UC Merced

Superconducting radio frequency (SRF) cavities present a unique opportunity in their potential for extremely large quality factors (Q) which allow for low-loss microwave systems which extend photon lifetimes. They have subsequently been used and improved upon as individual cells of particle accelerators where large accelerating voltages are required. More recently, they have been used as double SRF cavity systems for coupling electromagnetic fields via qubits inserted into the cavity bodies. Capitalizing on this Q enhancement, we propose an SRF cavity system for parametric amplification of these microwave fields from vacuum. This triple SRF cavity consists of a pump cavity with a silicon nitride (SiN) membrane acting as one end-wall and two signal/idler cavities that are separated by an iris plane. Parametric amplification occurs when some parameter of the system varies sinusoidally in time and this subsequently drives the system into oscillation. Here, we vary the length of the cavities by driving the SiN membrane end-wall into motion using the radiation pressure from the pump cavity. Sufficient energy transfer between cavities will allow amplification and subsequent oscillation of the vacuum fields. We will introduce and explain theoretical background, SRF cavity fabrication and testing, SiN membrane mechanics, and lastly double cavity mechanics. We will identify which facets of the project seem feasible at this time.