Application of a DC SQUID array amplifier to an electrically small active antenna

We have built and operated a wide band electrically small active antenna consisting of a YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7/ half-loop over ground plane antenna, an LTS (niobium) 200 element DC SQUID array amplifier, and low-noise cryogenic GaAs buffer amplifier. These components were integrated with a liquid He flow cryostat into a portable stand-alone package. Measurements of active antenna response from 50 to 500 MHz were made using a transverse electromagnetic cell to illuminate the half-loop antenna. At frequencies below the observed antenna resonance (250 MHz) the active antenna response is flat thereby exhibiting wide band gain.