Parametric Amplification and Oscillations in Structured Superconducting Tin Films

Parametric amplification and side-band oscillations have been observed using thin superconducting films at 7.2 GHz. The amplification and oscillations are associated with discontinuities in the pump power vs frequency response of the films and with slits cut into the films. When operated in a parametric mode, a net gain of 12 dB was achieved. The oscillations occur in symmetrical pairs about the pump at 1-MHz intervals and are very sensitive to an applied dc magnetic field of approximately 0.1 G.