On-Chip Josephson Parametric Converter With Power Divider
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Josephson parametric converters face challenges in scalability and dynamic range due to the need for bulky broadband hybrids and shared feedlines for pump and signal/idler tones, which complicates design and fabrication and compromises bandwidth and dynamic range.
Innovation Solution
An on-chip Josephson parametric converter using a lossless three-port power divider to split the pump drive signal symmetrically and excite the common mode, allowing separate feedlines for pump, signal, and idler tones, eliminating the need for bulky hybrids and enabling stronger coupling to the common mode while preserving differential modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If commercial broadband hybrids are used to feed pump and signal/idler tones, then the device can accommodate different frequencies, but the size increases and scalability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pump drive feeding function from the broadband hybrid and implements it separately using a power divider. This removes the requirement for a broadband hybrid to accommodate both pump and signal frequencies, thereby reducing device size while maintaining frequency accommodation capabilities through separate feeding paths
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the feeding paths by using a power divider to separately feed the pump tone through dedicated coupling capacitors, while signal and idler tones are fed through the hybrid. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific frequency range, reducing the need for bulky broadband hybrids
2Adaptability or versatility
If coupling capacitors are increased to widen device bandwidth, then coupling to feedline increases, but coupling to second harmonic resonance increases which softens pump drive and decreases dynamic range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pump drive coupling function from the shared feedline path and implements it through dedicated coupling capacitors connected to the power divider output. This separation allows independent optimization of pump coupling strength without affecting signal/idler coupling, enabling strong pump drive (stiff coupling) while maintaining appropriate signal coupling for desired bandwidth
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different coupling strengths locally: strong coupling for the pump drive through dedicated capacitors to maintain stiffness and dynamic range, and controlled coupling for signal/idler tones through the hybrid to achieve desired bandwidth. This local differentiation resolves the tradeoff between bandwidth and dynamic range
3Device complexity
If pump and signal/idler tones are fed through the same hybrid, then device structure is simplified, but the hybrid must be broadband which increases size and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the feeding architecture by introducing a power divider that separates pump tone feeding from signal/idler tone feeding. The pump tone is fed through dedicated coupling capacitors from the power divider output, while signal and idler tones use the hybrid. This segmentation eliminates the need for a broadband hybrid, reducing size while maintaining structural simplicity through modular design
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach simplifies design and fabrication, increases dynamic range by making the pump drive stiffer without affecting bandwidth, and allows for a smaller footprint, facilitating integration with other devices.
Implementation Method 1
a lossless power divider, coupled to the Josephson ring modulator, having a single input port and two output ports for receiving a pump drive signal via the single input port, splitting the pump drive signal symmetrically into two signals that are equal in amplitude and phase
Implementation Method 2
A Josephson ring modulator (JRM) is a nonlinear dispersive element based on Josephson tunnel junctions that can perform three-wave mixing of microwave signals at the quantum limit
Implementation Method 3
A Josephson ring modulator (JRM) is a nonlinear dispersive element based on Josephson tunnel junctions
Implementation Method 4
The pump drive signal excites a common mode of the on-chip Josephson parametric converter
Implementation Method 5
the JRM is coupled to two different microwave resonators. In microstrip JPCs, as well as compact and shunted JPCs, the pump drive which provides the energy for the amplification process
Data Source
AI summary
An on-chip Josephson parametric converter is provided. The on-chip Josephson parametric converter includes a Josephson ring modulator. The on-chip Josephson parametric converter further includes a lossless power divider, coupled to the Josephson ring modulator, having a single input port and two output ports for receiving a pump drive signal via the single input port, splitting the pump drive signal symmetrically into two signals that are equal in amplitude and phase, and outputting each of the two signals from a respective one of the two output ports. The pump drive signal excites a common mode of the on-chip Josephson parametric converter.