Miniaturized Coplanar Atomic Beam Collimator for MEMS Integration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current atomic beam collimators are too large and lack control, making them unsuitable for micro- or nano-scale applications, such as hybrid atom-MEMS systems, due to size mismatch and limited adjustable parameters, which complicates alignment and signal control in small-form devices.
Innovation Solution
The development of miniaturized coplanar atomic beam collimators with multiple channels and gaps within a substrate, allowing for customizable and cascaded channel designs that improve signal-to-noise ratio and enable precise alignment, using micro- and nano-fabrication techniques to create channels with dimensions from 50 μm to 10 mm in length and 50 nm to 300 μm in width.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional capillary-based collimators are used to achieve atomic beam collimation, then the divergence angle can be controlled, but the system size becomes too large for micro- or nano-scale applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from three-dimensional capillary structures to two-dimensional planar channels fabricated on a substrate. This dimensional reduction enables miniaturization while maintaining collimation functionality, allowing the system to be integrated into micro- and nano-scale devices without sacrificing beam collimation precision
Solution Approach 2:
The atomic beam path is divided into multiple discrete planar channels with different aspect ratios arranged in cascaded stages. Each channel segment contributes to progressive collimation, achieving high precision through multiple small steps rather than a single large structure
2Ease of operation
If traditional collimator systems are used, then atomic beam generation is achieved, but alignment between source and target becomes challenging due to size mismatch
Solution Approach 1:
By fabricating all channels in a planar geometry on a single substrate, the patent eliminates the need for complex three-dimensional alignment between separate components. The entire collimation system can be aligned with the atom source and target in a single plane, dramatically simplifying the alignment process for micro- and nano-scale devices
3Adaptability or versatility
If current collimator designs are used, then atomic beam production is achieved, but control over beam characteristics is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The collimation system is segmented into multiple independent planar channels with varying aspect ratios that can be independently optimized. This segmentation provides fine-grained control over beam divergence and intensity distribution without requiring complex active control mechanisms, achieving high adaptability through passive geometric design
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the planar channel array have different aspect ratios tailored to produce specific beam characteristics. By varying the local geometry of individual channels, the system can optimize beam properties for different spatial regions and application requirements without increasing overall system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to atomic beam collimators and, more particularly, to miniaturized coplanar atomic beam collimators. In some examples, an atomic beam collimator may comprise an atomic channel disposed in a substrate. Additional atomic channels may be provided coplanar with the first atomic channel in the substrate. Some examples include a series of cascaded atomic channels, each cascaded atomic channel separated by a gap. The gaps may reduce the off-flux atoms in the output of the atomic collimator. In some examples, a system may comprise an atomic collimator, an atom source, and/or a microelectromechanical system device. These component can be separate devices or can be incorporated into a common substrate.