Electro-Permanent Magnets for Low Power Atomic Sensor Trapping

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current cold atom sensors face high power consumption due to the need for continuous energization of electro-magnetic coils to maintain the atom trap, which is inefficient for low-power applications.

Innovation Solution

The use of electro-permanent magnets, comprising pairs of 'hard' and 'semi-hard' magnetic rings with a coil, allows for switchable magnetic field generation, enabling the creation of a trapping potential with low power consumption by momentarily energizing the magnets to trap and probe atoms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If electro-magnetic coils are used to generate the atom trapping magnetic field, then the magnetic field can be switched on and off during the measurement cycle, but the coils consume large amounts of power when continuously energized to maintain the trap

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidtrap stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electro-magnetic coil system with an electro-permanent magnet system. The electro-permanent magnets use permanent magnets that are electrically controlled to switch between different magnetic states, eliminating the need for continuous electrical power to maintain the magnetic field. This substitution reduces power consumption while maintaining the ability to switch the trap on and off.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic switching of the electro-permanent magnets between trapped and untrapped states. The magnets are energized only during the trapping phase and de-energized during the measurement phase, creating a periodic action pattern that significantly reduces average power consumption compared to continuous energization of traditional electro-magnetic coils.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Reliability

If electro-magnetic coils remain energized to maintain the atom trap, then the trap is stable, but power consumption increases and prevents low-power operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrap stabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces continuous electrical energization with a system using permanent magnets that maintain their magnetic field without continuous power input. The electro-permanent magnets use electrical signals only to switch between magnetic states, not to maintain the field, thereby achieving trap stability with minimal power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The electro-permanent magnets serve themselves by maintaining their magnetic field without external power input once charged. The permanent magnets inherently maintain their magnetization, eliminating the need for continuous external energy supply to maintain the atom trap, thus achieving self-sustained trap stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional electro-magnetic coils are used, then the system can provide switchable magnetic fields, but the device complexity and power requirements increase for cold atom sensors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitchable magnetic field capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex electro-magnetic coil systems with simpler electro-permanent magnet assemblies. The electro-permanent magnets combine permanent magnets with simple electrical switching mechanisms, reducing the overall system complexity while maintaining the switchable magnetic field capability needed for cold atom sensing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 reduces power consumption by allowing the magnets to remain magnetized without continuous energy use, enabling efficient trapping and characterization of atoms while minimizing power usage, thus addressing the need for low-power magnetic field generation in atomic sensors.

Implementation Method 1

applying an atom trapping field across the sample of atoms using at least one pair of electro-permanent magnet units

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

laser cooling a sample of atoms in a chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser cooling: Laser

Data Source

PatentUS10371763B2Systems and methods for low power magnetic field generation for atomic sensors using electro-permanent magnets

Publication Date: 2019.08.06 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

Systems and methods for low power magnetic field generation for atomic sensors using electro-permanent magnets are provided. In one embodiment, a method for magnetic field generation for an atomic sensor comprises: laser cooling a sample of atoms in a chamber; and trapping the sample of atoms in a magneto-optical trap within the chamber by applying an atom trapping field across the sample of atoms using at least one pair of electro-permanent magnet units.