Improved microwave SQUID multiplexer readout using a kinetic-inductance traveling-wave parametric amplifier

Abstract

We report on the use of a kinetic-inductance traveling-wave parametric amplifier (KITWPA) as the first amplifier in the readout chain of a microwave superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) multiplexer (umux). This umux is designed to multiplex signals from arrays of low temperature detectors such as superconducting transition-edge sensor microcalorimeters. When modulated with a periodic flux-ramp to linearize the SQUID response, the flux noise improves, on average, from $1.6$ $\hat{I}¼\hat{I}{¦}_0/\sqrt{\mathrm{Hz}}$ with the KITWPA off, to $0.77$ $\hat{I}¼\hat{I}{¦}_0/\sqrt{\mathrm{Hz}}$ with the KITWPA on. When statically biasing the umux to the maximally flux-sensitive point, the flux noise drops from $0.45$ $\hat{I}¼\hat{I}{¦}_0/\sqrt{\mathrm{Hz}}$ to $0.2$ $\hat{I}¼\hat{I}{¦}_0/\sqrt{\mathrm{Hz}}$. We validate this new readout scheme by coupling a transition-edge sensor microcalorimeter to the umux and detecting background radiation. The combination of umux and KITWPA provides a variety of new capabilities including improved detector sensitivity and more efficient bandwidth utilization.