Cosmic Microwave Technology
Cosmic Microwave Technology (CMT) designs and manufactures cryogenic low-noise amplifiers, bias supplies, and microwave components for radio astronomy observatories, quantum computing systems, and space missions, serving government and scientific research customers from its Lawndale, California facility.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2019
- HeadquartersLawndale, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Cosmic Microwave Technology does
Cosmic Microwave Technology, Inc. (CMT) is a Lawndale, California-based private hardware manufacturer founded in 2019 that designs and produces high-end cryogenic low-noise amplifiers (LNAs) and related RF/microwave components. The company was established after Caltech ceased sales of cryogenic LNAs and quad ridge flared horn (QRFH) feeds; Dr. Sander Weinreb, who led the Caltech cryogenic amplifier group, licensed his designs to CMT, which now produces these components to his original specifications using precision machining from MVI Engineering. CMT's product portfolio spans cryogenic LNAs (including the CITCRYO1-18 and CITLF series), bias supplies, single FET bias supplies, QRFH feeds, wideband receivers, cryogenic differential amplifiers, and cryogenic test dewars, with a 2024 product extension targeting noisy environments via shielded SMA connectors and integrated bias tees.
The company's technology base centers on SiGe-based cryogenic LNAs delivering extremely low noise temperatures (sub-milliwatt, 4-8 GHz and broader), designed for ultra-low-noise signal detection in radio astronomy observatories, quantum computing dilution refrigerators, and space-qualified microwave radiometers. CMT monetizes primarily through one-time sales of configured and custom amplifier units, supported by revenue from licensed Caltech designs, with no public pricing and all quotes routed through direct contact with the business manager. Its go-to-market is sales-led and relationship-driven, supplemented by conference presence (e.g., IMS symposium) and a small set of marketing channels (website, LinkedIn), and it has no disclosed software, AI, or recurring subscription revenue.
CMT's customer base is concentrated in government-funded scientific research: documented engagements include NASA's Juno mission (microwave radiometers 0.6-22 GHz), the FAST radio telescope in China, the GAVRT educational radio telescope, and the commercial quantum computing customer QuinStar. The company operates with a small team of approximately six staff and is privately held by founders Stephen Smith (Technical Lead) and Denise Smith (Operations Manager), with no disclosed external institutional investment.
Cosmic Microwave Technology firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Cosmic Microwave Technology
- Legal name
- Cosmic Microwave Technology, Inc.
- Website
- https://cosmicmicrowavetechnology.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2019
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Cosmic Microwave Technology (CMT) designs and manufactures cryogenic low-noise amplifiers, bias supplies, and microwave components for radio astronomy observatories, quantum computing systems, and space missions, serving government and scientific research customers from its Lawndale, California facility.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Cosmic Microwave Technology industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Cryogenic RF/Microwave Components
- NAICS
- Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing (33429)
- SIC
- Communications Equipment, Nec (3669)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Low-Noise & Cryogenic Amplification (HEMT/LNA) (HDAGABAI)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Cryogenic Systems & Cryostats (HDAGABAA), Low-Noise Amplifiers (LNAs) & RF Gain Blocks (HDAHAMAC)
Keywords
Where Cosmic Microwave Technology is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Lawndale
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Cosmic Microwave Technology business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Cryogenic Amplifier Sales: Sale of specialized cryogenic and room-temperature low noise amplifiers, bias supplies, and microwave components to scientific research institutions and space programs
- Custom Design/Licensing: Licensed designs from Caltech's Dr. Sander Weinreb for production of high-quality cryogenic components
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels3 records
Cosmic Microwave Technology product offering
Product offeringCore offering
CMT designs and manufactures high-end cryogenic low-noise amplifiers and related RF/microwave components—including bias supplies, quad ridge flared horns, wideband receivers, cryogenic differential amplifiers, and test dewars—for radio astronomy, quantum computing, and space applications. Production is based on cryogenic LNA designs licensed from Caltech's Dr. Sander Weinreb and supports a global scientific research and government customer base.
Product overview
Cosmic Microwave Technology (CMT) is a specialized hardware manufacturer producing cryogenic low noise amplifiers and related RF/microwave components for scientific applications. The product portfolio centers on cryogenic amplifiers (including the CITCRYO1-18 and CITLF series) designed for extremely low-noise signal amplification in radio astronomy and quantum computing. Supporting products include bias supplies, quad ridge flared horns, wideband receivers, cryogenic differential amplifiers, and test dewars. All designs are based on technology licensed from Dr. Sander Weinreb at Caltech, maintaining exacting standards established for radio telescope and quantum computing applications.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Cryogenic Low Noise Amplifiers High-performance cryogenic low noise amplifiers (e.g., CRYO1-18, CITLF series) producing extremely low noise temperatures for sensitive signal detection in radio astronomy and quantum computing applications. Sold as configured units, with some in stock for immediate shipment.
- Bias Supplies Power supply units designed to provide stable bias voltage and current for cryogenic amplifier operation.
- Single FET Bias Supply Specialized bias supply unit designed for single FET (Field Effect Transistor) configurations in cryogenic amplifiers.
- Quad Ridge Flared Horns Antenna feed horns designed for wideband radio telescope applications, achieving near-constant beamwidth over multi-octave bandwidth.
- Receivers Wideband radio telescope receivers designed for astronomical observation and scientific research applications, including deployments at GAVRT and FAST.
- Cryogenic Differential Amplifiers Specialized differential amplifiers designed to operate at cryogenic temperatures for quantum computing and radio astronomy applications.
- Cryogenic Test Dewar Cryogenic dewar vessels designed for testing amplifiers and other cryogenic components in laboratory environments, including custom builds (e.g., a Dewar built for QuinStar's quantum computing applications).
Companies that use Cosmic Microwave Technology
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments1 record
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Cosmic Microwave Technology technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Cosmic Microwave Technology partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Two partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- Caltech / Dr. Sander WeinrebcoreDr. Sander Weinreb, former head of Caltech's cryogenic amplifier group, licensed his designs to CMT when Caltech ceased amplifier sales. This licensing agreement allows CMT to continue producing high-quality cryogenic low noise amplifiers to Dr. Weinreb's exacting standards for radio astronomy and quantum computing applications.
- MVI EngineeringcoreMVI engineering, previously used by Caltech for all high-quality machining required to produce amplifiers and feeds, continues as CMT's machining partner. MVI provides precision mechanical manufacturing services essential to amplifier production.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Cosmic Microwave Technology competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Pasternack (Infinite Electronics): Broad-line distributor and manufacturer of RF, microwave, and millimeter-wave components including LNAs. Serves similar test, defense, and research customers, but as a broad-line supplier rather than a cryogenic specialist.
- Mini-Circuits: Large US-based catalog supplier of RF, microwave, and signal-conditioning components, including low-noise amplifiers. Does not specialize in cryogenic designs but serves overlapping commercial and research customers.
- MITEQ (Meritech/APITech): Long-established US manufacturer of low-noise amplifiers, RF/microwave components, and subsystems for defense, space, and scientific customers. Wider portfolio than CMT but directly competes in the LNA category.
- Marki Microwave: US designer and manufacturer of high-performance RF and microwave components (amplifiers, mixers, filters). Wider product portfolio and commercial scale than CMT, with overlap in amplifier categories used in test and instrumentation.
Direct peers
- Low Noise Factory: Sweden-based specialist in cryogenic low-noise amplifiers for radio astronomy and quantum computing. Closest direct competitor to CMT, selling SiGe and HEMT cryogenic LNAs into the same customer base of observatories and quantum labs.
- Spacek Labs: US manufacturer of low-noise microwave amplifiers and receiver systems, including cryogenic units, serving aerospace, defense, and scientific markets. Direct comparable to CMT in product type and customer profile.
- QuinStar Technology: California-based manufacturer of low-noise amplifiers, cryogenic components, and microwave subsystems. Overlaps with CMT on cryogenic LNAs and is also a CMT customer (commissioned a custom Dewar), making it both a competitor and collaborator.
Others
- Caltech (former amplifier group): The institution that originally developed the cryogenic LNA designs CMT now produces under license. Historically the supplier CMT replaced; relevant comparator because it sets the technical benchmark and IP origin point for CMT's product line.
- Caltech Submillimeter Observatory / JPL: JPL develops and uses cryogenic receiver technology for NASA missions; while not a commercial competitor, it is the US R&D reference point for cryogenic LNA performance and a key source of the talent and designs CMT leverages.
Regional players
- RPG Radiometer Physics: Germany-based manufacturer of radiometers and microwave receiver front-ends for atmospheric and astronomical research. Comparable in customer type (radio astronomy) and frequency range, but primarily serves the European market.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Cosmic Microwave Technology social profiles
Digital presenceCosmic Microwave Technology financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Cosmic Microwave Technology leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
Cosmic Microwave Technology funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Cosmic Microwave Technology M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Cosmic Microwave Technology
What does Cosmic Microwave Technology do?
CMT designs and manufactures high-end cryogenic low-noise amplifiers and related RF/microwave components—including bias supplies, quad ridge flared horns, wideband receivers, cryogenic differential amplifiers, and test dewars—for radio astronomy, quantum computing, and space applications. Production is based on cryogenic LNA designs licensed from Caltech's Dr. Sander Weinreb and supports a global scientific research and government customer base.
Is Cosmic Microwave Technology a public or private company?
Cosmic Microwave Technology is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Cosmic Microwave Technology founded?
Cosmic Microwave Technology was founded in 2019. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Cosmic Microwave Technology based?
Cosmic Microwave Technology is headquartered in Lawndale, United States, in the North America region.
How does Cosmic Microwave Technology make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Cryogenic Amplifier Sales are the primary driver. The others are custom Design/Licensing.
Who are Cosmic Microwave Technology's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Pasternack (Infinite Electronics), Mini-Circuits, MITEQ (Meritech/APITech) and Marki Microwave. Direct peers are Low Noise Factory, Spacek Labs and QuinStar Technology. Others are Caltech (former amplifier group) and Caltech Submillimeter Observatory / JPL. RPG Radiometer Physics is listed as a regional player.
Does Cosmic Microwave Technology have an API?
No public API is recorded for Cosmic Microwave Technology.
What industry is Cosmic Microwave Technology in?
Cosmic Microwave Technology's product category is Cryogenic RF/Microwave Components. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDAGABAI, Low-Noise & Cryogenic Amplification (HEMT/LNA), with a secondary code of HDAGABAA, Cryogenic Systems & Cryostats. Its NAICS code is 33429 and its SIC code is 3669.