The helix parametric amplifier - A wide-band miniature solid-state microwave amplifier

This paper describes a new type of parametric amplifier which uses a helix as a slow-wave distributed interaction structure and has variable-capacitance solid-state diodes distributively coupled to the helix. The applied signal and the pump signal are applied to the input of the helix; interaction occurs successively with the diodes and provides parametric amplification which results in the development of the amplified applied signal at the output of the helix. The helix parametric amplifier has an insertion loss of approximately 30 db between the input and the output of the helix before application of the pump signal. When a pump signal at fixed frequency is applied, the helix parametric amplifier provides wide-band operation. A miniaturized-package helix parametric amplifier is described which weighs less than 6 ounces and provides a gain of 15 db across a 10-per-cent bandwidth in high L-band with a pump having a frequency at less than twice input-signal frequency. The noise figure of the amplifier is from 5 to 6 db. Maximum gain is stable over a wide range of pump power.