A zero-power passive temperature-controlled electro-optic modulator

Abstract

The application discloses a zero-power passive temperature control electro-optical modulator, and belongs to the technical field of quantum precision measurement. The electro-optical modulation crystal and a driving circuit, an inner shell, an outer shell, a ventilation window, a thermal bimetallic actuator and a base are provided. The inner shell forms a first cavity accommodating core components and is provided with the ventilation window. The outer shell and the base form a sealed second cavity to form a heat insulation buffer layer. The thermal bimetallic actuator is adapted to switch the ventilation window according to temperature change, and dynamic balance of heat dissipation and heat preservation is realized through cavity convection. The application discards active energy consumption temperature control components, builds a passive thermodynamic environment through a double-layer shell, uses the thermal bimetallic actuator as an intelligent temperature sensing and executing element, and realizes passive closed-loop control of the working temperature of the electro-optical modulator. The application effectively solves the problems of high power consumption, large size and high complexity of the traditional active temperature control scheme, and meets the engineering requirements of miniaturization, low power consumption and high stability of the Rydberg atom receiver.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of quantum precision measurement technology, specifically to a zero-power passive temperature-controlled electro-optic modulator. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, quantum electric field measurement technology based on Rydberg atoms has attracted widespread attention due to its revolutionary advantages. Rydberg atoms exhibit extremely high sensitivity to external electromagnetic fields, and their energy level transition frequencies can directly interact with microwave fields. This technology not only achieves measurement resolution and sensitivity far exceeding that of traditional antennas, but also possesses an inherent self-calibration characteristic—the measurement results of the electric field amplitude can be directly traced back to fundamental physical constants such as Planck's constant, thus establishing a direct correlation with the International System of Units (SI). This feature makes it demonstrate enormous potential in fields such as precision metrology, detection of extremely weak signals, and quantum information.

[0003] Currently, Rydberg atomic receivers are rapidly developing towards miniaturization and integration, which places stringent demands on internal space layout, overall weight, and system power consumption. The electro-optic modulator (EOM), a key component of the receiver, is responsible for precisely modulating the phase or frequency of the probe laser. Its modulation efficiency and the critical error source—the residual amplitude modulation (RAM)—are both highly sensitive to temperature. Fluctuations in the RAM directly reduce the system's detection accuracy and long-term stability. Therefore, effectively suppressing the EOM's RAM while maintaining high-precision stability of the laser power within a limited space and power budget has become a key technical bottleneck restricting the engineering and integration of receivers. To stabilize the operating temperature of the EOM and suppress RAM, existing solutions generally employ active temperature control technology, such as thermoelectric coolers (TEC) combined with feedback loops. However, such solutions have significant drawbacks when targeting miniaturized, low-power applications: 1. Excessive power consumption: TEC itself is a power dissipation device. The driving power required for its continuous operation is in serious conflict with the low power consumption target pursued by integrated devices, especially in field or mobile platform applications, becoming the main burden of system energy consumption.

[0004] 2. Large size and heat dissipation burden: Active temperature control systems usually require large heat sinks, fans or heat sinks and other auxiliary heat dissipation structures. These components occupy a lot of valuable space inside the receiver, which hinders the further miniaturization and compact design of the equipment and increases the overall weight.

[0005] 3. System complexity and reliability issues: It requires the integration of high-precision temperature sensors, dedicated TEC drive circuits and complex feedback control algorithms, which not only significantly increases the hardware cost, design difficulty and debugging cycle of the system, but also introduces additional failure points of electronic components, reducing the overall reliability.

[0006] Based on this, the present invention designs a zero-power passive temperature-controlled electro-optic modulator to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of the above-mentioned shortcomings of the existing technology, the present invention provides a zero-power passive temperature-controlled electro-optic modulator.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: A zero-power passive temperature-controlled electro-optic modulator includes an electro-optic modulation crystal and driving circuit, an inner shell, an outer shell, and a base. The inner side of the inner shell forms a first cavity for accommodating the electro-optic modulation crystal and the driving circuit. The electro-optic modulation crystal and the driving circuit are fixedly mounted on the circuit board, and the circuit board is tightly fitted and connected to the inner wall of the inner shell. The outer shell is connected to the upper end of the base. The outer shell and the base cooperate to form a second cavity for accommodating the inner shell, and the inner shell is fixedly connected to the upper end of the base. A non-powered temperature sensing adjustment window is installed on each of the two opposite side walls of the inner shell, which is used to change the convection effect between the first cavity and the second cavity according to the operating temperature of the electro-optic modulation crystal and the driving circuit.

[0009] Furthermore, the non-powered temperature-sensing regulating window includes a ventilation window and a thermal bimetallic actuator. The ventilation window is provided on the side wall of the inner shell. The fixed end of the thermal bimetallic actuator is fixedly connected to the upper edge of the ventilation window, and the free end of the thermal bimetallic actuator hangs down naturally. At room temperature, the free end of the thermal bimetallic actuator completely covers and seals the ventilation window.

[0010] Furthermore, the inner shell is connected to the base via a shock-absorbing and heat-insulating pad, which is made of silicone or rubber.

[0011] Furthermore, the outer shell and the base are connected by threads or snaps, and a sealing ring is installed between the outer shell and the base.

[0012] Furthermore, the surface of the outer casing is provided with heat dissipation patterns or a heat insulation coating.

[0013] Furthermore, the shape of the thermal bimetallic actuator can be either strip-shaped or disc-shaped.

[0014] Furthermore, the ventilation windows are rectangular, circular, or elliptical in shape.

[0015] Furthermore, the thermal bimetallic actuator is composed of a copper and iron-nickel alloy composite.

[0016] Furthermore, mounting holes are provided at the bottom of the base to facilitate the fixing of the electro-optic modulator to the experimental platform or chassis.

[0017] To better achieve the objectives of this invention, this invention also provides a zero-power passive temperature control method, comprising the following steps: Step 101: When the electro-optic modulation crystal and driving circuit start working, heat is generated, causing the temperature inside the first cavity to gradually rise; the heat is transferred to the inner shell wall and the thermal bimetallic actuator through thermal conduction and radiation. Step 102: When the temperature rises to the preset operating temperature point of the thermal bimetallic actuator, the free end of the thermal bimetallic actuator is displaced, thereby partially or completely opening the ventilation window covered by it, so that the first cavity of the inner shell and the second cavity of the outer shell are connected through the ventilation window. Step 103: The density of the heated air in the first cavity decreases, and it flows upward into the second cavity through the ventilation window; at the same time, the relatively cooler air in the second cavity enters the first cavity through the ventilation window, forming a circulating convection in the limited space between the inner shell and the outer shell. Through this controlled internal convection, the heat accumulated near the electro-optic modulation crystal and the driving circuit is efficiently carried out of the first cavity, diffused to the larger outer shell space, and slowly dissipated through the outer shell wall. As the convection heat dissipation continues, the temperature inside the first cavity begins to decrease. Step 104: When the temperature drops below the reset temperature of the thermal bimetallic actuator, the thermal bimetallic actuator gradually returns to its original state and re-closes the sealed ventilation window. The convection channel between the inner and outer shells, as well as the first and second cavities, return to a relatively closed state. The internal air is still, and heat conduction and convection heat dissipation are greatly reduced, thereby effectively preventing the crystal from overcooling and locking the temperature in the first and second cavities.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: 1. Realizes true zero-power temperature control: It completely eliminates energy-consuming components such as TEC and electric heating film. The temperature control execution (window opening and closing) is driven solely by the thermal response deformation of the bimetallic strip itself, without consuming any additional power, thus fundamentally solving the problem of the stringent power consumption limitation of miniaturized atomic systems.

[0019] 2. Extremely compact and highly integrated: Eliminating the bulky active cooling system (heat sink, fan) and complex control circuit board, the overall structure is highly simplified. Utilizing a double-layer shell integrated design, it achieves heat insulation and controllable convection without increasing volume, greatly promoting the miniaturization and weight reduction of the atomic receiver module.

[0020] 3. High reliability and long lifespan: The entire temperature control system has no active electronic actuators, consisting only of metal sheets and mechanical structures. It has strong resistance to electromagnetic interference and no risk of aging, failure, or software malfunction of electronic components. The system has extremely high reliability and a long service life.

[0021] 4. Adaptive intelligent adjustment: The thermal bimetallic actuator integrates "temperature sensing" and "action execution", and the response speed is naturally matched with the temperature change rate, realizing fully automatic, adaptive, and programming-free closed-loop temperature control, with a high degree of system intelligence. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a zero-power passive temperature-controlled electro-optic modulator according to the present invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the zero-power passive temperature control method of the present invention.

[0024] The labels in the diagram represent: 1. Electro-optic modulation crystal and driving circuit; 2. Inner housing; 3. Outer housing; 4. Ventilation window; 5. Thermal bimetallic actuator; 6. Base. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0026] The terms "left," "right," "front," "back," "up," and "down" used in the following description refer to the orientation from the perspective of the front view.

[0027] In some embodiments, please refer to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 A zero-power passive temperature-controlled electro-optic modulator includes an electro-optic modulation crystal and driving circuit 1, an inner shell 2, an outer shell 3, and a base 6. The inner side of the inner shell 2 forms a first cavity for accommodating the electro-optic modulation crystal and the driving circuit 1. The electro-optic modulation crystal and the driving circuit 1 are fixedly mounted on the circuit board, and the circuit board is tightly attached to the inner wall of the inner shell 2. The outer shell 3 is connected to the upper end of the base 6. The outer shell 3 and the base 6 cooperate to form a second cavity for accommodating the inner shell 2, and the inner shell 2 is fixedly connected to the upper end of the base 6. A non-powered temperature sensing adjustment window is installed on each of the two opposite side walls of the inner shell 2, which is used to change the convection effect between the first cavity and the second cavity according to the operating temperature of the electro-optic modulation crystal and the driving circuit 1.

[0028] In this embodiment, the inner shell 2 is connected to the base 6 via a shock-absorbing and heat-insulating pad. The shock-absorbing and heat-insulating pad is made of silicone or rubber, which not only has a good shock absorption effect, but also reduces the heat conduction effect between the inner shell 2 and the base 6.

[0029] In this embodiment, the outer shell 3 and the base 6 are connected by threads or snaps. They can be sealed with the help of a high-temperature sealing ring, or a non-sealing ring fitting connection can be selected according to the usage scenario. This ensures that dust and moisture are effectively prevented from entering the second cavity and affecting the performance of the components in the usage environment.

[0030] In this embodiment, the base 6 is made of aluminum alloy, and the bottom of the base 6 has mounting holes to facilitate the fixing of the electro-optic modulator to the experimental platform or chassis.

[0031] In this embodiment, the inner shell 2 has a cuboid structure and is made of aluminum alloy, engineering plastic or ceramic material, which has both structural strength and thermal conductivity.

[0032] In this embodiment, the outer shell 3 is made of stainless steel, aluminum alloy or high-strength engineering plastic, and the surface can be provided with heat dissipation patterns or heat insulation coating to further improve or reduce the radiative heat dissipation effect, optimize the thermodynamic environment control effect, and enable the electro-optic modulator to be used in extreme environments.

[0033] In this embodiment, the circuit board is fixed to the inner wall of the inner housing 2 with the assistance of thermally conductive silicone to ensure that the heat generated when the crystal is working is efficiently transferred to the wall of the inner housing 2.

[0034] In this invention, a passive thermodynamic environment is constructed using a double-layer shell. The first cavity houses the electro-optic modulation crystal and the driving circuit 1, while the second cavity forms a heat-insulating buffer layer. When the electro-optic modulation crystal and the driving circuit 1 operate, they generate heat. This heat is efficiently conducted to the inner shell 2 via the circuit board and diffused into the air of the first cavity via thermal radiation, forming a dual heat transfer path to ensure uniform and efficient heat dissipation. When the temperature inside the first cavity reaches the preset operating temperature, the non-powered temperature-sensing adjustment window opens, connecting the first and second cavities and creating a circulating convection in the limited space between them. This controlled internal convection efficiently carries the heat accumulated near the crystal out of the first cavity, diffuses it into the larger outer shell 3 space, and slowly dissipates it through the walls of the outer shell 3, causing the temperature of the first cavity to drop. When the temperature inside the first cavity drops to the preset reset temperature point, the non-powered temperature-sensing adjustment window reseals, cutting off the convection channel, preventing the crystal from overcooling and locking the cavity temperature. This achieves passive closed-loop temperature control by smoothing temperature fluctuations through thermal inertia.

[0035] The non-powered temperature-sensing regulating window includes a ventilation window 4 and a thermal bimetallic actuator 5. The ventilation window 4 is provided on the side wall of the inner housing 2. The fixed end of the thermal bimetallic actuator 5 is fixedly connected to the upper edge of the ventilation window 4. The free end of the thermal bimetallic actuator 5 hangs down naturally. At room temperature, the free end of the thermal bimetallic actuator 5 completely covers and seals the ventilation window 4.

[0036] In this embodiment, the fixed end of the thermal bimetallic actuator 5 is fixed to the inner housing 2 by screws or welding to ensure that its free end moves smoothly during deformation.

[0037] In this embodiment, the thermal bimetallic actuator 5 is either strip-shaped or dish-shaped; the ventilation window 4 is rectangular, circular, or elliptical in shape, with rounded edges to avoid scratching the thermal bimetallic actuator 5 or causing stress concentration; the strip-shaped thermal bimetallic actuator 5 is suitable for long and narrow windows, while the dish-shaped thermal bimetallic actuator 5 is suitable for circular or square windows, thereby ensuring that the actuator can completely cover and seal the window.

[0038] In this embodiment, the thermal bimetallic actuator 5 is made of two metal sheets with significantly different coefficients of thermal expansion, such as copper-iron-nickel alloy, nickel-chromium alloy-titanium alloy, etc. The two metal sheets are tightly bonded by hot rolling or brazing process to ensure that the thermal bimetallic actuator 5 produces stable and repeatable deformation when the temperature changes.

[0039] In this invention, when the temperature inside the first cavity rises to the preset operating temperature of the thermal bimetallic actuator 5, the thermal bimetallic actuator 5 undergoes bending deformation towards or away from the ventilation window 4 due to the difference in thermal expansion of the materials on both sides. The free end of the thermal bimetallic actuator 5 is displaced due to the deformation, thereby partially or completely opening the ventilation window 4 under its cover, so that the first cavity of the inner shell 2 and the second cavity of the outer shell 3 are connected through the ventilation window 4 to form convection, thereby reducing the temperature inside the first cavity. When the temperature inside the first cavity drops to the reset temperature of the thermal bimetallic actuator 5, the thermal bimetallic actuator 5 gradually returns to its original shape by relying on its own elastic restoring force, and re-closes and seals the ventilation window 4, so that the first cavity and the second cavity return to a relatively closed state, reducing the heat dissipation capacity of the electro-optic modulation crystal and the driving circuit 1, and locking the temperature inside the first cavity through the heat insulation of the second cavity, effectively preventing the crystal from overcooling. In addition, the second cavity can slow down the rate of temperature change, smooth the temperature fluctuation curve, and make the temperature control process more gentle, stable and effective.

[0040] In this invention, the displacement of the free end of the thermal bimetallic actuator 5 is adaptively adjusted according to temperature changes; the higher the temperature, the greater the displacement, thereby achieving dynamic adjustment of the opening degree of the ventilation window 4. The communication area between the first cavity and the second cavity is determined by the number and opening degree of the ventilation windows 4, ensuring that the convection channel has a sufficient effective cross-sectional area. The airflow speed of the circulating convection is driven by the temperature difference between the two cavities; the greater the temperature difference, the faster the airflow speed, thereby achieving efficient heat dissipation. Heat is dissipated outward through the wall of the outer shell 3 via thermal conduction and thermal radiation. By optimizing the heat dissipation area design of the outer shell 3, the overall heat dissipation efficiency can be further improved.

[0041] In this invention, a reasonable temperature hysteresis range is formed between the reset temperature point of the thermal bimetallic actuator 5 and the preset operating temperature point. The size of this range is determined by adjusting the material properties and structural parameters of the thermal bimetallic actuator 5. By precisely designing the length, width, thickness, number of layers, and fixed point position of the thermal bimetallic actuator 5, it can be ensured that the thermal bimetallic actuator 5 generates sufficient deformation within the target temperature range to achieve complete opening and sealing of the ventilation window 4, and effectively avoid the ventilation window 4 from frequently starting and stopping due to small temperature fluctuations. The reset of the thermal bimetallic actuator 5 relies entirely on its own elastic restoring force, without the need for additional drive components or auxiliary structures.

[0042] In this embodiment, each ventilation window 4 is equipped with an independent thermal bimetallic actuator 5, which enables the opening and closing of each window to be controlled independently, effectively improving the flexibility of temperature control. By changing the shape (rectangular, circular, elliptical, etc.), number, size and opening position of the ventilation windows 4, the convection path of the first cavity and the second cavity can be optimized to ensure heat dissipation uniformity and avoid excessive local temperature.

[0043] In some embodiments, such as Figures 1-2 As shown, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a zero-power passive temperature control method includes the following steps: Step 101: When the electro-optic modulation crystal and driving circuit 1 start working, heat is generated, causing the temperature inside the first cavity to gradually rise; the heat is transferred to the inner shell 2 wall and the thermal bimetallic actuator 5 through thermal conduction and radiation. Step 102: When the temperature rises to the preset operating temperature point of the thermal bimetallic actuator 5, the free end of the thermal bimetallic actuator 5 is displaced, thereby partially or completely opening the ventilation window 4 under its cover, so that the first cavity of the inner shell 2 and the second cavity of the outer shell 3 are connected through the ventilation window 4. Step 103: The density of the heated air in the first cavity decreases, and it flows upward into the second cavity through the ventilation window 4; at the same time, the relatively cooler air in the second cavity enters the first cavity through the ventilation window 4, forming a circulating convection in the limited space between the inner shell 2 and the outer shell 3. Through this controlled internal convection, the heat accumulated near the electro-optic modulation crystal and driving circuit 1 is efficiently carried out of the first cavity, diffused into the larger space of the outer shell 3, and slowly dissipated through the wall of the outer shell 3. As the convection heat dissipation continues, the temperature inside the first cavity begins to decrease. Step 104: When the temperature drops below the reset temperature of the thermal bimetallic actuator 5, the thermal bimetallic actuator 5 gradually returns to its original state and re-closes the sealing ventilation window 4, the convection channel between the inner shell 2 and the outer shell 3, and the first and second cavities return to a relatively closed state. The internal air is still, and the heat conduction and convection heat dissipation are greatly reduced, thereby effectively preventing the crystal from overcooling and locking the temperature in the first and second cavities.

[0044] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions will not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A zero-power passive temperature-controlled electro-optic modulator, comprising an electro-optic modulation crystal and driving circuit (1), an inner shell (2), an outer shell (3), and a base (6), characterized in that: The inner side of the inner shell (2) forms a first cavity for accommodating the electro-optic modulation crystal and the driving circuit (1). The electro-optic modulation crystal and the driving circuit (1) are fixedly mounted on the circuit board, and the circuit board is tightly connected to the inner wall of the inner shell (2). The outer shell (3) is connected to the upper end of the base (6). The outer shell (3) and the base (6) cooperate to form a second cavity for accommodating the inner shell (2), and the inner shell (2) is fixedly connected to the upper end of the base (6). A non-powered temperature sensing adjustment window is installed on each of the two opposite side walls of the inner shell (2) to change the convection effect between the first cavity and the second cavity according to the working temperature of the electro-optic modulation crystal and the driving circuit (1).

2. The zero-power passive temperature-controlled electro-optic modulator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The non-powered temperature sensing adjustment window includes a ventilation window (4) and a thermal bimetallic actuator (5). The ventilation window (4) is provided on the side wall of the inner shell (2). The fixed end of the thermal bimetallic actuator (5) is fixedly connected to the upper edge of the ventilation window (4). The free end of the thermal bimetallic actuator (5) hangs down naturally. At room temperature, the free end of the thermal bimetallic actuator (5) completely covers and seals the ventilation window (4).

3. The zero-power passive temperature-controlled electro-optic modulator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner shell (2) is connected to the base (6) through a shock-absorbing and heat-insulating pad, which is made of silicone or rubber.

4. The zero-power passive temperature-controlled electro-optic modulator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer shell (3) and the base (6) are connected by thread or snap-fit, and a sealing ring is installed between the outer shell (3) and the base (6).

5. The zero-power passive temperature-controlled electro-optic modulator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The surface of the outer casing (3) is provided with heat dissipation patterns or heat insulation coating.

6. The zero-power passive temperature-controlled electro-optic modulator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The shape of the thermal bimetallic actuator (5) can be either strip-shaped or disc-shaped.

7. The zero-power passive temperature-controlled electro-optic modulator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The ventilation window (4) is rectangular, circular or elliptical in shape.

8. The zero-power passive temperature-controlled electro-optic modulator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The thermal bimetallic actuator (5) is composed of copper and an iron-nickel alloy composite.

9. The zero-power passive temperature-controlled electro-optic modulator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The base (6) has mounting holes at the bottom to facilitate fixing the electro-optic modulator to the experimental platform or chassis.

10. A zero-power passive temperature control method for an electro-optic modulator with zero-power passive temperature control according to any one of claims 2-9, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 101: When the electro-optic modulation crystal and driving circuit (1) start working, heat will be generated, causing the temperature inside the first cavity to gradually rise; the heat is transferred to the inner shell (2) wall and the thermal bimetallic actuator (5) through thermal conduction and radiation. Step 102: When the temperature rises to the preset operating temperature of the thermal bimetallic actuator (5), the free end of the thermal bimetallic actuator (5) is displaced, thereby partially or completely opening the ventilation window (4) under its cover, so that the first cavity of the inner shell (2) and the second cavity of the outer shell (3) are connected through the ventilation window (4). Step 103: The density of the heated air in the first cavity decreases and flows upward into the second cavity through the ventilation window (4); at the same time, the relatively cooler air in the second cavity enters the first cavity through the ventilation window (4), forming a circulating convection in the limited space between the inner shell (2) and the outer shell (3). Thus, through this controlled internal convection, the heat accumulated near the electro-optic modulation crystal and driving circuit (1) is efficiently carried out of the first cavity, diffused to the larger space of the outer shell (3), and slowly dissipated through the wall of the outer shell (3). As the convection heat dissipation continues, the temperature inside the first cavity begins to decrease. Step 104: When the temperature drops below the reset temperature of the thermal bimetallic actuator (5), the thermal bimetallic actuator (5) gradually returns to its original state and re-closes the sealed ventilation window (4). The convection channel between the inner shell (2) and the outer shell (3), the first and second cavities return to a relatively closed state, the internal air is still, and the heat conduction and convection heat dissipation are greatly reduced, thereby effectively preventing the crystal from overcooling and locking the temperature in the first and second cavities.

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