Atomic Clock Laser Integration and Reflection Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
The accuracy and mass production efficiency of atomic clocks are hindered by the complex alignment requirements of their components, such as the gas cell, laser emission section, and photodetector, which are typically installed separately on a substrate.
Innovation Solution
An atomic frequency acquisition apparatus with a cell containing atomic gas, a laser light source integrated inside the cell, and a photodetecting section attached to the same surface, featuring reflection sections that optimize laser light path and reduce reflection losses, allowing for a compact design and simplified installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the gas cell, laser emission section and photodetector section are accurately aligned with one another on a substrate, then the accuracy of the atomic clock is improved, but the complexity in alignment works increases and mass production efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the laser emission section and photodetector section directly onto the gas cell substrate, merging multiple components that were previously separate and requiring alignment into a single integrated structure. This eliminates the need for complex alignment procedures while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser emission section and photodetector section are pre-positioned and fixed on the substrate during manufacturing, before the gas cell is assembled. This preliminary positioning ensures accurate alignment is achieved automatically during assembly, eliminating complex alignment operations.
2Measurement precision
If the gas cell, laser emission section and photodetector section are accurately aligned with one another on a substrate, then the accuracy of the atomic clock is improved, but the mass production efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the laser emission section and photodetector section onto the gas cell substrate, the patent reduces the number of separate components that need to be handled and aligned during assembly. This simplification enables faster, more automated manufacturing processes, thereby improving mass production efficiency while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The components are pre-assembled and fixed in their correct positions during substrate fabrication, allowing for rapid final assembly without time-consuming alignment operations. This preliminary preparation significantly accelerates the manufacturing process for mass production.
3Loss of energy
If the laser light source is disposed inside the cell, then the loss caused by reflection of laser light at the incident surface of the cell is prevented and laser light utilization efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The laser light source is integrated directly onto the gas cell substrate, placing it inside the cell environment. This eliminates the need for separate external mounting and associated reflection surfaces, reducing energy loss while the integration keeps the overall device structure simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of reflection losses into a benefit by positioning the laser source internally, where the cell walls themselves serve as the optical interface, eliminating reflection losses at external incident surfaces and improving laser light utilization efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enables the miniaturization of atomic clocks, improves mass production efficiency, and enhances laser light utilization by minimizing reflection losses, thereby increasing the accuracy and reliability of the atomic frequency acquisition.
Implementation Method 1
the cell includes a first reflection section on which the laser light oscillated from the laser light source is incident at an incident angle of 45 degrees
Implementation Method 2
a second reflection section on which the laser light reflected by the first reflection section is incident at an incident angle of 45 degrees
Implementation Method 3
a laser light source that oscillates a laser light that enters the cell and excites the atomic gas
Implementation Method 4
a photodetecting section that detects the laser light that has passed the cell
Data Source
AI summary
An atomic frequency acquisition apparatus includes: a cell enclosing atomic gas therein; a laser light source that oscillates laser light that enters the cell and excites the atomic gas; and a photodetecting section that detects the laser light that has passed the cell, wherein the laser light source and the photodetecting section are attached to a common surface facing an interior of the cell, and the cell has a first reflection section on which the laser light oscillated from the laser light source is incident at an incident angle of 45 degrees, and a second reflection section on which the laser light reflected by the first reflection section is incident at an incident angle of 45 degrees.