multichip modules using existing InP. Following processing, a test campaign was carried out using single-chip modules at 100 GHz. Successful development of the chips will lead to development of multichip modules, with simultaneous Q and U Stokes parameter detection.
This MMIC (monolithic microwave integrated circuit) amplifier takes advantage of performance improvements intended for higher frequencies, but in this innovation are applied at 90 GHz. The large amount of available gain ultimately leads to lower possible noise performance at 90 GHz.
This work was done by Lorene A. Samoska, Todd C. Gaier, Stephanie Xenos, Mary M. Soria, Pekka P. Kangaslahti, and Kieran A. Cleary of Caltech; and Linda Ferreira, Richard Lai and Xiaobing Mei of Northrop Grumman Corporation for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. For more information, download the Technical Support Package (free white paper) at www.techbriefs.com/tsp under the Electronics/Computers category. NPO-46627
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Two-Stage, 90-GHz, Low-Noise Amplifier
(reference NPO-46627) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document outlines the development and testing of ultra-low-noise amplifier technology for observing the cosmic microwave background (CMB) at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). The principal investigator, Todd Gaier, along with a team of co-investigators, is focused on creating amplifiers that can detect faint polarization signals from the CMB, which are crucial for understanding the early universe and the history of gravity waves following the Big Bang.
The project aims to address the challenge of measuring polarization signals that are expected to be significantly dimmer than currently detected CMB signals. To achieve this, the team is developing new amplifier technologies that operate effectively in the frequency range of 10 to 150 GHz, where the CMB is most prominent. The document highlights the fabrication and testing of monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) chips at 40 and 90 GHz, showcasing record performance in terms of gain per stage at room temperature.
Key results from the FY08 testing phase include successful wafer probe tests of MMIC amplifiers fabricated using different processes, demonstrating near-record performance at both room and cryogenic temperatures. The project also involved the prototyping of an integrated polarimeter at 90 GHz, which is essential for future observations in Chile.
The significance of this research extends beyond CMB studies; it presents potential cost-saving opportunities for space missions. By reducing the need for sub-Kelvin cooling and achieving lower noise levels, the technology could enable a reduced-cost CMB polarization mission, making it feasible within a Midex cost cap. Furthermore, advancements in amplifier technology could lead to significant reductions in power requirements, enhancing the efficiency of various applications, including Earth remote sensing instruments.
Overall, the document emphasizes the importance of developing ultra-low-noise amplifiers not only for astrophysical research but also for broader technological applications, potentially revolutionizing fields that require high sensitivity and low noise, such as synthetic aperture radiometry. The work conducted at JPL represents a significant step forward in both scientific understanding and technological innovation.
