A groundbreaking collaboration between the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics (IAF) and the Max Planck Society has resulted in the development of the world’s lowest-noise amplifiers for the European Southern Observatory (ESO). These amplifiers will significantly enhance the capabilities of the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), located on the Chajnantor Plateau in the Chilean Andes.
ALMA comprises 66 radio telescopes, each with a diameter of twelve meters, making it one of the most powerful astronomical research facilities globally. The new amplifiers are designed to detect radio waves within the frequency range of 67 to 116 gigahertz (GHz). The 145 low-noise amplifiers (LNAs) form the critical first stage in the amplification process, allowing for signals to be amplified over 300-fold.
Fabian Thome, head of the subproject at Fraunhofer IAF, emphasized the importance of these amplifiers, stating, “The performance of receivers depends largely on the performance of the first high-frequency amplifiers installed in them.” The LNAs achieve an average noise temperature of just 22 Kelvin, a standard that sets them apart from competitors worldwide.
The integrated microwave circuits at the heart of the LNAs were developed by Fraunhofer IAF. Engineers from the Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy (MPIfR) crafted the intricate housings, utilizing precision engineering techniques to ensure high accuracy in the integration of the circuits and signal lines. Each amplifier underwent rigorous testing at temperatures of 15 Kelvin (approximately -258 degrees Celsius), which is essential for the ALMA receivers’ operation.
This technological advancement marks a new phase for ALMA, as it prepares for the next generation of receivers expected to be operational in the 2030s. These future receivers will offer greater bandwidths and increased sensitivity. Michael Kramer, executive director of MPIfR, expressed pride in the collaboration, remarking, “This is a wonderful recognition of our fantastic collaboration with Fraunhofer IAF, which shows that our amplifiers are not only ‘made in Germany’ but also the best in the world.”
The ESO commissioned both the MPIfR and Fraunhofer IAF to provide these innovative LNAs, benefiting from nearly two decades of cooperation that has fostered expertise in the field. This collaboration has allowed both institutions to become largely self-sufficient, reducing reliance on non-European suppliers for critical technology.
The new amplifiers are set to revolutionize the way researchers at ALMA analyze astronomical phenomena. These advancements will enable scientists to explore faint signals from distant cosmic sources, including dust disks in young star systems and complex molecules in space. The capabilities of the LNAs promise to unlock new insights into the universe, enhancing our understanding of the cosmos.
As the scientific community looks forward to the impact of these advancements, the collaboration between Fraunhofer IAF and the Max Planck Society serves as a testament to the potential of international partnerships in driving forward scientific innovation. The LNAs are not only a significant achievement for both institutions, but they also represent a leap forward in astronomical research technology.
