Optimizing the nonlinearity and dissipation of a SNAIL Parametric Amplifier for dynamic range

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We present a new quantum-limited Josephson-junction-based 3-wave-mixing parametric amplifier, the SNAIL Parametric Amplifier (SPA), which uses an array of SNAILs (Superconducting Nonlinear Asymmetric Inductive eLements) as the source of tunable nonlinearity.

• We show how to engineer the nonlinearity over multiple orders of magnitude by varying the physical design of the device.
• As a function of design parameters, we systematically explore two important amplifier nonidealities that limit dynamic range: the phenomena of gain compression and intermodulation distortion, whose minimization are crucial for high-fidelity multi-qubit readout.
• Through a comparison with first-principles theory across multiple devices, we demonstrate how to optimize both the nonlinearity and the input-output port coupling of these SNAIL-based parametric amplifiers to achieve higher saturation power, without sacrificing any other desirable characteristics.