A spatial periodic 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 the priority of U.S. Application No. 18 / 322,829, filed on May 24, 2023, which claims the priority of U.S. Application No. 63 / 368,531, filed on July 15, 2022, the entire content of which is 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 parallel laser beams to respective target locations.

Background Art

[0003] In various atomic systems, it is important to be able to deliver laser beams to a high - density one - or multi - dimensional array of an atomic system with accurate position and / or spacing. 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 accurately and precisely to the ion trap with respect to position and space.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

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

[0005] According to one embodiment, a light beam spatial period converter is provided. The converter comprises a substrate having two or more flexures coupled in series, and a plurality of reflective elements disposed on the surface of the substrate. The plurality of reflective elements comprises a plurality of first-spacing reflective elements and a plurality of second-spacing reflective elements. Each first-spacing reflective element of the plurality of first-spacing reflective elements is configured to receive each incident light beam of the array of incident light beams and to redirect the direction of each incident light beam to provide an intermediate light beam to each second-spacing reflective element. Each second-spacing reflective element of the plurality of second-spacing reflective elements is configured to receive each intermediate light beam and to redirect the direction of each intermediate light beam to provide an exit light beam. Each exit light beam is one of a plurality of exit light beams that form an array of exit light beams. The array of exit light beams has a different spatial period than the array of incident light beams.

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

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

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

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

[0010] In one exemplary embodiment, the actuator comprises a piezoelectric component, the piezoelectric component being configured to allow adjustment of the actuator's length.

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

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

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, the movement of a second flexure among two or more flexures is controlled by the movement of a 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, two or more flexures are formed by machining slots into the substrate.

[0016] In another embodiment, a beam delivery system for providing multiple parallel light beams is provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the beam delivery system comprises an array of objective lenses that define an intermediate focal plane and a light beam spatial period converter. The light beam spatial period converter comprises a substrate and a plurality of reflectors disposed on the surface of the substrate. The plurality of reflectors comprises a plurality of first-spacing reflectors and a plurality of second-spacing reflectors. Each of the plurality of first-spacing reflectors is configured to receive each incident light beam of the array of incident light beams and to redirect the direction of each incident light beam to provide an intermediate light beam to each of the second-spacing reflectors. Each of the plurality of second-spacing reflectors is configured to receive each intermediate light beam and to redirect the direction of each intermediate light beam to provide an exit light beam. Each exit light beam is one of a plurality of exit light beams that form an array of exit light beams. The array of exit light beams has a different spatial period than the array of incident light beams.

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

[0018] In one exemplary embodiment, the substrate comprises two or more flexures connected in a continuous manner to one another.

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

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

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, the actuator includes a piezoelectric component configured to adjust the length of the actuator.

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

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, the movement of the second of 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, and each incident light beam of an array of incident light beams passes through a respective objective lens of an array of objective lenses and then enters each of a plurality of reflective elements at a first spacing, and the array of output light beams passes through the relay lens.

[0025] Although the present invention has been described in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 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] FIG. 3 is a close-up view of a portion of the optical beam spatial period converter shown in frame A of FIG. 2 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary optical beam spatial period converter taken along a plane substantially parallel to the propagation direction of the optical beam delivery system according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an exemplary quantum computer incorporating an exemplary optical beam spatial period converter according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 5]This is a block diagram of an exemplary controller for a quantum computer according to one exemplary embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a block diagram of an exemplary computing entity according to one exemplary embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0027] Next, the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating some, but not all, embodiments of the invention. In fact, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments shown herein, but rather these embodiments are provided to satisfy the legal requirements to which this disclosure is applicable. The terms “or” (also indicated as “ / ”) are used herein in both an alternative and a conjunctive sense unless otherwise indicated. The terms “explanatory” and “exemplary” are used to mean examples without indication of quality levels. The terms “generally” and “approximately” mean within engineering and / or manufacturing limits and / or within the user’s measurement capabilities, unless otherwise indicated. The same numbers refer to the same elements throughout.

[0028] As described above, in various atomic systems, it is crucial to be able to deliver one or more light beams (e.g., laser beams) to the atomic system with precision and accuracy 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, precise and accurate light beam delivery is essential for various uses of the system, such as operating the system.

[0029] In various embodiments, optical beam delivery systems are provided for providing multiple optical beams with precise and accurate 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 optical beam delivery system includes an optical beam spatial period converter. In various embodiments, the optical beam spatial period converter is configured to receive an array of incident light beams characterized by a first spacing and to provide an array of outgoing light beams characterized by a second spacing, the first and second spacings being different. For example, the optical 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 outgoing light beams. In various embodiments, the beam spacing in the array of outgoing light beams may be smaller or larger than the beam spacing in the array of incident light beams, depending on the application.

[0031] In various embodiments, the optical beam spatial period converter comprises two or more flexors coupled in a series. The two or more flexors are coupled such that the movement of a first flexor among the two or more flexors causes the movement of the remaining flexors among the two or more flexors. In various embodiments, the movement of a first flexor among the two or more flexors causes the movement of the remaining flexors among the two or more flexors so that the spacing of the array of emitted optical beams is uniform. Various embodiments are described in more detail below.

[0032] Exemplary beam delivery system Figure 1 shows 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 array of optical fibers includes a plurality of optical fibers. Each optical fiber provides a light beam generated and / or supplied by an operating source (e.g., including a laser or other light source). The physical size of the objective lenses and optical fibers of the array of optical fibers 105, and / or ferrules, fiber blocks, v-grooves, etc., used to fix the optical fibers in their respective positions, limits the magnitude of the spacing between adjacent and / or nearest beams, which is possible without using an optical beam spatial period converter.

[0033] Each optical fiber in the array of optical fibers 105 is configured to supply its respective light beam to each objective lens of a plurality of objective lenses. For example, each optical fiber in the array of optical fibers 105 supplies a light beam. The plurality of light beams supplied by the optical fibers in 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, which comprises multiple objective lenses. Each objective lens is configured to receive its respective light beam (for example, provided by its respective optical fiber) and to focus its 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 beam after it has been collected at the intermediate focal plane 115. In various embodiments, the relay lens 120 may invert the array of incident light beams, expand or contract the array of incident light beams, and so on. In one exemplary embodiment, the relay lens 120 may be configured to receive the array of outgoing light beams provided as the 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 one 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 optical beam spatial period converter 200 is configured to change the spacing of an array of optical beams. For example, the array of incident optical beams emanating from the array of objective lenses 110 is characterized by a first nearest neighbor spacing. The optical beam spatial period converter 200 modifies the array of incident optical beams to provide an array of outgoing optical beams characterized by a second nearest neighbor spacing, which is different from the first nearest neighbor spacing. In various embodiments, the second nearest neighbor spacing is smaller than the first nearest neighbor spacing. In other words, the array of outgoing optical beams is denser or more tightly packed than the array of incident optical beams (for example, with smaller spacing between nearest neighbor beams). In one exemplary embodiment, the nearest neighbor spacing of the array of outgoing optical beams is in the range of 1.5 to 5 mm. In one exemplary embodiment, the nearest neighbor spacing of the array of outgoing optical beams is in the range of 1.5 to 3 mm.

[0038] In various embodiments, an array of emitted light beams is provided on an interaction surface 125. Each light beam in the array of emitted light beams is configured to interact with each atomic object on the interaction surface 125. For example, each light beam in the array of emitted light beams may be used to perform multiple operations of the atomic system in parallel. In one exemplary embodiment, the atomic system is located in a cryo and / or vacuum chamber, and the array of emitted light beams enters the interior of the cryo 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. Figure 2 shows 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 in an 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 and / or fixed to the surface 206 of the substrate 205.

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

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

[0042] The array 272 of incident light beams is characterized by a first interval a. As shown in the figure, the first interval a is the distance between (spatially) adjacent light beams of the array of incident light beams. The array 274 of output light beams is characterized by a second interval b. As shown in the figure, the second interval b is the distance between (spatially) adjacent light beams of the array of output light beams. In the illustrated embodiment, the second interval b is significantly smaller than the first interval 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 interval 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 and / or fixed to the surface 206 of the substrate 205. In various embodiments, the reflective elements 210 of the plurality of reflective elements include mirrors, external reflection prisms, internal total reflection prisms, and the like. In one exemplary embodiment, the reflective element 210 is a reflective prism configured to perform external reflection of each optical beam. In one exemplary embodiment, the reflective element 210 is a reflective prism configured to perform internal reflection of each optical beam. In one exemplary embodiment, the reflective prism is formed to be a 45-45-90 degree triangular prism (e.g., having a cross-section that is a triangle with interior angles of 45, 45, and 90 degrees). In one exemplary embodiment, the angles of the cross-sectional shape of the reflective prism have a tolerance of a few arcseconds.

[0045] In various embodiments, the steps 215 and pins 220 are machined into the surface 206 or fixed to the surface 206 of the substrate and are configured to be used to position and hold each reflective element 210 in the appropriate location. In one exemplary embodiment, the shape of the reflective element 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 of the array 272 of incident light beams lies in the same plane (substantially parallel to the optical axis 280). In one exemplary embodiment, the light beams of the array 272 of incident light beams are not in the same plane.

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

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

[0049] In various embodiments, the substrate 205 comprises flexures 230 (230A, 230B). The flexures 230 are coupled in a continuous manner to one another. In various embodiments, the flexures 230 are coupled in directions 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 slots 240 that penetrate it. In various embodiments, the slots 240 are etched and / or machined through the entire thickness of the substrate 205 (whereas the thickness is measured perpendicular to the surface 206). For example, the slots 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, slot 240 defines flexure islands 235 (e.g., 235A, 235B). The flexure islands 235 are still connected to the substrate 205 but can move within a defined range in a direction substantially parallel to the optical axis 280 of the optical beam spatial period converter 200. In various embodiments, the defining range is defined by the substrate 205.

[0052] The flexure islands 235 are coupled to each other. Figure 2A provides a close-up view of a portion of the optical beam spatial period converter 200 shown in frame 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 continuously coupled to the first flexure 230A. When a translational force is applied to the first flexure 230A (for example, in a direction substantially parallel to the optical axis 280), the first flexure 230A and the second flexure 230B move in a coordinated manner. For example, the movement of the second flexure 230B may be controlled by the movement of the first flexure 230A.

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

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

[0056] Since the second spacing reflector element 210F is positioned on the first flexure island 235A, the second spacing reflector element 210F can be moved in the direction of the optical axis 280 or translated. The movement of the second spacing reflector element 210F controls its location along the inclined surface with which the first intermediate light beam interacts. Thus, the movement of the first flexure island 235A controls the position of the first outgoing light beam within the array of outgoing light beams.

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

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

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

[0060] In various embodiments, the 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 engage with its respective seat 255, 275. For example, the first end cap 265 is configured to interact with and / or engage with a seat 255 disposed on and / or adjacent to the first edge 232 of the first flexure 230A, and the second end cap 268 is configured to interact with a seat 275 formed by a portion of the end plate 270. In various embodiments, the length of the shaft portion 262 may be modified so that the end caps 265, 268 engage with their respective seats 255, 275 so that a selective translational force is applied to the first flexure 230A through the action of the actuator 260.

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

[0062] In one exemplary embodiment, the actuator 260 comprises a piezoelectric component. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, the shaft portion 262 of the actuator 260 includes a piezoelectric material. Thus, the length of the shaft portion 262 (measured in a direction substantially parallel to the 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 from the shaft portion 262. For example, the end caps 265, 268 are made of aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, ceramic material, or other hard material, such that the end caps 265, 268 engage with their respective seats 255, 275 in a manner that enables the actuator 260 to impart predictable and / or constant force to the first edge 232 of the first flexure 230A.

[0064] Exemplary quantum computing system One exemplary atomic system in which one embodiment of a 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 one exemplary embodiment. In various embodiments, a trapped atomic object quantum computer system uses atomic objects as qubits for the quantum computer. In various embodiments, atomic objects are ions, atoms, groups of ions or atoms or crystals, molecules, etc.

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

[0066] In various embodiments, the atomic object confinement device 50 is a confinement device configured to confine one or more atomic objects therein, and the operation source is configured to provide operation signals to one or more parts of the atomic object confinement device 50 by an optical path. In various embodiments, the operation 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, the operation source 70 comprises one or more laser systems configured to provide one or more operation signals (e.g., laser beams used as gate signals) to one or more parts of the 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, one or more gate signals may be provided to one or more parts of the atomic object confinement device 50 by an optical path, and the optical path may include a beam delivery system 100 comprising one or more optical beam space period converters 200, and / or at least part may be defined by the beam delivery system 100. In various embodiments, the atomic objects confined or trapped within the atomic object confinement device 60 are ions, atoms, and the like. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, the atomic object is a ytterbium ion or a barium ion. In one exemplary embodiment, the atomic objects include a cubit ion and a corresponding cooling ion.

[0067] In various embodiments, the computing entity 10 is configured to allow a user to provide inputs to the quantum computer system 400 (for example, through the user interface of the computing entity 10), and to receive, view, and so on, outputs from the quantum computer system 400. The computing entity 10 may communicate with a controller 30 via one or more wired or wireless networks 20. For example, the computing entity 10 may be configured to provide quantum circuits to the controller 30 for execution by the quantum computer 410, and the controller 30 may provide the computing entity 10 with the results of executing one or more quantum circuits.

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

[0069] Example Controller In various embodiments, the quantum computer 410 includes a controller 30 configured to control various elements of the quantum computer 410. In various embodiments, the controller 30 may be configured to cause the quantum computer 410 to perform various operations (e.g., gate operations, cooling operations, transport operations, qubit interaction operations, qubit measurement operations, leak suppression operations, etc.). For example, the controller 30 may be configured to cause an operation source to provide operation signals to atomic objects confined and / or trapped within the atomic object confinement device 50. For example, the controller 30 may be configured to cause an operation 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 the atomic object confinement device 50, for example, to provide one or more quantum gates. In various embodiments, the controller 30 may be configured to control a cryogenic system and / or vacuum system, an operating source, and / or other systems that control the temperature and pressure within the cryogenic and / or vacuum chamber 40, as well as other systems that control environmental conditions within the cryogenic and / or vacuum chamber 40 (e.g., temperature, humidity, pressure, etc.), and / or to operate and / or induce a controlled development of the quantum state of one or more atomic objects within the atomic object confinement device 50.

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

[0071] For example, memory 510 may include non-temporary memory such as volatile and / or non-volatile memory storage, such as one or more of the following: 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., qubit record data store, qubit record database, qubit record table, etc.), calibration tables, executable queues, computer program code (e.g., one or more computer languages, specialized controller languages, etc.). In one exemplary embodiment, by the execution of at least a portion of computer program code stored in memory 510 (for example, by processing element 505), the controller 30 performs one or more steps, actions, processes, procedures, etc., as described herein, to track the phases of atomic objects in an atomic system and to adjust the phases of one or more operating sources and / or signals generated thereby.

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

[0073] In various embodiments, the controller 30 may include a communication interface 520 for interface with and / or communicate with the computing entity 10. For example, the controller 30 may include a communication interface 520 for receiving executable instructions, command sets, etc., from the computing entity 10 and for providing the computing entity 10 with outputs received from the quantum computer 410 (e.g., by an optical collection system) and / or the results of processing those outputs. In various embodiments, the computing entity 10 and the controller 30 may communicate directly via wired and / or wireless communication and / or via one or more wired and / or wireless networks 20.

[0074] Exemplary Computing Entity Figure 6 shows an exemplary schematic diagram of an explanatory computing entity 10 that may be used in conjunction with embodiments of the present invention. In various embodiments, the computing entity 10 is configured to allow a user to provide input to a quantum computer 410 (for example, through the user interface of the computing entity 10) and to receive, display, analyze, and so on, outputs from the quantum computer 410. For example, the user may operate the computing entity 10 to generate and / or program quantum algorithms and / or quantum circuits so that a controller 30 receives quantum algorithms and / or quantum circuits and causes the quantum computer 410 to execute the quantum algorithms and / or quantum circuits.

[0075] As shown in Figure 6, the computing entity 10 may include an antenna 612, sometimes collectively called a transceiver, a transmitter 604 (e.g., a radio), a receiver 606 (e.g., a radio), and a processing element 608 that provides a signal to the transmitter 604 and receives a signal from the receiver 606. The signal provided to the transmitter 604 and received from the receiver 606 may include signaling information / data according to the wireless system's air interface standard applicable for communicating with various entities, such as the controller 30 and other computing entities 10. In this regard, the computing entity 10 may be capable of operating with one or more air interface standards, communication protocols, modulation types, and access types. For example, the computing entity 10 may be configured to receive and / or provide communications using wired data transmission protocols 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 protocols.Similarly, Computing Entity 10 supports General-Purpose Packet Radio Services (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), GSM Evolution High Speed ​​Data Rate (EDGE), Time Division Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access (TD-SCDMA), Long-Term Evolution (LTE), Advanced Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN), Evolution Data Optimized (EVDO), High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), High Speed ​​Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), and IEEE It may be configured to communicate over a wireless external communication network using any of the following protocols: 802.11 (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, 802.16 (WiMAX), Ultra Wideband (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 protocols and standards such as 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), and Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) to communicate.

[0076] These communication standards and protocols allow computing entity 10 to communicate with various other entities using concepts such as unstructured additional service information / data (USSD), short message service (SMS), multimedia messaging service (MMS), dual-tone multi-frequency signaling (DTMF), and / or subscriber identification module dialer (SIM dialer). Computing entity 10 can also download changes, add-ons, and updates to, for example, computing entity 10's firmware, software (including executable instructions, applications, and program modules), and operating system.

[0077] The computing entity 10 may also include user interface devices, including one or more user input / output interfaces (for example, a display 616 and / or speaker / speaker driver coupled to the processing element 608, as well as a touchscreen, keyboard, mouse, and / or microphone coupled to the processing element 608). For example, a user output interface may be configured to provide applications, browsers, user interfaces, interfaces, dashboards, screens, web pages, pages, and / or similar terms used herein without distinction, running on and / or accessible through the computing entity 10, for displaying or audibly presenting information / data, and for interaction with it via one or more user input interfaces. A user input interface may include several devices that enable the computing entity 10 to receive data, such as a keypad 618 (hard or soft), a touch display, a voice / speech or motion interface, a scanner, a reader, or other input device. In embodiments including a keypad 618, the keypad 618 may include conventional numerals (0-9) and associated keys (#, *), as well as other keys used to operate the 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 functions, such as a screen saver and / or sleep mode. Through such input, the computing entity 10 can collect information / data, user interaction / input, etc.

[0078] The 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, register memory, etc. The 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, bytecode, compiled code, interpreted code, machine code, executable instructions, etc., in order to implement the functions of the computing entity 10.

[0079] Technical advantages Various embodiments provide a technical solution to the technical problem of delivering multiple optical beams (e.g., ultraviolet laser beams, visible laser beams, infrared laser beams, etc.) with precise positional and / or spacing in a high-density array (e.g., a high-density array of target locations). In various embodiments, the array of target locations includes an array of atomic object confinement zones, which may be a one- or two-dimensional array of zones within the atomic object confinement device. The optical beam spatial periodic converter is configured to deliver the optical beams so that they are parallel to each other, correctly spaced, and overlap the atomic object confinement zones with sub-micron precision. Furthermore, the optical beam spatial periodic converter is configured to provide an array of optical beams, each using an individual objective lens, with spacings significantly smaller than those made possible by the array of optical fibers.

[0080] Furthermore, the alignment of multiple optical beams provided by a beam delivery system equipped 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 increasing number of optical beams provided. In detail, various embodiments may represent improvements over conventional means, which may consist of a collection of individual fibers, collimators, and mirrors / lenses per beam, but these systems required a large mounting area on an experimental electronic circuit board (breadboard) and / or optical table. Moreover, these systems were limited to the extent that they could be scaled by the amount of space available and the ability to package current laser beam delivery equipment.

[0081] Thus, various embodiments result in a denser array of light beams. Furthermore, various embodiments provide the flexibility to adjust the spacing of the light beam arrays so that the array of light beams can be precisely aligned with the array of target locations.

[0082] conclusion Those skilled in the art, who have benefited from the teachings shown in the foregoing description and the associated drawings, will likely recognize many variations and other embodiments of the invention described herein. Therefore, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that variations and other embodiments are included within the scope of the appended claims. Certain terms are used herein, but these are used only in a general and descriptive sense and not for limitation. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 10 Computing Entities 20 Wireless Networks 30 controllers 40 Low-temperature and / or vacuum chamber 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 surfaces 200 Optical Beam Spatial Period Converter 205 substrates 206 Surface 210 Reflection elements 215 steps 220 pins 230 Flexia 232 First edge 235 Flexi Island 240 slots 250 Cavity 255 seats 258 Aperture 260 Actuators 262 Shaft section 265 End Cap 268 End Caps 270 End Plate 272 Array of incident light beams 274 Array of emitted light beams 275 seats 280 Optical axis 400 Quantum Computer Systems 410 Quantum Computer 505 Processing element 510 memory 515 Driver Controller Elements 520 Communication Interfaces 525 Analog-to-Digital Converter 604 Transmitter 606 Receiver 608 processing elements 612 Antenna 616 displays 618 Keypad 622 volatile memory 624 Non-volatile memory

Claims

1. A light beam spatial period converter, A substrate comprising two or more flexure islands, wherein the two or more flexure islands are connected to each other in a continuous manner, Multiple reflective elements arranged on the surface of the substrate and Equipped with, A light beam spatial period converter comprising a plurality of first-spacing reflective elements and a plurality of second-spacing reflective elements, wherein the plurality of second-spacing reflective elements are arranged on two or more flexure islands, and each first-spacing reflective element of the plurality of first-spacing reflective elements is configured to receive each incident beam of an array of incident light beams and redirect the direction of each incident beam to provide an intermediate beam to each second-spacing reflective element, and each second-spacing reflective element of the plurality of second-spacing reflective elements is configured to receive each intermediate beam and redirect the direction of each intermediate beam to provide an exit beam, wherein each exit beam is one of a plurality of exit beams forming an array of exit beams, and the array of exit beams has a different spatial period than the array of incident light beams.

2. The optical beam spatial period converter according to claim 1, wherein the spacing between each nearest outputting optical beam of the array of outputting optical beams is uniform, the spacing between each nearest outputting optical beam is adjustable by applying a translational force to a first flexure island of the two or more flexure islands, and the two or more flexure islands are coupled in a sequence such that when a translational force is applied to the first flexure island of the two or more flexure islands, each of the two or more flexure islands moves in a coordinated manner.

3. The optical beam spatial period converter according to claim 1, further comprising an actuator configured to apply force to a first edge of a first flexure island among the two or more flexure islands, wherein the actuator causes the first flexure island to move a first distance and the second flexure island among the two or more flexure islands to move a second distance which is half the first distance.

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