Hydrogen maser microwave cavity antenna position optimization device and method

Abstract

The application discloses a hydrogen maser microwave cavity antenna position optimization device and method, relates to the technical field of quantum frequency standard, and is a low-cost, simple-to-use and practical hydrogen maser microwave cavity antenna position optimization method and device. The device comprises a mounting plate, a track, an antenna mounting device, a track and a scale mark; the track is fixed on the mounting plate, the antenna mounting device is arranged on the track, and the antenna mounting device slides on the track; and the scale mark is arranged along the track and used for recording position information of the antenna mounting device. The application is very beneficial to the design, test and performance evaluation of a hydrogen maser microwave cavity and the acquisition of a high-stable maser signal, and has the advantages of simple use, cost saving and high practicability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of quantum frequency standard technology, and specifically to a device and method for optimizing the position of a hydrogen maser microwave cavity antenna. Background Technology

[0002] A hydrogen maser, also known as a hydrogen atomic clock, is a high-precision time and frequency standard with important applications in navigation, positioning, astronomy, radar, communications, timekeeping, time synchronization, and metrology. The hydrogen clock is based on the principle of quantum state transitions in hydrogen atoms and mainly consists of a hydrogen source, an ionization bubble, a state-selecting magnet, a microwave cavity, and a storage bubble. The key component for realizing quantum state transitions is the microwave cavity. As the core component of the hydrogen clock, the microwave cavity is the site of interaction between high-energy hydrogen atoms and the electromagnetic field. It provides an alternating electromagnetic field parallel to the static magnetic field of the Zeeman level splitting for the stimulated interaction and transitions between atoms. The radiation field within the cavity exhibits a standing wave form, enabling strong energy coupling and continuous interaction with the atomic ensemble. Its performance directly determines the gain and linewidth of the discriminant line, thus affecting key performance indicators such as the frequency stability and accuracy of the hydrogen atomic frequency standard signal.

[0003] To obtain high-quality hydrogen maser signals, the design and fabrication of a high-Q microwave cavity are essential for hydrogen atom clocks. The design of the microwave cavity antenna is particularly crucial for high-performance microwave cavities, especially for active hydrogen atom clocks. Microwave cavity performance testing and evaluation requires two antennas: one transmits microwaves, and the other receives them to obtain the Q value at the resonant frequency on the S21 curve. In application, the radiation field signal from the atoms is extracted through the coupling loop of one of the antennas and used as a standard signal to control a crystal oscillator, thus obtaining a highly stable hydrogen atom frequency standard signal.

[0004] Therefore, if the antenna's technical condition is not optimal, it will not only cause difficulties in microwave cavity design and performance evaluation, but also hinder the hydrogen atomic clock from obtaining a high-quality maser signal. Furthermore, because the microwave cavity contains a relatively large storage bubble, the field distribution and magnitude within the cavity will change when using storage bubbles of different shapes and sizes. Moreover, since the storage bubble is blown, design and manufacturing errors can disrupt the symmetry of the field distribution and the uniformity of the field magnitude within the cavity, thus affecting the electromagnetic field at the antenna's theoretically optimal location, making it difficult for the antenna to obtain the optimal maser signal desired in the design. This situation is even more severe for dielectric-loaded microwave cavities.

[0005] Currently, there are few reports on the design of hydrogen maser microwave cavity antennas, both domestically and internationally, especially those concerning antenna position optimization. Moreover, existing reports mainly focus on theoretical design and do not consider the impact on practical applications. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of this, the present invention provides a device and method for optimizing the position of a hydrogen maser microwave cavity antenna, which is a low-cost, simple to use, and highly practical method and device for optimizing the position of a hydrogen maser microwave cavity antenna.

[0007] The technical solution of the present invention is: a hydrogen maser antenna position optimization device, which includes a mounting plate, a track, an antenna mounter, a track, and scale markings.

[0008] The track is fixed to the mounting plate, and the antenna mount is installed on the track. The antenna mount slides on the track; scale markings are set along the track to record the position information of the antenna mount.

[0009] Preferably, the mounting plate surface is provided with at least two antenna mounters.

[0010] Preferably, the mounting plate is provided with at least one track for the antenna mounter to slide on the surface of the disk.

[0011] Preferably, the track is a groove structure or a through-hole structure formed on the mounting plate.

[0012] Preferably, the mounting plate surface has two antenna mounts, which slide on the same track or on different tracks respectively.

[0013] Preferably, the mounting plate is a disc with two tracks, both of which are straight lines. The two tracks are located on opposite sides of the center of the disc and are on the same straight line. Their length is less than the radius of the disc, and both are configured as through holes.

[0014] Preferably, the mounting plate is a disc, and there are two tracks. One track is a straight track and the other is a semi-circular track. Both tracks have through holes. The straight track is parallel to the radial direction of the disc and its length is less than the diameter of the disc. The semi-circular track is parallel to the edge of the disc, and the two ends of the curve are located on the disc diameter perpendicular to the straight track, and the straight-line distance between the two ends is less than the diameter of the disc. The position of the semi-circular track from the center of the disc is not restricted.

[0015] When the antenna mount is located on a straight track, the azimuth angle is zero degrees.

[0016] This invention also provides a method for optimizing the position of a hydrogen maser antenna. For the aforementioned hydrogen maser antenna position optimization device, the following method is used to optimize the antenna position, comprising the following steps:

[0017] Step 1: Adjust the position of the antenna mounter on the track.

[0018] Step two: Fix the antenna mounter on the track and record the position information of the antenna mounter, including distance and azimuth angle.

[0019] Step 3: Cover the exposed track with a conductive film to ensure that the surface of the mounting plate is smooth and enclosed, preventing microwave loss or leakage to the other side of the disk through the track.

[0020] Step four: After adjusting the direction, shape, and size of the two antenna rings, combine the hydrogen maser antenna position optimization device with the microwave cavity tube to form a complete hydrogen maser microwave cavity, and start measuring and recording the cavity Q value and resonant frequency parameters of the microwave cavity.

[0021] Step 5: Adjust the position of one or both antenna mounters multiple times. During the adjustment process, keep the other technical conditions of the antenna unchanged. Repeat steps 1 to 5 for each adjustment.

[0022] Step 6: Plot the curves of the cavity Q value and resonant frequency of the microwave cavity tube as a function of the antenna position. When the Q value is at its maximum and the resonant frequency meets the requirements, the optimal position of the antenna is obtained.

[0023] Preferably, the surface of the mounting plate without scale markings is consistent with the surface of the microwave cavity, and the side of the mounting plate with scale markings is located outside the microwave cavity.

[0024] Beneficial effects:

[0025] 1. This invention proposes an optimization device for the position of a hydrogen maser microwave cavity antenna, primarily used in the field of quantum frequency standard technology to achieve optimal design of the antenna's position. This invention avoids the need for redesigning and remanufacturing the microwave cavity end cap when the size and shape of the storage bubble and gain medium are appropriately changed. Furthermore, it can maximize the assessment and elimination of the impact of design, manufacturing, and tooling deviations. This invention is highly beneficial for the design, testing, and performance evaluation of high-Q hydrogen maser microwave cavities, as well as for obtaining highly stable maser signals, offering advantages such as simplicity, cost savings, and strong practicality.

[0026] 2. This invention proposes an optimization method for the position of a hydrogen maser microwave cavity antenna, achieving optimal placement. This avoids the need for reprocessing the microwave cavity end cap when the size and shape of the storage bulb and gain medium are appropriately changed. Furthermore, it maximizes the assessment and elimination of the impact of design, manufacturing, and tooling deviations. This invention is highly beneficial for the design, testing, and performance evaluation of high-Q hydrogen maser microwave cavities, as well as for obtaining highly stable maser signals, offering advantages such as simplicity, cost savings, and strong practicality. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a frontal cross-sectional view of the overall structure of Scheme 1 of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a frontal cross-sectional view of an overall structure according to Scheme 2 of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a front cross-sectional view of an overall structure of the present invention when using a full-size microwave cavity.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a front cross-sectional view of an overall structure of the present invention when using a dielectric-loaded microwave cavity.

[0031] Figure 5 The flowchart below shows the main steps of the position optimization method of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0033] The present invention provides a hydrogen maser antenna position optimization device, which mainly consists of a disk, an antenna mount on the disk, a track for sliding the antenna mount, and scale markings that can record antenna position information.

[0034] The disk surface has two antenna mounts and a track that allows the antenna mounts to slide on the disk surface.

[0035] The two antenna mounters can slide on the same track or on different tracks respectively.

[0036] To facilitate the recording of the antenna mount's position information, there are scale markings on the edge of the track, which can be used to record the distance and azimuth angle of the antenna mount from the center of the disk.

[0037] To facilitate the smooth sliding of the antenna mounter, the track can be either a groove structure or a through-hole structure.

[0038] The number, shape, length, position, direction, and whether the tracks intersect or separate can be arbitrarily selected without restriction.

[0039] Preferably, when there are two tracks, two corresponding schemes are given:

[0040] Option 1: As Figure 1 As shown, when both tracks are straight lines, the two tracks are located on both sides of the center of the disk and are on the same straight line. Their length is less than the radius of the disk, and both are through-hole structures.

[0041] Option 2: Figure 2As shown, when one track is a straight line and the other is a semi-circular track, both tracks have through-hole structures. The straight track is parallel to the radial direction of the disk and its length is less than the diameter of the disk. The semi-circular track is parallel to the edge of the disk, and the two endpoints of the curve are located on the disk diameter perpendicular to the straight track, with the straight-line distance between the two endpoints less than the disk diameter. The position of the semi-circular track from the center of the disk is unrestricted. Specifically, a scale is used for the straight track, and an angle gauge is used for the semi-circular track.

[0042] In both Scheme 1 and Scheme 2, the azimuth angle is zero degrees when the antenna mount is located on a straight track.

[0043] Furthermore, based on the above-mentioned device, a method for optimizing the antenna position is given accordingly, the main steps of which are as follows:

[0044] First, adjust the positions of the antenna mounters on the track;

[0045] Second, fix the antenna mounter to the track and record the position information of the antenna mounter, including distance and azimuth angle;

[0046] Third, the exposed track is covered with a thin film with high surface conductivity to ensure that the disk surface is smooth and flat and forms a closed body, preventing microwave loss or leakage to the other side of the disk through the track; the thin film used in the embodiments of the present invention is a metal thin film with a conductivity greater than a set value, specifically gold, silver, copper or aluminum.

[0047] Fourth, after adjusting the direction, shape, and size of the two antenna loops, combine the hydrogen maser antenna position optimization device with the microwave cavity tube to form a complete hydrogen maser microwave cavity, and start measuring and recording the Q value and other parameters of the microwave cavity.

[0048] Fifth, adjust the position of one or both antenna mounters multiple times. During the adjustment process, keep the other technical conditions of the antenna unchanged. Repeat steps one to five during each adjustment process.

[0049] Sixth, plot the curves of cavity Q value and resonant frequency as a function of antenna position. When the Q value is at its maximum and the cavity frequency meets the requirements, the optimal position of the antenna is obtained.

[0050] Based on the above-mentioned method, requirements are specified for the surface condition of the disk;

[0051] The surface of the unmarked disc is consistent with the surface of the microwave cavity, and silver plating is preferred.

[0052] The side of the disc with the graduated markings is located outside the microwave cavity, making it easy to read the values.

[0053] Example 1

[0054] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a hydrogen maser antenna position optimization device mainly consists of a disk, antenna mounts on the disk, tracks for sliding the antenna mounts, and scale markings for recording antenna position information. The disk 1 has two antenna mounts 2 and 3 on its surface, as well as tracks 4 and 5 that allow the antenna mounts to slide on the disk 1 surface. Antenna mount 2 can slide on track 4, and antenna mount 3 can slide on track 5. Markers 21 and 31 displaying antenna position information are located near the edges of tracks 4 and 5, respectively.

[0055] For ease of implementation, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, this invention considers the basic structural features of two devices serving as microwave cavity end caps, one with and one without a gain medium in the hydrogen maser microwave cavity. Among them, Figure 2 The structural features of a full-size microwave cavity without a gain medium are described. Figure 3 The structural features of a dielectric-loaded microwave cavity are defined by loading a gain medium onto the microwave cavity. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the process, through hole 6 can be used to fix the storage bubble to place the glass bubble for storing hydrogen atoms, or it can be used to fix the microwave cavity tuner. For cavity bubble systems that do not require tuning, through hole 6 is not required, or if tuning is not required, through hole 6 is not required. Figure 4 In the cavity, groove (7) is used to load the gain medium, which is a microwave dielectric material with a high dielectric constant. The higher the dielectric constant of the gain medium, the higher its capacitance, and the lower the corresponding cavity frequency. Therefore, a small-sized cavity can be made. The low temperature coefficient and high dielectric constant of the gain medium can improve the high performance and miniaturization design of the microwave cavity, enabling the small-sized microwave cavity to obtain a higher and more stable Q value. The size of the groove is unlimited and can be determined according to its own design. This realizes the high performance and miniaturization design of the cavity bubble system.

[0056] like Figure 5As shown, during use, first adjust the positions of antenna mounts 2 and 3 on the tracks respectively; then fix antenna mounts 2 and 3 on tracks 4 and 5, and obtain and record the corresponding position information, including center distance and azimuth angle, by reading the information on the scale markings 21 and (31) respectively; then cover the exposed tracks with a highly conductive film to ensure that the surface of disk 1 is smooth and flat and forms a closed body, preventing microwave loss or leakage to the other side of disk 1, i.e., outside the microwave cavity, through tracks 4 and 5 (the tracks can also penetrate the base plate); then adjust the direction, shape and... After resizing (the antennas on the two disks can be the same or different), combine the hydrogen maser antenna position optimization device with the microwave cavity tube to form a complete hydrogen maser microwave cavity. Start measuring and recording parameters such as the Q value, frequency voltage standing wave ratio, etc. of the microwave cavity. Then, adjust the position of one or both antenna mounts multiple times. During the adjustment process, keep the other technical states of the antenna unchanged. Repeat steps one to five in each adjustment process. Finally, plot the curves of cavity Q value and resonant frequency as a function of antenna position. When the Q value is the maximum and the cavity frequency meets the requirements, the optimal position of the antenna is obtained.

[0057] Based on the above method, by repeatedly adjusting the positions of the two antenna mounters and measuring the Q value under the corresponding conditions, the optimal antenna mounting position corresponding to the best Q value of the hydrogen maser microwave cavity can be determined. Simultaneously, by measuring cavities containing different bulbs and dielectric materials, the magnitude of the deviation between design and manufacturing can be evaluated, allowing for corrections.

[0058] In summary, the above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A hydrogen maser antenna position optimization device, characterized in that, The device includes a mounting plate, a rail, an antenna mounter, and scale markings; The track is fixed to the mounting plate, and an antenna mount is mounted on the track, which slides on the track. Scale markings are set along the track to record the position information of the antenna mount. The mounting plate is a disc, and at least two antenna mounters are provided on the surface of the mounting plate. The mounting plate is provided with at least one track that allows the antenna mounter to slide on the surface of the disk; The track is a groove structure or a through-hole structure formed on the mounting plate; The mounting plate has two antenna mounts on its surface, which can slide on the same track or on different tracks respectively.

2. The hydrogen maser antenna position optimization device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting plate is a disc with two tracks, both of which are straight lines. The two tracks are located on opposite sides of the center of the disc and are on the same straight line. Their length is less than the radius of the disc, and both tracks are designed with through holes.

3. The hydrogen maser antenna position optimization device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting plate is a disc with two tracks. One track is a straight track, and the other is a semi-circular track. Both tracks have through-hole structures. The straight track is parallel to the radial direction of the disc and its length is less than the disc's diameter. The semi-circular track is parallel to the edge of the disc, and its two endpoints are located on the disc's diameter perpendicular to the straight track, with the straight-line distance between the two endpoints less than the disc's diameter. The position of the semi-circular track from the center of the disc is unrestricted. When the antenna mount is located on a straight track, the azimuth angle is zero degrees.

4. A method for optimizing the position of a hydrogen maser antenna, characterized in that: For the hydrogen maser antenna position optimization device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, the antenna position is optimized using the following method, the steps of which include: Step 1: Adjust the position of the antenna mounter on the track; Step two: Fix the antenna mounter on the track and record the position information of the antenna mounter, including distance and azimuth angle; Step 3: Cover the exposed track with a conductive film to ensure that the surface of the mounting plate is smooth and forms a closed body, preventing microwave loss or leakage to the other side of the disk through the track. Step four: After adjusting the direction, shape and size of the two antenna loops, combine the hydrogen maser antenna position optimization device with the microwave cavity tube to form a complete hydrogen maser microwave cavity, and start measuring and recording the cavity Q value and resonant frequency parameters of the microwave cavity; Step 5: Adjust the position of one or both antenna mounters multiple times. During the adjustment process, keep the other technical conditions of the antenna unchanged. Repeat steps 1 to 5 for each adjustment. Step 6: Plot the curves of the cavity Q value and resonant frequency of the microwave cavity tube as a function of the antenna position. When the Q value is at its maximum and the resonant frequency meets the requirements, the optimal position of the antenna is obtained.

5. The method for optimizing the position of a hydrogen maser antenna as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The surface of the mounting plate without scale markings is consistent with the surface of the microwave cavity, and the side of the mounting plate with scale markings is located outside the microwave cavity.

Images