Integral FMCW radar incorporating an HTSC delay line with user-transparent cryogenic cooling and packaging

A self-contained frequency-modulation continuous-wave (FMCW) radar incorporating a compact 2.2-ns broadband superconducting delay line operating at 80 K has been developed. The authors note that this is the first demonstration of an integral microwave system utilizing high-temperature superconductor (HTSC) circuitry incorporating a closed-cycle cooler and a long-life permanently sealed dewar. They discuss development efforts focused on high-frequency packaging techniques compatible with the stringent thermal and electrical performance requirements of HTSC microwave circuitry. They also review the prospects for development of low-cost and reliable closed-cycle cryogenic coolers in the 2-10-W size range.<
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