Oscillators based on dynamics of magnetic flux quanta (FFO)

Flux Flow Oscillators (FFO) are tuneable in the frequency range 200-600 GHz by the applied dc bias current and magnetic field. FFOs are potential local oscillators for SIS mixers in integrated fully superconducting submillimeter astronomical and space borne receivers with low noise and fine spectral resolution. The project is mainly concerned with experimental and theoretical investigations of the fluxon dynamics and noise mechanisms behind the dc properties and the intrinsic spectral width of the emitted radiadion. A linewidth as low as 140 kHz has been measured at 450 GHz. Frequency and phase locking of the FFO is planned.