Ion Surface Trap Electrode With Integrated Superconductor Photon Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ion surface traps face challenges in efficiently detecting fluorescent radiation emitted by trapped ions due to the need for photons to traverse optical elements, leading to high absorption probabilities and restricted detection angles.
Innovation Solution
An ion surface trap with an energy-sensitive superconductor sensor having a superconductor layer/separating layer/superconductor layer structure, where at least one superconductor layer forms a trap electrode, allowing direct photon detection without optical elements and enabling a wide solid angle range detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical elements are used between the ion and detector, then detection can be performed at a distance, but absorption probability increases and detection angle is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The detector is merged with the trap electrode structure, forming an integrated device where the superconducting sensor is deposited directly on the trap chip. This eliminates the need for separate optical elements and their associated alignment complexities, directly resolving the contradiction between detection efficiency and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Optical elements (lenses, windows, fibers) are extracted/removed from the detection path. By taking out these intermediate components and placing the detector directly at the ion location, absorption losses are eliminated and angular restrictions are removed
2Ease of operation
If photons traverse through optical elements, then detection can be performed, but absorption loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
Optical elements are removed from the detection path, eliminating absorption losses. The detector is placed in direct contact with the ion, allowing photons to be detected without traversing any intermediate materials that would absorb energy
Solution Approach 2:
The detector and trap electrode are merged into a single integrated structure, eliminating the need for photons to traverse optical elements. This direct integration removes absorption loss while maintaining ease of operation through monolithic fabrication
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 sensor detects photons with low absorption loss and covers a broader detection angle, enhancing integration density and simplifying production, particularly in series production.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor (18) for detecting photons (20) emitted by at least one ion (22)
Implementation Method 2
The sensor (18) is an energy-sensitive measuring superconductor sensor that has a superconductor layer/separating layer/superconductor layer structure
Implementation Method 3
an electrode pair (12) that comprises a first trap electrode (14.1) and a second trap electrode (14.2) and that is configured to form a trap volume for at least one ion (22) when an electrical AC voltage is applied
Implementation Method 4
at least two DC voltage electrodes (16.1, 16.2) that are arranged to close the trap volume and/or to generate an electrical field, by means of which an ion position of an ion trapped in the ion surface trap can be modified
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an ion surface trap (10) with (a) an electrode pair (12) that comprises a first trap electrode (14.1) and a second trap electrode (14.2) and is configured to form a trap volume for at least one ion (22) when an electrical AC voltage is applied, (b) at least two AC voltage electrodes (16) arranged to close the trap volume and/or generate an electrical field, by means of which an ion position of an ion (22) trapped in the ion surface trap can be modified relative to the ion surface trap (10), and (c) a sensor for detecting photons (20) emitted by at least one ion (22), wherein (d) the sensor is an energy-sensitive measuring superconductor sensor (18) that has a superconductor layer/separating layer/superconductor layer structure and (e) at least the first superconductor layer (24, 28) forms the first trap electrode (14).