Space-period converter with monolithic zoom

Abstract

A novel beam delivery system is provided that includes an optical beam spatial period converter. The converter includes a substrate having two or more flexures coupled in series, and a plurality of reflective elements with first spacing and a plurality of reflective elements with second spacing disposed on a surface of the substrate. Each reflective element with first spacing is configured to receive a respective incident beam of an array of incident beams and redirect the respective incident beam to provide an intermediate beam at a respective reflective element with second spacing. Each reflective element with second spacing is configured to receive a respective intermediate beam and redirect the respective intermediate beam to provide a respective exit beam. Each exit beam is one of a plurality of exit beams that form an array of exit beams. The array of exit beams and the array of incident beams have different spatial frequencies.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 18 / 322,829, filed May 24, 2023, which claims priority to U.S. Application No. 63 / 368,531, filed July 15, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Various embodiments relate to optical beam delivery systems, such as, for example, laser beam delivery systems. Various embodiments relate to laser beam delivery systems for delivering an array of collimated laser beams to respective target locations. [Background technology]

[0003] In various atomic systems, it is important to be able to deliver a laser beam at precise positions and / or spacings to dense one- or multi-dimensional arrays of atomic systems. For example, trapped ion quantum computing uses laser beams to compute various functions in a trapped ion quantum computer. Such applications require that the laser be delivered to the ion trap with accuracy and precision in terms of position and space. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] Exemplary embodiments provide beam delivery systems for use, for example, in quantum computing applications. Various embodiments provide beam delivery systems with a spatial period converter. In various embodiments, the spatial period converter is configured to adjust the spatial period of an array of light beams (e.g., laser beams). In various embodiments, the spacing between nearest neighbor light beams in the array of output light beams is uniform and within a range of 1.5 to 3 mm.

[0005] According to one aspect, a light beam spatial period converter is provided. The converter includes a substrate having two or more flexures coupled in series and a plurality of reflective elements disposed on a surface of the substrate. The plurality of reflective elements includes a plurality of first-spaced reflective elements and a plurality of second-spaced reflective elements. Each first-spaced reflective element of the plurality of first-spaced reflective elements is configured to receive a respective incident light beam of an array of incident light beams and redirect the respective incident light beam to provide an intermediate light beam to a respective second-spaced reflective element. Each second-spaced reflective element of the plurality of second-spaced reflective elements is configured to receive a respective intermediate light beam and redirect the respective intermediate light beam to provide a respective output light beam. Each output light beam is one of a plurality of output light beams forming an array of output light beams. The array of output light beams has a spatial period different from that of the array of input light beams.

[0006] In one exemplary embodiment, the spacing between nearest neighbors of each output light beam in the array of output light beams is uniform.

[0007] In one exemplary embodiment, the spacing is adjustable by applying a translating force to a first of the two or more flexures.

[0008] In one exemplary embodiment, two or more flexures are coupled in series such that when a translational force is applied to a first of the two or more flexures, each of the two or more flexures moves in unison.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, the optical beam spatial period converter further comprises an actuator configured to apply a force to a first edge of a first flexure of the two or more flexures such that a first flexure of the two or more flexures moves a first distance and a second flexure of the two or more flexures moves a second distance that is half the first distance.

[0010] In one exemplary embodiment, the actuator comprises a piezoelectric component, the piezoelectric component configured to allow the length of the actuator to be adjusted.

[0011] In one exemplary embodiment, the actuator is disposed within a cavity located in the substrate.

[0012] In one exemplary embodiment, the wall of the cavity disposed at the first edge of the first flexure comprises a conical seat, and the actuator is configured to mate with the conical seat.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, the movement of a second flexure of the two or more flexures is controlled by the movement of the first flexure.

[0014] In one exemplary embodiment, the plurality of reflective optical elements comprises at least one of a mirror or a reflective prism.

[0015] In one exemplary embodiment, the two or more flexures are formed by machining slots into the substrate.

[0016] According to another aspect, a beam delivery system for providing multiple parallel light beams is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the beam delivery system includes an array of objective lenses defining an intermediate focal plane and an optical beam spatial period converter. The optical beam spatial period converter includes a substrate and a plurality of reflective elements disposed on a surface of the substrate. The plurality of reflective elements includes a plurality of first-spaced reflective elements and a plurality of second-spaced reflective elements. Each first-spaced reflective element of the plurality of first-spaced reflective elements is configured to receive a respective incident light beam of the array of incident light beams and redirect the respective incident light beam to provide an intermediate light beam to a respective second-spaced reflective element. Each second-spaced reflective element of the plurality of second-spaced reflective elements is configured to receive a respective intermediate light beam and redirect the respective intermediate light beam to provide a respective output light beam. Each output light beam is one of a plurality of output light beams forming an array of output light beams. The array of output light beams has a spatial period different from that of the array of input light beams.

[0017] In one exemplary embodiment, the spacing between nearest neighbors of each output light beam in the array of output light beams is uniform.

[0018] In one exemplary embodiment, the substrate comprises two or more flexures coupled in series with one another.

[0019] In one exemplary embodiment, the spacing is adjustable by applying a translational force to a first of the two or more flexures.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the optical beam spatial period converter further comprises an actuator configured to apply a force to a first edge of a first flexure of the two or more flexures such that a first flexure of the two or more flexures moves a first distance and a second flexure of the two or more flexures moves a second distance that is half the first distance.

[0021] In one exemplary embodiment, the actuator comprises a piezoelectric component, the piezoelectric component configured to allow the length of the actuator to be adjusted.

[0022] In one exemplary embodiment, the actuator is disposed within a cavity located in the substrate.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, the movement of a second flexure of the two or more flexures is controlled by the movement of the first flexure.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, the beam delivery system further includes a relay lens, wherein each incident light beam of the array of incident light beams passes through a respective objective lens of the array of objective lenses before being incident on each of a plurality of first-spaced reflective elements, and the array of output light beams passes through the relay lens.

[0025] Having described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of at least a portion of an exemplary optical beam delivery system, according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a top view of an exemplary optical beam spatial period converter, according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 2A] 3 is a close-up view of a portion of the light beam spatial period converter shown in box A of FIG. 2 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary optical beam spatial period converter taken along a plane substantially parallel to the propagation direction of an optical beam delivery system according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary quantum computer incorporating an exemplary optical beam spatial period converter, according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 5]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary controller for a quantum computer, according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary computing entity, according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate some, but not all, embodiments of the invention. Indeed, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. The term "or" (also indicated as " / ") is used herein in both its alternative and connective sense, unless otherwise indicated. The terms "illustrative" and "exemplary" are used as examples without indication of quality level. The terms "generally" and "approximately," unless otherwise indicated, refer to within engineering and / or manufacturing limits and / or the user's measurement capabilities. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

[0028] As discussed above, in various atomic systems, it is important to be able to deliver one or more optical beams (e.g., laser beams) to the atomic system with accuracy and precision in terms of position and / or spacing. For example, in atomic systems such as atomic clocks, Bose-Einstein condensate systems, trapped ion systems, and / or other atomic systems, accurate and precise optical beam delivery is important for various uses of the system, including operating the system.

[0029] In various embodiments, an optical beam delivery system is provided for providing multiple optical beams with accurate and precise positioning and spacing. In one exemplary embodiment, the optical beam delivery system is configured to provide multiple parallel optical beams.

[0030] In various embodiments, the light beam delivery system includes a light beam spatial period converter. In various embodiments, the light beam spatial period converter is configured to receive an array of incident light beams characterized by a first spacing and provide an array of output light beams characterized by a second spacing, where the first spacing and the second spacing are different. For example, the light beam spatial period converter is configured to convert the spatial period and / or beam spacing of the array of incident light beams to the spatial period and / or beam spacing of the array of output light beams. In various embodiments, the beam spacing in the array of output light beams can be smaller or larger than the beam spacing in the array of incident light beams, depending on the application.

[0031] In various embodiments, the light beam spatial period converter comprises two or more flexures coupled in series with one another. The two or more flexures are coupled with one another such that movement of a first of the two or more flexures causes movement of the remainder of the two or more flexures. In various embodiments, movement of a first of the two or more flexures causes movement of the remainder of the two or more flexures such that the spacing of the array of output light beams is uniform. Various embodiments are described in more detail below.

[0032] Exemplary Beam Delivery System FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary beam delivery system 100 according to one exemplary embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the beam delivery system 100 includes an array of optical fibers 105. The optical fiber array includes a plurality of optical fibers, each of which provides a light beam generated and / or provided by a manipulation source (e.g., including a laser or other light source). The physical size of the objective lens and optical fibers of the array of optical fibers 105, and / or the ferrules, fiber blocks, v-grooves, etc. used to secure the optical fibers in their respective positions, limits the amount of spacing between adjacent and / or nearest-neighbor beams that is possible without the use of an optical beam spatial periodicity converter.

[0033] Each of the optical fibers of the array of optical fibers 105 is configured to provide a respective light beam to a respective objective lens of the plurality of objective lenses. For example, each optical fiber of the array of optical fibers 105 provides a light beam. The multiple light beams provided by the optical fibers of the array of optical fibers 105 form an array of incident light beams.

[0034] The beam delivery system further includes an array of objective lenses 110 including a plurality of objective lenses, each configured to receive a respective light beam (e.g., provided by a respective optical fiber) and focus the respective light beam at an intermediate focal plane 115. In various embodiments, the array of objective lenses 110 defines the intermediate focal plane 115.

[0035] In various embodiments, the beam delivery system further includes a relay lens 120. In various embodiments, the relay lens 120 is configured to receive the light beams after they are collected at the intermediate focal plane 115. In various embodiments, the relay lens 120 may invert the array of incident light beams, magnify or demagnify the array of incident light beams, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the relay lens 120 may be configured to receive the array of output light beams provided as an output of the light beam spatial period converter 200.

[0036] In various embodiments, the beam delivery system further includes an optical beam spatial period converter 200. In an exemplary embodiment, the optical beam spatial period converter 200 is disposed between the array of objective lenses 110 and the relay lens 120. For example, in various embodiments, the optical beam spatial period converter 200 is located at the intermediate focal plane 115, or between the array of objective lenses 110 and the intermediate focal plane 115, or between the intermediate focal plane and the relay lens 120.

[0037] The light beam spatial period converter 200 is configured to change the spacing of the array of light beams. For example, the array of incident light beams emerging from the array of objective lenses 110 is characterized by a first nearest neighbor spacing. The light beam spatial period converter 200 modifies the array of incident light beams to provide an array of output light beams characterized by a second nearest neighbor spacing. The first nearest neighbor spacing and the second nearest neighbor spacing are different. In various embodiments, the second nearest neighbor spacing is smaller than the first nearest neighbor spacing. In other words, the array of output light beams is denser or more closely packed (e.g., has smaller spacing between nearest neighbor light beams) than the array of incident light beams. In one exemplary embodiment, the nearest neighbor spacing of the array of output light beams is in the range of 1.5 to 5 mm. In one exemplary embodiment, the nearest neighbor spacing of the array of output light beams is in the range of 1.5 to 3 mm.

[0038] In various embodiments, an array of output light beams is provided to the interaction surface 125. Each light beam in the array of output light beams is configured to interact with a respective atomic object at the interaction surface 125. For example, each light beam in the array of output light beams may be used to perform multiple operations of the atomic system in parallel. In one exemplary embodiment, the atomic system is disposed within a cryogenic and / or vacuum chamber, and the array of output light beams enters the interior of the cryogenic and / or vacuum chamber through a window to interact with the atomic objects of the atomic system.

[0039] Exemplary Optical Beam Spatial Period Converter In various embodiments, the beam delivery system includes one or more optical beam spatial period converters 200. FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an optical beam spatial period converter 200. In various embodiments, the optical beam spatial period converter 200 is configured to change the spatial periodicity or frequency of the optical beams of the array of optical beams. In various embodiments, the optical beam spatial period converter 200 comprises a substrate 205 and a plurality of reflective elements 210 (e.g., 210A-H) disposed on and / or affixed to a surface 206 of the substrate 205.

[0040] In various embodiments, substrate 205 is a plate made of aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, etc. In one exemplary embodiment, substrate 205 is a semiconductor wafer. In various embodiments, substrate 205 is made of a material with appropriate hardness and machinability properties depending on the application.

[0041] In various embodiments, the plurality of reflective elements 210 includes a plurality of reflective elements 210A, 210B, 210C, 210D at a first spacing and a plurality of reflective elements 210E, 210F, 210G, 210H at a second spacing. Each of the reflective elements at the first spacing of the plurality of reflective elements at the first spacing (210A, 210B, 210C, 210D) receives each incident light beam of the array of incident light beams 272 and is configured to redirect the direction of each incident light beam to provide an intermediate light beam to each of the reflective elements at the second spacing (210E, 210F, 210G, 210H). Each of the reflective elements at the second spacing of the plurality of reflective elements at the second spacing receives each intermediate light beam and is configured to redirect the direction of each intermediate light beam to provide each output light beam. Each output light beam is one of a plurality of output light beams forming an array of output light beams 274.

[0042] The array of incident light beams 272 is characterized by a first spacing a. As shown, the first spacing a is the distance between (spatially) adjacent light beams of the array of incident light beams.In the illustrated embodiment, the second spacing b is significantly smaller than the first spacing a (e.g., b < a). In an exemplary embodiment, a is about 20 mm and b is in the range of 1.5 to 3 mm (e.g., about 2 mm). In an exemplary embodiment, the second spacing b is greater than 3 mm.

[0043] In various embodiments, the light beams of the array of incident light beams propagate in respective propagation directions that are substantially parallel to the optical axis 280 of the light beam spatial period converter 200. In various embodiments, the light beams of the array of output light beams propagate in respective propagation directions that are substantially parallel to the optical axis 280 of the light beam spatial period converter 200. In various embodiments, the intermediate light beams propagate in a direction that crosses and / or is substantially perpendicular to the optical axis 280 of the light beam spatial period converter 200.

[0044] In various embodiments, the optical beam spatial period converter 200 comprises a substrate 205 and a plurality of reflective elements 210 (e.g., 210A-H) disposed on and / or affixed to a surface 206 of the substrate 205. In various embodiments, the reflective elements 210 of the plurality of reflective elements include mirrors, externally reflecting prisms, totally internally reflecting prisms, etc. In one exemplary embodiment, the reflective elements 210 are reflective prisms configured to provide external reflection of the respective optical beams. In one exemplary embodiment, the reflective prisms are shaped to be 45-45-90 degree triangular prisms (e.g., having a cross section that is a triangle with interior angles of 45 degrees, 45 degrees, and 90 degrees). In one exemplary embodiment, the angles of the cross-sectional shape of the reflective prisms have a tolerance of a few arc-seconds.

[0045] In various embodiments, steps 215 and pins 220 are machined into the surface 206 or fixed to the surface 206 of the substrate and configured to be used to properly position and hold each reflective element 210. In one exemplary embodiment, the shape of the reflective elements 210 and the layout of the steps 215 and pins 220 allow for proper alignment of each reflective element 210 by interlocking each reflective element 210 with a pair of steps 215 and pins 220.

[0046] In one exemplary embodiment, each light beam in the array of incident light beams 272 is in the same plane (substantially parallel to the optical axis 280). In one exemplary embodiment, the light beams in the array of incident light beams 272 are not coplanar.

[0047] In one exemplary embodiment, each light beam in the array of output light beams 274 is in the same plane (substantially parallel to the optical axis 280). In one exemplary embodiment, the light beams in the array of output light beams 274 are not coplanar.

[0048] In one exemplary embodiment, each light beam in the array of incoming light beams 272 and each light beam in the array of outgoing light beams 274 is characterized by the same wavelength and the same size (e.g., beam waist, cross-sectional shape, etc.). In one exemplary embodiment, one or more of the light beams in the array of incoming light beams 272 and / or one or more light beams in the array of outgoing light beams 274 is characterized by a waveform and / or beam size (e.g., beam waist, cross-sectional shape, etc.) that is different from at least one other light beam in the array of incoming light beams 272 and / or at least one other light beam in the array of outgoing light beams 274.

[0049] In various embodiments, the substrate 205 includes flexures 230 (230A, 230B). The flexures 230 are coupled together in series. In various embodiments, the flexures 230 are coupled together in a direction that is substantially parallel to the optical axis 280.

[0050] In various embodiments, the flexure 230 is formed by etching and / or machining the substrate 205 to form a slot 240 therethrough. In various embodiments, the slot 240 is etched and / or machined through the entire thickness of the substrate 205 (where the thickness is measured perpendicular to the surface 206). For example, the slot 240 may be etched and / or machined through the substrate 205 using wire electrical discharge machining (EDM) and / or another machining technique.

[0051] In various embodiments, slots 240 define flexure islands 235 (e.g., 235A, 235B). Flexure islands 235 are still connected to substrate 205 but can move within a defined range in a direction substantially parallel to optical axis 280 of optical beam spatial period converter 200. In various embodiments, the defined range is defined by substrate 205.

[0052] The flexure islands 235 are coupled to one another. Figure 2A provides a close-up view of a portion of the optical beam spatial period converter 200 shown in box 2 of Figure 2, illustrating the mechanical coupling of the first flexure island 235A and the second flexure island 235B.

[0053] The mechanical coupling between the first flexure island 235A and the second flexure island 235B results in the second flexure 230B being contiguously coupled to the first flexure 230A, such that when a translational force is applied to the first flexure 230A (e.g., in a direction substantially parallel to the optical axis 280), the first flexure 230A and the second flexure 230B move in unison. For example, the movement of the second flexure 230B may be controlled by the movement of the first flexure 230A.

[0054] In the exemplary embodiment, when a force is applied to first flexure 230A in a direction substantially parallel to optical axis 280, first flexure island 235A moves a distance D in the direction of optical axis 280, and second flexure island 235B moves a distance D / 2 in the direction of optical axis 280. If a third flexure island is coupled to second flexure island 235B, the first flexure island moves a distance D in the direction of optical axis 280, the second flexure island moves a distance 2D / 3 in the direction of optical axis 280, and the third flexure island moves a distance D / 3 in the direction of optical axis 280. In general, for an i-th flexure island in a series of N flexure islands coupled in a row, when the first flexure island moves a distance D in the direction of optical axis 280, the i-th flexure island moves a distance i*D / N in the direction of optical axis 280.

[0055] In various embodiments, a plurality of second-spacing reflective elements (210E, 210F, 210G, 210H) are disposed on flexure island 235. For example, each of the plurality of second-spacing reflective elements is aligned with a respective one of the plurality of first-spacing reflective elements such that the respective second-spacing reflective element receives an intermediate beam that interacts with the respective first-spacing reflective element. For example, first-spacing reflective element 210A redirects a first incoming light beam to provide a first intermediate light beam, which then interacts with second-spacing reflective element 210F to provide a first outgoing light beam.

[0056] Because the second-spacing reflective elements 210F are disposed on the first flexure island 235A, the second-spacing reflective elements 210F can be moved or translated in the direction of the optical axis 280. Movement of the second-spacing reflective elements 210F controls the location along the inclined surface of the second-spacing reflective elements 210F that the first intermediate light beam interacts with. Thus, movement of the first flexure island 235A controls the position of the first output light beam within the array of output light beams.

[0057] As described above, when first flexure island 235A moves a distance D in the direction of optical axis 280, second flexure island 235B moves a distance D / 2 in the direction of optical axis 280. Thus, when second-spaced reflective elements 210F and 210H disposed on first flexure island 235A move a distance D, second-spaced reflective elements 210E and 210G disposed on second flexure island 235B move a distance D / 2. This allows the second spacing b of the array of output light beams to remain uniform (e.g., the distance between nearest neighbor light beams in the array of light beams is the same for each of the output light beams).

[0058] 3 shows a perspective view of a cross section of optical beam spatial period converter 200, the cross section being taken in a plane perpendicular to surface 206 of substrate 205. As shown in FIG. 3, substrate 205 comprises cavity 250. In an exemplary embodiment, cavity 250 is disposed at least partially within flexure island 235. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, cavity 250 comprises sheet 255 disposed on first edge 232 of first flexure 230A. In an exemplary embodiment, sheet 255 is configured to engage with actuator 260 disposed within cavity 250. In an exemplary embodiment, sheet 255 is a conical sheet (e.g., substantially conical in shape).

[0059] In one exemplary embodiment, a first end of the cavity comprises a seat 255, and a second end of the cavity comprises an opening 258. In various embodiments, the opening 258 is configured to allow the actuator 260 to be disposed in the cavity 250. In one exemplary embodiment, the opening 258 is at least partially blocked and / or closed by an end plate 270. In various embodiments, the end plate 270 comprises a seat 275 configured to mate with the actuator 260. The end plate 270 may be configured to be secured to the opening 258 (e.g., using another mechanical fastener, such as a screw) so that pressure applied to the end plate 270 by the actuator 260 does not move the end plate 270 relative to the substrate 205. In one exemplary embodiment, the end plate 270 may comprise one or more access holes through which one or more wires can be passed. For example, the actuator 260 is controlled by an electrical signal passed through one or more wires (not shown) passing through the access holes in the end plate 270.

[0060] In various embodiments, actuator 260 comprises a shaft portion 262 and two end caps 265, 268. In one exemplary embodiment, each end cap 265, 268 is configured to mate with a respective seat 255, 275. For example, first end cap 265 is configured to interact with and / or mate with seat 255 disposed at and / or adjacent first edge 232 of first flexure 230A, and second end cap 268 is configured to interact with seat 275 formed by a portion of end plate 270. In various embodiments, the length of shaft portion 262 may be varied to cause end caps 265, 268 to mate with their respective seats 255, 275 such that a translational force may be selectively applied to first flexure 230A through action of actuator 260.

[0061] For example, in one exemplary embodiment, actuator 260 is configured to apply a force to first edge 232 of first flexure 230A such that first flexure 230A of the two or more flexures moves a first distance and second flexure 230B of the two or more flexures moves a second distance that is half the first distance. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, the length of actuator 260 is adjustable such that a force can be applied to first edge 232 of first flexure 230A such that first flexure 230A of the two or more flexures moves a first distance and second flexure 230B of the two or more flexures moves a second distance that is half the first distance.

[0062] In one exemplary embodiment, actuator 260 comprises a piezoelectric component. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, shaft portion 262 of actuator 260 includes a piezoelectric material. Thus, the length of shaft portion 262 (measured in a direction substantially parallel to optical axis 280) may be adjusted (e.g., shortened and / or lengthened) by applying an electrical signal to the shaft portion.

[0063] In one exemplary embodiment, the end caps 265, 268 are made of a different material than the shaft portion 262. For example, the end caps 265, 268 are made from aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, a ceramic material, or other hard material that allows the end caps 265, 268 to mate with their respective seats 255, 275 in a manner that allows the actuator 260 to apply a predictable and / or consistent force to the first edge 232 of the first flexure 230A.

[0064] Exemplary Quantum Computer System One exemplary atomic system in which an embodiment of the beam delivery system may be incorporated and / or implemented is a trapped atomic object quantum computer. Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary trapped atomic object quantum computer system 400, according to an exemplary embodiment. In various embodiments, the trapped atomic object quantum computer system uses atomic objects as qubits of the quantum computer. In various embodiments, the atomic objects are ions, atoms, groups or crystals of ions or atoms, molecules, etc.

[0065] In various embodiments, quantum computer system 400 comprises computing entity 10 and quantum computer 410. In various embodiments, a controller 30 of quantum computer 410 may be in communication with computing entity 10 over one or more wired and / or wireless networks 20. In various embodiments, quantum computer 410 comprises controller 30, a cryogenic and / or vacuum chamber 40 enclosing an atomic object confinement device 50 (e.g., an ion trap, etc.), one or more manipulation sources 70 (e.g., 70A, 70B, 70C, 70D, 70E), etc.

[0066] In various embodiments, atomic object confinement device 50 is a confinement device configured to confine one or more atomic objects therein, and a manipulation source is configured to provide manipulation signals to one or more portions of atomic object confinement device 50 by an optical path. In various embodiments, the manipulation signals may be used to initialize one or more atomic objects in qubit space, perform cooling operations, perform measurement operations, provide one or more gate signals, etc. In various embodiments, manipulation source 70 comprises one or more laser systems configured to provide one or more manipulation signals (e.g., laser beams used as gate signals) to one or more portions of atomic object confinement device 50 to provide one or more quantum gates (e.g., quantum logic gates). In various embodiments, the quantum gates may be one-qubit gates, two-qubit gates, etc. In various embodiments, the one or more gate signals may be provided to one or more portions of atomic object confinement device 50 by an optical path, which may include and / or be defined at least in part by beam delivery system 100 with one or more optical beam spatial period converters 200. In various embodiments, the atomic objects confined or trapped within atomic object confinement device 60 are ions, atoms, etc. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, the atomic objects are ytterbium ions or barium ions. In one exemplary embodiment, the atomic objects include qubit ions and corresponding cooled ions.

[0067] In various embodiments, computing entity 10 is configured to allow a user to provide input to, and receive, view, etc., output from, quantum computer system 400 (e.g., via a user interface of computing entity 10). Computing entity 10 may be in communication with controller 30 over one or more wired or wireless networks 20. For example, computing entity 10 may be configured to provide quantum circuits to controller 30 for execution by, e.g., quantum computer 410, and controller 30 may provide results of executing one or more quantum circuits to computing entity 10.

[0068] In various embodiments, controller 30 is configured to control atomic object confinement device 50, a refrigeration and / or vacuum system (not shown) that controls the temperature and pressure within cryogenic and / or vacuum chamber 40, manipulation source 70 (e.g., a laser system), servos, and / or other components of quantum computer 410 (e.g., an optical collection system configured to "read" the output of the quantum computer). In various embodiments, controller 30 is configured to control the various components of quantum computer 410 according to executable instructions, command sets, etc. provided by computing entity 10 and / or generated by controller 30. In various embodiments, controller 30 is configured to receive output from quantum computer 410 (e.g., from the optical collection system) and provide the output and / or results of processing the output to computing entity 10.

[0069] Exemplary Controller In various embodiments, quantum computer 410 comprises a controller 30 configured to control various elements of quantum computer 410. In various embodiments, controller 30 may be configured to cause quantum computer 410 to perform various operations (e.g., gating operations, cooling operations, transport operations, qubit interaction operations, qubit measurement operations, leakage suppression operations, etc.). For example, controller 30 may be configured to cause a manipulation source to provide manipulation signals to atomic objects confined and / or trapped within atomic object confinement device 50. For example, controller 30 may be configured to cause a manipulation source 70 (e.g., a laser system) to provide one or more gate signals to one or more atomic objects confined and / or trapped within atomic object confinement device 50, e.g., to provide one or more quantum gates. In various embodiments, controller 30 may be configured to control the cryogenic and / or vacuum systems that control the temperature and pressure within cryogenic and / or vacuum chamber 40, manipulation sources, and / or other systems that control the environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity, pressure, etc.) within cryogenic and / or vacuum chamber 40, and / or may be configured to manipulate and / or cause the controlled evolution of the quantum states of one or more atomic objects within atomic object confinement device 50.

[0070] 5, in various embodiments, controller 30 may comprise various controller elements, including processing element 505, memory 510, driver controller element 515, communication interface 520, analog-to-digital converter 525, etc. For example, processing element 505 may include a programmable logic device (CPLD), a microprocessor, a coprocessing entity, an application-specific instruction set processor (ASIP), an integrated circuit, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic array (PLA), a hardware accelerator, other processing devices and / or circuits, etc., and / or a controller. The term circuit may refer to an entirely hardware embodiment or a combination of hardware and a computer program product. In one exemplary embodiment, processing element 505 of controller 30 comprises and / or is in communication with a clock.

[0071] For example, memory 510 may include non-transitory memory such as volatile and / or non-volatile memory storage, such as one or more of a hard disk, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory, MMC, SD memory card, memory stick, CBRAM, PRAM, FeRAM, RRAM, SONOS, racetrack memory, RAM, DRAM, SRAM, FPM DRAM, EDO DRAM, SDRAM, DDR SDRAM, DDR2 SDRAM, DDR3 SDRAM, RDRAM, RIMM, DIMM, SIMM, VRAM, cache memory, register memory, etc. In various embodiments, memory 510 may store qubit records corresponding to qubits of a quantum computer (e.g., a qubit record data store, a qubit record database, a qubit record table, etc.), calibration tables, executable cues, computer program code (e.g., one or more computer languages, specialized controller languages, etc.), etc. In one exemplary embodiment, execution of at least a portion of the computer program code stored in memory 510 (e.g., by processing element 505) causes controller 30 to perform one or more steps, operations, processes, procedures, etc. described herein for tracking the phase of atomic objects in an atomic system and adjusting the phase of one or more manipulation sources and / or signals generated thereby.

[0072] In various embodiments, driver controller element 515 may include one or more driver and / or controller elements each configured to control one or more drivers. In various embodiments, driver controller element 515 may include a driver and / or driver controller. For example, a driver controller may be configured to cause one or more corresponding drivers to be actuated according to executable instructions, commands, etc. scheduled and executed by controller 30 (e.g., by processing element 505). In various embodiments, driver controller element 515 may enable controller 30 to actuate manipulation source 70, control actuator 260, actuate vacuum and / or cryogenic systems, etc. In various embodiments, a driver may be a laser driver, a microwave driver, a vacuum component driver, a cryogenic and / or vacuum system component driver, a current driver and / or a voltage source, etc. For example, a driver and / or driver controller may be configured to cause a magnetic field generating device (e.g., comprising circuitry coupled to a voltage source (e.g., a current driver or voltage driver), a permanent magnet, and / or a combination thereof) to generate a magnetic field having a particular direction and magnitude at one or more locations of atomic object confinement device 50. In various embodiments, multiple positions (e.g., atomic object confinement device zones) of atomic object confinement device 50 may be defined. In various embodiments, controller 30 includes means for communicating and / or receiving signals from one or more receiver components, such as a camera, a MEMs camera, a CCD camera, a photodiode, a photomultiplier tube, etc. For example, controller 30 may include one or more analog-to-digital converter elements 525 configured to receive signals from one or more receiver components, calibration sensors, etc.

[0073] In various embodiments, controller 30 may comprise a communications interface 520 for interfacing with and / or communicating with computing entity 10. For example, controller 30 may comprise a communications interface 520 for receiving executable instructions, command sets, etc. from computing entity 10, and for providing output received from quantum computer 410 (e.g., via a light collection system) and / or results of processing the output to computing entity 10. In various embodiments, computing entity 10 and controller 30 may communicate via direct wired and / or wireless communication and / or one or more wired and / or wireless networks 20.

[0074] Exemplary Computing Entity 6 shows an example schematic diagram of an illustrative computing entity 10 that may be used in conjunction with embodiments of the present invention. In various embodiments, computing entity 10 is configured to allow a user (e.g., via a user interface of computing entity 10) to provide input to quantum computer 410 and receive, display, analyze, etc. output from quantum computer 410. For example, a user may operate computing entity 10 to generate and / or program a quantum algorithm and / or quantum circuit, such that controller 30 receives the quantum algorithm and / or quantum circuit and causes quantum computer 410 to execute the quantum algorithm and / or quantum circuit.

[0075] 6 , computing entity 10 may include an antenna 612, a transmitter 604 (e.g., a radio), a receiver 606 (e.g., a radio), and a processing element 608 that provides signals to transmitter 604 and receives signals from receiver 606, which may be collectively referred to as a transceiver. The signals provided to transmitter 604 and received from receiver 606 may include signaling information / data in accordance with an applicable wireless system air interface standard for communicating with various entities, such as controller 30, other computing entities 10, etc. In this regard, computing entity 10 may be capable of operating with one or more air interface standards, communication protocols, modulation types, and access types. For example, computing entity 10 may be configured to receive and / or provide communications using a wired data transmission protocol, such as Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI), Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), Ethernet, Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), Frame Relay, Data over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS), or other wired transmission protocol.Similarly, the computing entity 10 may support a variety of standards, including General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Code Division Multiple Access 2000 (CDMA2000), CDMA2000 1X (1xRTT), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), Time Division Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access (TD-SCDMA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN), Evolution Data Optimized (EVDO), High Speed Packet Access (HSPA), High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n, and others. It may be configured to communicate over a wireless external communications network using any of a variety of protocols, such as 802.11 (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, 802.16 (WiMAX), Ultra Wide Band (UWB), Infrared (IR) protocol, Near Field Communication (NFC) protocol, Wibree, Bluetooth protocol, Wireless Universal Serial Bus (USB) protocol, and / or any other wireless protocol. Computing entity 10 may use such protocols and standards to communicate using Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), Domain Name System (DNS), File Transfer Protocol (FTP), Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), HTTP over TLS / SSL / Secure, Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP), Network Time Protocol (NTP), Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), Telnet, Transport Layer Security (TLS), Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), Internet Protocol (IP), Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), User Datagram Protocol (UDP), Datagram Congestion Control Protocol (DCCP), Stream Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP), Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), and the like.

[0076] These communication standards and protocols enable computing entity 10 to communicate with various other entities using concepts such as Unstructured Supplementary Service Information / Data (USSD), Short Message Service (SMS), Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS), Dual Tone Multi-Frequency Signaling (DTMF), and / or Subscriber Identity Module Dialer (SIM Dialer), etc. Computing entity 10 may also download modifications, add-ons, and updates to, for example, the firmware, software (including, for example, executable instructions, applications, program modules), and operating system of computing entity 10.

[0077] Computing entity 10 may also comprise user interface devices including one or more user input / output interfaces (e.g., a display 616 and / or speaker / speaker driver coupled to processing element 608, as well as a touchscreen, keyboard, mouse, and / or microphone coupled to processing element 608). For example, the user output interface may be configured to provide an application, browser, user interface, interface, dashboard, screen, webpage, page, and / or similar terms used interchangeably herein running on and / or accessible through computing entity 10 for displaying or audibly presenting information / data and for interaction therewith via one or more user input interfaces. The user input interface may include a number of devices that enable computing entity 10 to receive data, such as a keypad 618 (hard or soft), a touch display, a voice / audio or motion interface, a scanner, reader, or other input device. In embodiments that include a keypad 618, the keypad 618 may include conventional numeric (0-9) and related keys (#, *), as well as other keys used to operate computing entity 10, and may include a full set of alphanumeric keys or a set of keys that can be activated to provide a full set of alphanumeric keys. In addition to providing input, the user input interface may be used to activate or deactivate certain features, such as, for example, a screen saver and / or sleep mode. Through such input, computing entity 10 may collect information / data, user interaction / input, etc.

[0078] Computing entity 10 may include volatile memory or storage 622 and / or non-volatile memory or storage 624, which may be embedded and / or removable. For example, non-volatile memory may be ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory, MMC, SD memory card, memory stick, CBRAM, PRAM, FeRAM, RRAM, SONOS, racetrack memory, etc. Volatile memory may be RAM, DRAM, SRAM, FPM DRAM, EDO DRAM, SDRAM, DDR SDRAM, DDR2 SDRAM, DDR3 SDRAM, RDRAM, RIMM, DIMM, SIMM, VRAM, cache memory, registered memory, etc. Volatile and non-volatile storage or memory may store databases, database instances, database management system entities, data, applications, programs, program modules, scripts, source code, object code, byte code, compiled code, interpreted code, machine code, executable instructions, etc. to implement the functionality of computing entity 10.

[0079] Technical Advantages Various embodiments provide a technical solution to the technical problem of accurately and precisely delivering multiple light beams (e.g., ultraviolet laser beams, visible laser beams, infrared laser beams, etc.) in a dense array (e.g., to a dense array of target locations) with respect to position and / or spacing. In various embodiments, the array of target locations includes an array of atomic object confinement device zones, which may be a one- or two-dimensional array of zones within an atomic object confinement device. The optical beam spatial period converter is configured to deliver the light beams such that the light beams are parallel to one another, properly spaced apart, and overlap with the atomic object confinement device zones with sub-micron accuracy. Furthermore, the optical beam spatial period converter is configured to provide an array of light beams, each using an individual objective lens, with spacing significantly smaller than that permitted by an array of optical fibers.

[0080] Furthermore, the alignment of multiple optical beams provided by a beam delivery system with an optical beam spatial period converter is simpler than conventional means, and the complexity and / or number of degrees of freedom do not increase with an increasing number of optical beams provided thereby. In particular, while various embodiments provide improvements over conventional means, which may be a collection of individual fibers, collimators, and mirrors / lenses per beam, these systems required a large footprint on a laboratory breadboard and / or optical table. Furthermore, these systems were limited in the extent to which they could scale by the amount of space available and the ability to package current laser beam delivery devices.

[0081] Thus, various embodiments provide a denser array of light beams. Additionally, various embodiments provide flexibility in adjusting the spacing of the array of light beams to allow for precise alignment of the array of light beams with the array of target locations.

[0082] conclusion Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. It is to be understood, therefore, that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 10 Computing Entities 20 Wireless Network 30 Controllers 40 Cryogenic and / or Vacuum Chambers 50 Atomic Object Confinement Device 70 Operation source 100 Beam Delivery System 105 Optical Fiber 110 Objective Lens 115 Intermediate focal plane 120 relay lens 125 Interaction Surface 200 Optical beam spatial period converter 205 board 206 Surface 210 Reflective Elements 215 steps 220 pins 230 Flexure 232 first edge 235 Flexia Island 240 slots 250 cavity 255 sheets 258 Aperture 260 Actuator 262 Shaft part 265 End Cap 268 End Cap 270 End Plate 272 Array of incident light beams 274 Array of outgoing light beams 275 seats 280 Optical axis 400 Quantum Computer System 410 Quantum Computer 505 Processing Elements 510 memory 515 Driver Controller Elements 520 Communication Interface 525 Analog-to-Digital Converter 604 Transmitter 606 Receiver 608 Processing Elements 612 Antenna 616 Display 618 Keypad 622 Volatile Memory 624 Non-volatile memory

Claims

1. 1. An optical beam spatial period converter, comprising: a substrate comprising one or more flexures, wherein when the one or more flexures include two or more flexures, the two or more flexures are coupled in series with one another; a plurality of reflective elements disposed on a surface of the substrate; Equipped with a light beam spatial period converter, wherein the plurality of reflective elements includes a plurality of first-spaced reflective elements and a plurality of second-spaced reflective elements, each first-spaced reflective element of the plurality of first-spaced reflective elements configured to receive a respective incident light beam of an array of incident light beams and redirect the respective incident light beam to provide an intermediate light beam to a respective second-spaced reflective element, and each second-spaced reflective element of the plurality of second-spaced reflective elements configured to receive a respective intermediate light beam and redirect the respective intermediate light beam to provide a respective output light beam, each output light beam being one of a plurality of output light beams forming an array of output light beams, the array of output light beams having a different spatial period than the array of input light beams.

2. 10. The light beam spatial period converter of claim 1, wherein the spacing between nearest neighbors of each of the array of output light beams is uniform.

3. 3. The optical beam spatial period converter of claim 2, wherein the spacing is adjustable by applying a translational force to a first flexure of the one or more flexures.

4. 10. The optical beam spatial period converter of claim 1, wherein the two or more flexures are coupled in series such that when a translational force is applied to a first of the two or more flexures, each of the two or more flexures moves in unison.

5. 10. The optical beam spatial period converter of claim 1, further comprising an actuator configured to apply a force to a first edge of a first flexure of the two or more flexures, causing the first flexure to move a first distance and a second flexure of the two or more flexures to move a second distance that is a portion of the first distance.

6. 6. The optical beam spatial period converter of claim 5, wherein the actuator comprises a piezoelectric component, the piezoelectric component configured to allow a length of the actuator to be adjusted.

7. The optical beam spatial period converter of claim 5 , wherein the actuator is disposed within a cavity located in the substrate.

8. 8. The optical beam spatial period converter of claim 7, wherein a wall of the cavity disposed at the first edge of the first flexure comprises a conical sheet, and the actuator is configured to mate with the conical sheet.

9. 6. The optical beam spatial period converter of claim 5, wherein the movement of a second flexure of the two or more flexures is controlled by the movement of the first flexure.

10. The optical beam spatial period converter of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of reflective optical elements comprises at least one of a mirror, an externally reflecting prism, or a totally internally reflecting prism.

11. The optical beam spatial period converter of claim 1 , wherein the one or more flexures are formed by machining slots in the substrate.

12. 1. A system for providing a plurality of parallel light beams, comprising: an array of objective lenses defining an intermediate focal plane; Optical beam spatial period converter and and the optical beam spatial period converter comprises: A substrate; a plurality of reflective elements disposed on a surface of the substrate; Equipped with the plurality of reflective elements comprises a plurality of first-spaced reflective elements and a plurality of second-spaced reflective elements, each first-spaced reflective element of the plurality of first-spaced reflective elements configured to receive a respective incident light beam of an array of incident light beams and redirect the respective incident light beam to provide an intermediate light beam to a respective second-spaced reflective element, and each second-spaced reflective element of the plurality of second-spaced reflective elements configured to receive a respective intermediate light beam and redirect the respective intermediate light beam to provide a respective output light beam, each output light beam being one of a plurality of output light beams forming an array of output light beams, the array of output light beams having a different spatial period than the array of input light beams.

13. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the spacing between nearest neighbor output light beams of the array of output light beams is uniform.

14. The system of claim 13 , wherein the substrate comprises two or more flexures coupled together in series.

15. 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the spacing is adjustable by applying a translational force to a first flexure of the two or more flexures.

16. 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the optical beam spatial period converter further comprises an actuator configured to apply a force to a first edge of a first flexure of the two or more flexures, causing the first flexure to move a first distance and a second flexure of the two or more flexures to move a second distance that is half the first distance.

17. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the actuator comprises a piezoelectric component, the piezoelectric component configured to allow a length of the actuator to be adjusted.

18. The system of claim 16 , wherein the actuator is disposed within a cavity located in the substrate.

19. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein movement of a second flexure of the two or more flexures is controlled by movement of the first flexure.

20. 13. The system of claim 12, further comprising a relay lens, wherein each incident light beam of the array of incident light beams passes through a respective objective lens of the array of objective lenses before entering each of the plurality of first-spaced reflective elements, and wherein the array of exiting light beams passes through the relay lens.

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