ALMA SIS mixer optimization for stable operation

S. Asayama; N. Whyborn; P. Yagoubov

doi:10.1117/12.925802

24 September 2012 ALMA SIS mixer optimization for stable operation

S. Asayama, N. Whyborn, P. Yagoubov

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 8452, Millimeter, Submillimeter, and Far-Infrared Detectors and Instrumentation for Astronomy VI; 84522Z (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.925802
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2012, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Abstract

The Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array (ALMA), an interferometric radio telescope will have 66 array elements when complete. The ALMA Front End is designed to accommodate up to 10 receiver bands covering most of the wavelength range from 10 to 0.3 mm. Superconductor-insulator-superconductor (SIS) mixers are employed for Bands 3 (~3 mm) through 10 (~0.3 mm). Ordinarily the SIS bias is selected to achieve the lowest receiver noise temperatures. However, in order to obtain the lowest detection threshold, the SIS bias also needs to be optimized with respect to receiver stability. There are also other parameters to be optimized such as the magnetic field strength used to suppress the Josephson currents and avoidance of Shapiro. This paper will summarize the results of work carried out to derive the optimal operating parameters for the large number of mixers in use on the telescope so as to keep the telescope operating reliably and repeatably.

Citation Download Citation

S. Asayama, N. Whyborn, and P. Yagoubov "ALMA SIS mixer optimization for stable operation", Proc. SPIE 8452, Millimeter, Submillimeter, and Far-Infrared Detectors and Instrumentation for Astronomy VI, 84522Z (24 September 2012); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.925802

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