This research investigates the realization of parametric amplification in superconducting circuits and structures where nonlinearity is provided by Josephson junction (JJ) elements. We aim to develop a systematic analysis over JJ-based devices toward design of novel traveling-wave Josephson parametric amplifiers (TW-JPA). Chapters of this thesis fall into three categories: lumped JPA, superconducting periodic structures and discrete Josephson transmission lines (DJTL). The unbiased Josephson junction (JJ) is a nonlinear element suitable for parametric amplification through a four-photon process. Two circuit topologies are introduced to capture the unique property of the JJ in order to efficiently mix signal, pump and idler signals for the purpose of signal amplification. Closed-form expressions are derived for gain characteristics, bandwidth determination, noise properties and impedance for this kind of parametric power amplifier. The concept of negative resistance in the gain formulation is observed. A design process is also introduced to find the regimes of operation for gain achievement. Two regimes of operation, oscillation and amplification, are highlighted and distinguished in the result section. Optimization of the circuits to enhance the bandwidth is also carried out. Moving toward TW-JPA, the second part is devoted to modelling the linear wave propagation in a periodic superconducting structure. We derive closed-form equations for dispersion and s-parameters of infinite and finite periodic structures, respectively. Band gap formation is highlighted and its potential applications in the design of passive filters and resonators are discussed. The superconducting structures are fabricated using YBCO and measured, illustrating a good correlation with the numerical results. A novel superconducting Transmission Line (TL), which is periodically loaded by Josephson junctions (JJ) and assisted by open stubs, is proposed as a platform to realize a traveling-wave parametric device. Using the TL model, this structure is modeled by a system of nonlinear partial differential equations (PDE) with a driving source and mixed-boundary conditions at the input and output terminals, respectively. This model successfully emulates parametric and nonlinear microwave propagation when long-wave approximation is applicable. The influence of dispersion to sustain three non-degenerate phased-locked waves through the TL is highlighted. A rigorous and robust Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) solver based on the explicit Lax-Wendroff and implicit Crank-Nicolson schemes has been developed to investigate the device responses under various excitations. Linearization of the wave equation, under small-amplitude assumption, dispersion and impedance analysis is performed to explore more aspects of the device for the purpose of efficient design of a traveling-wave parametric amplifier. Knowing all microwave characteristics and identifying different regimes of operation, which include impedance properties, cut-off propagation, dispersive behaviour and shock-wave formation, we exploit perturbation theory accompanied by the method of multiple scale to derive the three nonlinear coupled amplitude equations to describe the parametric interaction. A graphical technique is suggested to find three waves on the dispersion diagram satisfying the phase-matching conditions. Both cases of perfect phase-matching and slight mismatching are addressed in this work. The incorporation of two numerical techniques, spectral method in space and multistep Adams-Bashforth in time domain, is employed to monitor the unilateral gain, superior stability and bandwidth of this structure. Two types of functionality, mixing and amplification, with their requirements are described. These properties make this structure desirable for applications ranging from superconducting optoelectronics to dispersive readout of superconducting qubits where high sensitivity and ultra-low noise operation is required.

Dans un contexte de densification des villes et de leurs réseaux de transport, les gens sont de plus en plus exposés au bruit. Ainsi, le résultat de l'étude d'impact vibro-acoustique joue un rôle primordial dans l'expansion du réseau ferroviaire. L'une des principales sources est le bruit de roulement : La rugosité de la surface de la roue et du rail produit un déplacement imposé sur ces derniers. Ce déplacement entraine une réponse vibratoire des roues et de la voie ferrée et leurs rayonnements acoustiques. Cette thèse propose une amélioration de la modélisation vibro-acoustique de la voie ferrée.Pour la réponse vibratoire, le coté infini de la voie et sa déformation dans les 3 dimensions rendent les modèles analytiques et les éléments finis non-optimales dans la gamme de fréquence de l’audible. La méthode élément fini semi-périodique (SAFEM) est utilisée dans cette thèse pour modéliser une voie à support continue. Elle est ensuite couplée au théorème de Floquet pour modéliser une voie à support périodique. Cependant, cette technique génère des problèmes numériques qui ont imposé un algorithme adapté. La méthode d'Arnoldi du second ordre (SOAR) est utilisée avant de résoudre l'équation SAFEM permet de résoudre ces problèmes ainsi qu’apporter la stabilité requise. Des comparaisons avec d’autres modèles et des données expérimentales permettent de valider la méthode.Pour le rayonnement acoustique, la simulation de grand domaine en haute fréquence rendent inadapté l'utilisation de techniques conventionnelles (FEM, BEM, ...). La méthode proposée ici : la théorie variationnelle du rayon complexe est particulièrement bien adaptée à ce cas. Les principales caractéristiques de l'approche VTCR sont l'utilisation d'une formulation faible du problème acoustique, qui permet de considérer automatiquement les conditions limites entre sous-domaines. Ensuite, l'utilisation d'une répartition intégrale des ondes planes dans toutes les directions permet de simuler le champ acoustique. Les inconnues du problème sont leurs amplitudes. Cette méthode qui a déjà montré son efficacité pour les domaines fermés a été étendue au domaine ouvert et couplée à la réponse vibratoire. Des comparaisons avec des solutions analytiques et des simulations FEM à basse fréquence permettent de valider la méthode. / In a context of urban and transport network densification, people are increasingly exposed to noise. Consequently, the result of vibro-acoustic impact assessment has a pivotal role in rail network expansion. One of the main sources is the rolling noise: Roughness on the wheel and rail surface produce an imposed displacement one the both. This last, generates vibrational response of wheels and the railway track and their acoustic radiation. This PhD thesis presents some improvements of the vibro-acoustic railway track modelling.Concerning vibrational response, the infinite dimension in the longitudinal direction of the track and its deformation in the 3 dimensions, make the analytical models and finite elements non-optimal. The Semi-analytical finite element method (SAFEM), used in this thesis, is particularly well adapted in this case. Firstly, it is used to model railway track on a continuous support. Then, it is coupled with Floquet theorem to model tracks with a periodic support. However, this technique suffers from numerical problems that imposed an adapted algorithm. The second-order Arnoldi method (SOAR) is used to tackle them. This reduction allows to eliminate critical values improving the robustness of the method. Comparison with existing techniques and experimental results validate this model.Concerning acoustic radiation, big domains simulations at high frequency are almost unfeasible when using conventional techniques (FEM, BEM,…). The method used in this thesis, the Variational theory of complex ray (VTCR) is particularly well adapted to these cases. The principal features of VTCR approach are the use of a weak formulation of the acoustic problem, which allows to consider automatically boundary conditions between sub-domains. Then, the use of an integral repartition of plane waves in all the direction allow to simulate the acoustic field. The unknowns of the problem are their amplitudes. This method well assessed for closed domain, has been extended to open domain and coupled to vibrational response of the rail. Comparison with analytic solution and FEM simulation at low frequency allow to validate the method.Coupling these both methods allowed to simulate complex real life vibro-acoustic scenarios. Result of different railway tracks are presented and validated

In microwave frequency band, the planar technology is mainly used to fabricate electronic circuits. Propagation of surface waves belongs to the significant problem of this technology. Surface waves can cause unwanted coupling among particular parts of the structure and can degrade its parameters. The problem can be solved using an electromagnetic band gap structure (EBG). These periodic structures are able to suppress surface waves in different frequency bands. This thesis is focused on the modeling of these structures in the program COMSOL Multiphysics.