125–170 GHz SIS-receiver with closed cycle refrigeration system

A mechanically tunable SIS receiver covering the frequency range from 125 to 170 GHz is described. For cooling at 2.8 K, a closed cycle refrigeration system has been developed that has a cooling power of 350 mW at 2.8 K. The IF is centered at 1.4 GHz with a bandwidth of 600 MHz. For preamplification, a cryogenic 2-stage HEMT amplifier has been developed that has a noise temperature of about 7 K. The best narrow-band spot noise temperature of the receiver is 28 K (DSB) at 133 GHz. Typical broadband (600MHz) values are between 50 and 200 K depending on the frequency. The receiver is used for radioastronomical measurements at the Cologne 3-m radiotelescope.