Fabrication of a Nb-based 180-degree if hybrid for balanced SIS mixers

Christine M. Lyons, Arthur W. Lichtenberger, Anthony R. Kerr, Eugene F. Lauria, Lucy M. Ziurys

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

180-degree IF hybrids are potentially useful for balanced superconductor-insulator-superconductor (SIS) mixers. We have developed a compact Nb-based 180-degree hybrid for 4-12 GHz which addresses concerns of element size, ohmic loss, and IF bandwidth. The fabrication scheme developed for these elements will be discussed, including the use of a thin overlayer Au process for via contacts, RF diode sputtered SiOx in lieu of sublimated SiO films in order to improve the wafer yield, and diagnostic Nb capacitors to evaluate these SiOx films. Experimental results will be presented and compared with simulations of these lumped element transmission line "rat-race" hybrids. It should be noted that the hybrids can be used in cryogenic balanced mixers for any RF band.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)194-197
Number of pages4
JournalIEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity
Volume17
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2007

Keywords

  • Hybrid integrated circuit fabrication
  • Hybrid junctions
  • Lumped element microwave circuits
  • Superconductor-insulator-superconductor mixers

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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