Fiber-Based Photon Collector for Qubit State Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems face challenges in efficiently collecting and isolating photons from multiple photon sources, particularly in quantum information processing, where accurate and quick measurement of qubit states is critical for high fidelity algorithms and quantum error correction, due to issues with optical and electrical crosstalk.

Innovation Solution

A fiber-based photon collector system that images individual photon sources onto separate optical fibers, eliminating crosstalk by using an imaging system with a numerical aperture and positioning adapted to direct photons from each source to dedicated detectors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If photons from multiple photon sources are collected using a shared detection system, then the system complexity is reduced, but optical and electrical crosstalk occurs between photons from respective sources

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection system structureVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the detection system into separate detection channels, with each photon source having its own dedicated detection path. This segmentation eliminates crosstalk between sources while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces optical fibers as intermediary elements that physically separate and isolate the detection paths for different photon sources. These fibers act as mediators that transmit photons from each source to dedicated detectors without allowing optical or electrical interference between channels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If separate photon detectors are used for each photon source to eliminate crosstalk, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequbit state detection accuracyVSAvoiddetector array configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs identical detector modules for each photon source, where each detector is a standardized component performing the same function. This universality allows the system to achieve high measurement precision through dedicated detection while keeping overall complexity manageable through component standardization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent spatially distributes detectors along the ion chain axis, mapping each photon source to a dedicated detector in one-dimensional space. This spatial arrangement in another dimension eliminates the need for complex temporal multiplexing or shared detection pathways, simplifying the system architecture while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If photons from multiple sources are detected simultaneously, then measurement speed is improved, but crosstalk between sources occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement speedVSAvoidsignal isolation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the detection system into independent channels, allowing simultaneous detection of photons from multiple sources without crosstalk. Each segmented detection path processes photons from its corresponding source independently, preserving signal isolation while enabling parallel measurement operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuous simultaneous detection across all photon sources through dedicated detection channels. Each source undergoes continuous fluorescence detection without interruption or sequential switching, maintaining high productivity while the physical separation of channels prevents information loss due to crosstalk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

Enables efficient and accurate detection of individual qubit states with no optical or electrical crosstalk, enhancing the fidelity of quantum algorithms and error correction processes.

Implementation Method 1

an imaging system in optical communication with the at least two photon sources; and an optical fiber array in optical communication with the imaging system, wherein the optical fiber array comprises at least a respective optical fiber for each photon source; wherein a numerical aperture of the imaging system and the imaging system's position relative to the at least two photon sources and the optical fiber array are adapted so as to image at least some of the photon sources onto a respective optical fiber in the optical fiber array

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical imaging: Lens

Data Source

PatentUS10802230B2Fiber-based multi-source photon collector and systems and methods utilizing same

Publication Date: 2020.10.13 DUKE UNIV

AI summary

A system for the collection and isolation of photons from multiple photon sources is provided that images individual photon sources onto individual optical fibers. The collected photons can then be directed to one or more photon detectors. The present invention is particularly applicable to a qubit state detection system for the detection of individual qubit states.