Vertical Cryogenic Nanopositioner for Quantum Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nanopositioners for cryogenic environments have limited precision and stability, particularly for high loads, and cannot accurately position components at the nanometer scale due to mechanical limitations and the use of resistive linear sensors that fail to achieve absolute positioning.
Innovation Solution
A cryo-compatible precision vertical nanopositioner with closed-loop positioning capabilities, utilizing a motorized lead screw and interferometer sensor assemblies to achieve precise motion control and absolute positioning for atomic-based quantum information processing systems, capable of handling loads up to 5 kg and maintaining alignment across large temperature ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional nanopositioners are used in cryogenic environments, then basic positioning function is provided, but precision and stability are limited particularly for high loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional resistive linear sensors with a laser interferometer-based measurement system. The interferometer uses optical fields to measure displacement with nanometer-scale precision, eliminating the mechanical contact and resistance issues that limit conventional sensors in cryogenic environments. This substitution enables high-precision positioning while maintaining stability under high loads up to 5 kg.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from electrical resistance (conventional sensors) to optical interference patterns. By using laser wavelength as the measurement reference and detecting interference fringes, the system achieves temperature-independent measurements in cryogenic environments, thereby improving both precision and reliability under varying thermal conditions and high loads.
2Measurement precision
If resistive linear sensors are used, then basic displacement measurement is achieved, but absolute positioning at nanometer scale cannot be attained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes resistive linear sensors with a laser interferometer that uses optical wavelength as its measurement standard. The interferometer counts interference fringes to determine absolute position with nanometer-scale resolution, eliminating the cumulative error and limited resolution inherent in resistive sensor systems. This enables true absolute positioning at the nanometer scale.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental measurement parameter from electrical resistance to optical interference. By using the laser wavelength (a fundamental physical constant) as the measurement reference, the system achieves traceable absolute positioning with nanometer-scale accuracy, rather than relative measurements limited by sensor drift and resolution.
3Strength
If high load capacity is increased to handle 5 kg, then structural strength is improved, but mechanical precision and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based measurement systems with a non-contact laser interferometer. This substitution eliminates the mechanical coupling between the measurement system and the positioned mass, allowing the positioner to handle high loads (up to 5 kg) without compromising measurement precision. The optical measurement system is insensitive to the mechanical load on the positioner stage.
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
The solution enables precise and stable motion control at the nanometer scale, overcoming the limitations of conventional positioners by providing absolute positioning and high-resolution displacement measurements, essential for optimal operation of quantum information processing systems in cryogenic environments.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a motorized lead screw and interferometer sensor assemblies to achieve precise motion control and absolute positioning
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a motorized lead screw and interferometer sensor assemblies to achieve precise motion control
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to systems and methods for use in the implementation and/or operation of quantum information processing (QIP) systems, and more particularly, to the implementation and use of a quantum information processing (QIP) system including one or more vertical nanopositioners configured to reposition one or more components coupled to the nanopositioner and weighing between about 1 kilogram (kg) and about 5 kgs. The one or more vertical nanopositioners may be positioned in the cryogenic environment.