High frequency SNAIL based parametric amplifier

We demonstrate a high-frequency SNAIL-based parametric amplifier (SPA) operating in the K-band (18-26.5 GHz). Using an array of 500 SNAILs, we implement non-degenerate 3-wave amplification which requires a pump in a convenient 30–35 GHz pump frequency. We obtain more than 20 dB of gain with 15–20 MHz bandwidth, an input dynamic range of -105 dBm, and a noise temperature approaching the half-photon limit. We use this amplifier to implement a fast QND readout of superconducting qubits placed in high-frequency cavities.