A positive resistance up-converter for ultra- low-noise amplification.
Ultralow-noise two-channel tunable cascade amplifier system using upconverter and traveling wave maser
TRAVELING WAVE MASER↗
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Frequency generation and control - Atomic hydrogen frequency standard
Dual channel traveling wave maser for integration in closed cycle refrigerator
FREQUENCY CONTROL↗
Total system noise temperature- 15 deg k.
Noise temperature calculated for traveling wave maser system
NOISE MEASUREMENT↗
Low-level microwave mixing in ruby.
Microwave mixing in paramagnetic crystal using traveling wave maser with ruby as mixer element, noting frequency conversion
RUBY↗
The superconducting cavity-stabilized maser oscillator
The possibility of integrating a superconducting cavity with a traveling wave maser is explored to obtain a frequency standard with very high spectral purity.
Higa, W. H.↗
S-band maser phase delay stability tests
The results of the S-band traveling wave maser phase delay stability measurements performed at DSS 62 are presented. These tests were required for the Pioneer-Venus wind experiment.
Urech, J. M.↗
Improved masers for X-band and Ku band
Slow-wave structure of traveling-wave maser utilizes comb system which is comprised of ruby on one side and alumina on other; alumina also supports isolator material. Radiation at pump frequency is coupled to ruby through shaped alumina strips. Contact between ruby bars and comb completes conductance path for heat transfer.
Clauss, R. C.↗
The 8.4-GHz low-noise maser pump source assembly
Improved pump source assemblies and new 8.4-GHz low noise traveling-wave masers (TWMs) were installed at the same time at Deep Space Stations 14 and 43 as part of the Mark IVA DSCC Antenna Microwave Subsystems upgrade. The pump source assemblies are part of the new 8.4-GHz TWMs, which are identified as Block IIA Low-Noise TWMs. Improved reliability of the pump source assemblies was required to meet stress analysis criteria.
Cardenas, R.↗
Masers for the telstar satellite communications experiment
This paper discusses the design and characteristics of ruby traveling-wave masers operating at 4 gc. These masers, characterized by an average gain of ≈35 db over a bandwidth of 25 mc, are equipped with waveguide input transmission lines, rather than the previously employed coaxial cables. This change results in an over-all noise temperature of 3.5°K for these devices, rather than the 10°K exhibited by earlier masers. The maser noise temperature now closely approximates sky temperatures, which set the ultimate limit on earthbound receiver sensitivity. The improvements to be had by further reduction in amplifier noise are therefore almost negligible. A less well known maser property, i.e., its freedom from distortion, even when driven well into gain saturation, is discussed.
TELSTAR SATELLITE↗
Ultralow noise performance of an 8.4-GHz maser-feedhorn system
A total system noise temperature of 6.6 K was demonstrated with an 8.4-GHz traveling wave maser and feedhorn operating in a cryogenic environment. Both the maser and feedhorn were inserted in the helium cryostat, with the maser operating in the 1.6-K liquid bath and the feedhorn cooled in the helium gas, with a temperature gradient along the horn ranging from the liquid bath temperature at its lower end to room temperature at its top. The ruby maser exhibited 43 dB of gain with a bandwidth of 76 MHz(-3 dB) centered at 8400 MHz. Discussions of the maser, cooled feedhorn, and cryostat designs are presented along with a discussion of the noise temperature measurements.
Johnson, D. L.↗
X-band ultralow-noise maser amplifier performance
Noise temperature measurements of an 8440-MHz ultralow noise maser amplifier (ULNA) have been performed at subatmospheric, liquid-helium temperatures. The traveling-wave maser was operated while immersed in a liquid helium bath. The lowest input noise temperature measured was 1.43 +/- 0.16 K at a physical temperature of 1.60 K. At this physical temperature, the observed gain per centimeter of ruby was 4.9 dB/cm. The amplifier had a 3-dB bandwidth of 76 MHz.
Glass, G. W.↗
X-Band Ultra-Low Noise Maser Amplifier Performance
Noise temperature measurements of an 8440 MHz ultra-low noise maser amplifier (ULNA) have been performed at sub-atmospheric, liquid helium temperatures. The traveling wave maser operated while immersed in a liquid helium bath. The lowest input noise temperature measured was 1.23 plus or minus 0.16 K at a physical temperature of 1.60 kelvin. At this physical temperature the observed gain per unit length of ruby was 4.6 dB/cm, and the amplifier had a 3 dB-bandwidth of 76 MHz.
ultra-low noise maser amplifier X-band maser syste↗
X- and K-band maser development: Effects of interfering signals
Signals at levels exceeding - 90 dbmW at the input connection of a traveling-wave maser can affect maser performance in a variety of ways. Both S band and X band masers are considered where interfering signals are: (1) within the maser bandpass, (2) near the maser bandpass, and (3) far from the maser bandpass, where mixing with the maser pump can occur.
Clauss, R. C.↗
Thermal short improves sensitivity of cryogenically cooled maser
In-line, quarter-wave thermal short cools the center conductor of the signal-input coaxial transmission line to a cryogenically cooled traveling wave maser. It reduces both the thermal noise contribution of the coaxial line and the heat leak through the center conductor to the maser at 4.4 degrees K.
Clauss, R. C.↗
Superconducting magnet for a Ku-band maser.
A superconducting magnet to provide a uniform magnetic field of up to 8000 G in a 1.14-cm gap for the 15.3-GHz (Ku-band) traveling wave maser is described. The magnet operates in a persistent mode in the vacuum environment of a closed-cycle helium refrigerator (4.5 K). The features of a superconducting switch, which has both leads connected to 4.5 K heat stations and thereby does not receive heat generated by the magnet charging leads, are described.
Berwin, R.↗
Cryogenic filters for RFI protection
The increased bandwidth and sensitivity of the DSN maser-based receiver systems along with the increase in worldwide microwave spectrum usage dictated the need for employing additional measures to protect these systems from RFI (radio frequency inerference). Both in-band and out-of-band microwave signals at the input of the Deep Space Network (DSN) traveling wave masers (TWM) can adversely affect the maser performance in a variety of ways. Filters fabricated from superconducting materials operating below their superconducting transition temperature (Tc) possess the most potential for providing the necessary RFI protection without degrading the system performance.
Bautista, J. J.↗
An 8.4-GHz dual-maser front-end system for Parkes reimplementation
An 8.4-GHz front-end system consisting of a feedhorn, a waveguide feed assembly, dual masers, and downconverters was reimplemented at Parkes as part of the Parkes Canberra Telemetry Array for the Voyager Neptune encounter. The front-end system was originally assembled by the European Space Agency and installed on the Parkes antenna for the Giotto project. It was also used on a time-sharing basis by the Deep Space Network as part of the Parkes Canberra Telemetry Array to enhance the data return from the Voyager Uranus encounter. At the conclusion of these projects in 1986, part of the system was then shipped to JPL on loan for reimplementation at Parkes for the Voyager Neptune encounter. New design and implementation required to make the system operable at Parkes included new microwave front-end control cabinets, closed-cycle refrigeration monitor system, noise-adding radiometer system, front-end controller assembly, X81 local oscillator multiplier, and refurbishment of the original dual 8.4-GHz traveling-wave masers and waveguide feed system. The front-end system met all requirements during the encounter and was disassembled in October 1989 and returned to JPL.
Trowbridge, D. L.↗
An 8.4-GHz dual maser front end for Parkes reimplementation
An 8.4 GHz front-end system consisting of a feedhorn, a waveguide feed assembly, dual masers, and downconverters is being reimplemented at Parkes as part of the Parkes-Canberra Telemetry Array for the Voyager Neptune encounter. The front-end system was originally assembled by the European Space Agency on the Parkes antenna for the Giotto project. It was also used on a time-sharing basis by the DSN as part of the Parkes-Canberra Telemetry Array to enhance the data return from Voyager 2 at Uranus. At the conclusion of these projects in 1986, the front-end system was dismantled, packed, and shipped to Europe. Part of the system was then shipped to JPL on loan for reimplementation at Parkes for the Voyager Neptune encounter. The system is being redesigned and refurbished for operation at Parkes. Tasks include new microwave front-end control cabinets, a closed-cycle refrigeration data acquisition system, a new noise-adding radiometer system, a front-end controller assembly, and refurbishment of the dual 8.4 GHz traveling-wave masers (TWMs) and waveguide feed system.
Trowbridge, D. L.↗