Induction-Heated Atomic Beam Source for Compact Vacuum Packages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional atomic beam ovens for optical lattice clocks are large and cumbersome, limiting their portability and practical applications outside laboratory settings, and they suffer from inefficiencies in energy transfer and thermal insulation, which affect vacuum performance and size reduction.
Innovation Solution
An atomic beam generator utilizing wireless power transfer via electromagnetic induction to heat the sample, eliminating the need for wired connections and allowing for a compact design with improved thermal insulation and reduced outgassing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional wired heating is used in atomic beam ovens, then reliable heating can be achieved, but device size and complexity increase due to wiring requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical wiring system with an electromagnetic induction heating system. An induction coil generates a time-varying magnetic field that induces eddy currents in a susceptor, which then heats the sample without requiring physical contact or wired connections to the sample chamber, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining heating reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a susceptor as an intermediary material between the induction coil and the sample. The susceptor absorbs electromagnetic energy and converts it to heat, which is then transferred to the sample. This intermediary enables wireless heating while maintaining reliable thermal coupling to the sample
2Use of energy by moving object
If wired connections are used for heating, then power transfer can be achieved, but vacuum performance deteriorates due to outgassing from wiring and connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates wired connections and electrical contacts within the vacuum chamber by using electromagnetic induction heating. The induction coil is positioned outside the vacuum chamber, and heating is achieved through electromagnetic coupling, completely removing the source of outgassing associated with wired connections, wiring, and connectors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the heating function from the vacuum chamber environment by placing the induction coil outside the chamber. Only the non-outgassing susceptor and sample remain inside the vacuum chamber, separating the power generation function from the vacuum environment and eliminating outgassing issues
3Volume of moving object
If compact design is pursued for portability, then device size is reduced, but thermal insulation becomes more difficult to implement effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies thermal insulation selectively only where needed - between the sample chamber and the induction coil assembly. By localizing insulation to the critical thermal pathways rather than insulating the entire device, effective thermal isolation is achieved with minimal volume penalty, supporting compact design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses thermal insulation materials as intermediary layers between the heated sample chamber and the induction coil assembly. These intermediary insulation layers provide effective thermal isolation in a compact configuration, preventing heat transfer to surrounding components while maintaining small device volume
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 significant size reduction and improved vacuum performance by localizing heating and reducing the number of components, facilitating integration into portable optical lattice clocks and other devices.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless power transfer means installed outside the vacuum chamber and configured to transfer electroferromagnetic power wirelessly; a heated element installed inside the vacuum chamber and configured to be heated by electroferromagnetic power received from the wireless power transfer means
Implementation Method 2
a heated element installed inside the vacuum chamber and configured to be heated by electroferromagnetic power received from the wireless power transfer means so as to heat the atom source
Data Source
AI summary
A sample reservoir containing a sample, a nozzle, and a heated element are arranged in a vacuum chamber. An induction coil is located on the outside of the vacuum chamber. The heated element is located around the sample reservoir and the nozzle. Electromagnetic power is wirelessly transferred from the induction coil to the heated element, whereby the heated element is heated. Heating of the heated element causes the sample reservoir and the nozzle to be heated, whereby the sample in the sample reservoir is heated. An atomic beam generated by the heating of the sample is emitted from the nozzle.