Broadband bi-directional amplification via paired simultaneous parametric drives*

Quantum-limited parametric amplifiers have become a crucial tool for quantum information processing. However, such amplifiers generally suffer from absence of directionality, a fixed gain-bandwidth product and limited dynamic range. One proposed solution is to use paired parametric drives for gain and photon conversion in order to create an amplifier free from such limitations. This mode of operation will have bi-directional transmission amplification, unity reflection gain, a large, gain-independent bandwidth, and better dynamic range due to the linear dependence of gain on pump power. Previous attempts to realize this method via three-wave mixing in the Josephson Ring Modulator (JRM) met with limited success due to fourth order terms in the JRM which shift mode frequencies with pump strength, preventing accurate balancing of the simultaneous parametric processes. We avoid this complication by cancelling all fourth order terms at special flux biases in a JRM shunted with linear inductances. We will present data and discuss performance optimization of our JRM hardware for this multi-parametrically driven mode of operation.