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

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

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available