Low Noise Factory AB (LNF), established in 2005 in Onsala, Sweden, specializes in the development of state-of-the-art cryogenic microwave components, particularly low noise amplifiers (LNAs) and isolators. The founders brought with them extensive experience from prestigious institutions such as the California Institute of Technology, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and Chalmers University of Technology.
Innovations and Product Development
LNF’s product portfolio is anchored by its proprietary Indium Phosphide High Electron Mobility Transistor (InP HEMT) technology, which underpins their ultra-low noise cryogenic amplifiers. These amplifiers are used gor their minimal noise figures and high reliability, making them indispensable in applications like radio astronomy, quantum computing, and deep-space communications.
Funding Sources and Collaborations
LNF’s innovative endeavors have been bolstered by strategic collaborations and funding from various sources. The company’s involvement in the European OpenSuperQ project was supported by the European Union, reflecting a concerted effort to push the boundaries of quantum computing.
Domestically, LNF has engaged in projects funded by the Swedish innovation agency, Vinnova. For instance, the Reliable Cryoamps project in 2012, conducted in partnership with Professor Jan Grahn’s group at Chalmers University of Technology, aimed to develop reliable cryogenic amplifiers for future applications. More recently, in 2022, LNF participated in the PulsHEMT project, which investigated low-power HEMTs for future quantum computers, also in collaboration with Professor Grahn’s team and funded by Vinnova.
LNF’s commitment to innovation is further demonstrated by its participation in competence centers like WiTECH, dedicated to pioneering next-generation wireless technologies, including 6G telecommunications. This initiative is co-funded by Vinnova and various industry partners, underscoring LNF’s role in shaping the future of wireless communication.
Through these strategic collaborations and funding initiatives, Low Noise Factory AB continues to advance the field of cryogenic microwave technology, contributing significantly to scientific and technological progress.
Company Overview
Low Noise Factory AB (LNF) was founded in 2005 in Onsala, Sweden, by Niklas Wadefalk, an electrical engineering graduate from Chalmers University of Technology. The company specializes in designing and manufacturing ultra-low noise microwave amplifiers, particularly for cryogenic applications. Wadefalk’s experience includes work at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and contributions to the SETI Allen Telescope Array. LNF’s products have been integral to various applications, including radio astronomy, quantum computing, and deep space communication.
Recent Innovations
LNF has continued to advance its technology portfolio in recent years. In 2023, the company joined the European Union’s Quantity project, collaborating with Chalmers University of Technology and other partners. The project’s goal is to further develop the Indium Phosphide High Electron Mobility Transistor (InP HEMT) Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit (MMIC) process for larger-scale production and to demonstrate the miniaturization of low noise amplifiers (LNAs) for next-generation quantum computers.
Additionally, LNF has been involved in the development of ultra-wideband cryogenic LNAs. These amplifiers have achieved input reflections below –15 dB over a 4–20 GHz frequency range, representing a fractional bandwidth of 133% or 2.3 octaves. Such advancements are pivotal for applications requiring broad frequency coverage with minimal noise, including radio astronomy and deep space exploration.
Funding Sources and Amounts
LNF’s recent innovations have been supported by various funding sources:
- Quantity Project: This European Union-funded initiative focuses on scaling up the InP HEMT MMIC process and miniaturizing LNAs for quantum computing applications.
- Cryonoise Project: Funded by Vinnova, Sweden’s innovation agency
