Atomic Sensor Glass Block with Integrated Optical Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
The reduction of glass block size for atomic sensors leads to fragility issues due to machining-induced breakage, fractures, and the need for larger bore sizes to accommodate large optical beams, compromising the strength and signal-to-noise ratio of the sensors.
Innovation Solution
A glass block physics package with reduced bored volume is developed, using monolithic sections of optically transparent materials like glass-ceramic, with integrated transmissive and reflective surfaces, and a vacuum sealed chamber, allowing for larger optical beams while enhancing structural integrity and maintaining a high signal-to-noise ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the glass block size is reduced to miniaturize the atomic sensor, then the overall device size decreases, but the glass block becomes more fragile and prone to breakage during machining
Solution Approach 1:
The glass block is divided into multiple sections with integrated transmissive and reflective portions, allowing each section to be optimized independently for strength and optical function, reducing the risk of complete block failure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite glass structures with different sections having different properties - some sections optimized for optical transmission, others for structural strength, creating a composite material system that balances both requirements
2Reliability
If larger bore sizes are used to accommodate large optical beams, then the signal-to-noise ratio improves, but the glass block requires more material and becomes less fragile
Solution Approach 1:
Different sections of the glass block have different bore sizes and optical properties tailored to local requirements - larger bores where optical beams need to pass, smaller bores where structural strength is prioritized, optimizing both signal-to-noise ratio and fragility resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple light paths through different sections of the block, distributing the optical beam requirements across multiple dimensions and pathways, allowing smaller individual bores to achieve the same overall optical performance
3Reliability
If multiple separate optics (mirrors and windows) are attached to seal the light path bores, then the vacuum seal is achieved, but the device complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Transmissive and reflective portions are integrated directly into the glass block structure itself rather than being separate attached components, merging the optical elements with the vacuum chamber walls to eliminate separate sealing requirements and reduce assembly complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The glass block sections serve multiple functions simultaneously - providing vacuum sealing, guiding light paths, and providing structural support, eliminating the need for separate dedicated components for each function
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 approach improves the strength of the glass block, enabling further size reduction while maintaining a desired signal-to-noise ratio and achieving structural integrity for atomic sensors.
Implementation Method 1
one or more sections of optically transparent material defining a vacuum sealed chamber and including a plurality of transmissive and reflective surfaces to define a plurality of light paths intersecting the vacuum sealed chamber
Implementation Method 2
one or more sections of optically transparent material defining a vacuum sealed chamber and including a plurality of transmissive and reflective surfaces to define a plurality of light paths intersecting the vacuum sealed chamber
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
In one embodiment, a block for a physics package of an atomic sensor is provided. The block comprises one or more sections of optically transparent material defining a vacuum sealed chamber, and including a plurality of transmissive and reflective surfaces to define a plurality of light paths intersecting the vacuum sealed chamber. The one or more sections of optically transparent material include a first monolithic section defining at least a portion of the vacuum sealed chamber. The first monolithic section includes a first portion disposed across a first light path of the plurality of light paths such that light in the first light path is incident on the first portion of the first monolithic section.