A traveling-wave variable reactance type parametric amplifier

This paper describes the development of a wide band traveling wave parametric amplifier using semiconductor diodes. For the signal frequency at 1320 mc, and pump frequency of 2640 mc, a 15% bandwidth has been obtained with an average power gain of 10 db. Noise figure measurements resulted in a 4 db. single channel noise figure. The amplifier consists essentially of a slab line and 10 equally spaced varactor diodes mounted between the center conductor of the slab line and one of the two ground planes. Pump power is individually supplied to each diode from a pump power divider which has provisions for adjusting the pump phases. Each diode is also provided with an individual bias voltage control. Further investigations have indicated that the amplifier can also be operated in a non-degenerate fashion with a pump power frequency of 5320 mc.