Microwave switches for cryogenically cooled RF receivers

We propose to develop and build very low loss microwave switches for use in cryogenic, high vacuum environment. The resulting switches will outperform current room temperature switches while operating at cryogenic temperatures under high vacuum and will be able to handle high power levels up to 33dBm as well as endure thousands of temperature cycles and tens of millions of switching cycles or better at speeds of at least 10 microseconds. First we will develop target switch specifications. Using these specifications, we will design a switch for cryogenic operation. We will outline the cost/benefit trade-offs for commercial-off-the-shelf components (COTS) versus specialized designs. Finally, we will prove the feasibility of COTS components, either as the approach or as a baseline for comparison. In the Phase I option, we would reoptimize the design given the results of the measurements in Phase I. These technologies will push the state of the art and the challenge areas for the Phase II demonstration will be identified. A number of significant technology advances in RF design and cryopackaging must be achieved to accomplish the goals of the program.