Modular Cryogenic Cooling System for Scalable Quantum Computing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryogenic cooling systems, such as dilution refrigerators, are limited by their fixed form factor, which becomes cumbersome and costly as quantum computing scales up, requiring higher cooling power and larger experimental spaces, while traditional designs are inefficient and expensive for industrial applications.
Innovation Solution
A modular cryogenic cooling system comprising interconnected modules with thermally coupled stages and shared cooling power, allowing incremental scaling and flexible configuration for various experimental setups, including quantum computing applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional fixed-form-factor dilution refrigerators are used, then cooling performance is adequate for small-scale systems, but the system becomes cumbersome and expensive when scaling up for large quantum computing systems
Solution Approach 1:
The dilution refrigerator is divided into multiple modular units (first modular unit, second modular unit, etc.), each capable of independent operation. These modules can be connected in series to scale up cooling power for larger quantum computing systems, avoiding the need for a single large complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular units are designed to be connectable in a nested or series configuration where each module contains its own vacuum chamber, radiation shields, and cooling stages. The modules can be stacked or connected to form a larger integrated system, allowing incremental scaling of cooling power.
2Volume of stationary object
If larger vacuum chambers and cryogenic refrigerators are designed to accommodate bigger quantum computers, then more experimental space is available, but the capital cost becomes prohibitively high
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manufacturing one large expensive vacuum chamber, the system uses multiple smaller modular vacuum chambers that can be connected. Each module provides a portion of the total experimental space, and the modular approach reduces manufacturing complexity and capital cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic configuration where modules can be added, removed, or reconfigured based on experimental needs. This flexibility enables the experimental space to scale with the quantum computer size without requiring a complete redesign of a fixed large-scale system.
3Power
If modular units are connected in series, then cooling power and experimental space scale up, but the complexity of thermal coupling and vacuum sealing increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each modular unit employs universal connection interfaces that perform multiple functions: thermal coupling between stages, vacuum sealing, and mechanical alignment. The radiation shields and vacuum chambers are designed with standardized connection points that simplify the coupling process between modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design merges multiple functions into each unit: each module contains its own vacuum chamber, radiation shields, cooling stages, and connection interfaces. This integration reduces the overall complexity of connections compared to distributed separate systems.
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 scalable, cost-effective, and efficient cooling solutions for large quantum computing systems by allowing modular expansion, increased cooling power, and flexible experimental space without the need for large capital investments.
Implementation Method 1
Helium-3 is boiled at the still, which removes energy due to the latent heat of vaporisation
Implementation Method 2
Cooling is obtained at the mixing chamber from the enthalpy of mixing as helium-3 is diluted into helium-4
Implementation Method 3
Concentric, cylindrical radiation shields enclose each stage plate of the dilution refrigerator insert, to reduce the radiated heat load onto the dilution refrigerator stages
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A cryogenic cooling system is provided comprising a cryogenic refrigerator assembly and two or more connected modules. The cryogenic refrigerator assembly comprises one or more cryogenic refrigerators. Each said connected module comprises: a housing defining an internal volume for the module, the housing having a plurality of side faces, and a plurality of stages arranged within the internal volume for the module, wherein one or more of the plurality of stages is thermally coupled to the cryogenic refrigerator assembly. The two or more said modules are mutually connected at respective side faces, and a first said stage of a first said module is thermally coupled to a first said stage of a second said module.