Approaches for High Performance and Thermally Optimized Flexible Cryogenic Microwave Ribbon Cables

Abstract

Design, fabrication, and testing of cryogenic cables with thermal performance considerations is presented in this work. Cables were designed with commercial off-the-shelf materials for low-GHz operation in a small form factor. Thermal and microwave simulations were performed during the design of cables. Fabrication processes were developed to create features in Cu-cladding and to successfully deposit thin-film metal in large step-height regions. Post-fabrication processes such as laser machining and connector assembly were used to cutout and interface with fabricated cables. Microwave performance was measured at room temperature and at 4.2 K with comparable results to simulations performed. Cables designed and fabricated in this work provide a solution to thermal and spatial limitations while achieving targeted microwave performance at cryogenic temperatures.