Modular Optomechanical Assembly for Stable Cryogenic Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical systems face challenges with stability due to temperature drift and require frequent adjustments, and monolithic constructions are costly and inflexible for prototyping or experimentation.
Innovation Solution
A modular optomechanical system using cast aluminum plates with precise dowel pin and tapped hole arrangements for optical elements, allowing flexible assembly and alignment, and a cryo-package assembly with a copper lid and getter cavity for cryogenic stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If optical systems are constructed from custom-machined monolithic optomechanical construction with optical elements permanently affixed, then stability is improved, but cost is greatly increased and flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the optomechanical construction into separate modular components (optical blocks, mounting plates, optical elements) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each component is made from standard materials using conventional machining, avoiding the need for expensive custom monolithic construction while maintaining alignment stability through precision-machined mating surfaces and repeated positioning features.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting plates and optical blocks incorporate universal features such as grids of holes and standardized mounting interfaces that can accommodate different optical elements and configurations. This allows the same base structure to serve multiple experimental setups, reducing overall system cost while maintaining stability across different applications.
2Stability of the object's composition
If optical systems are constructed from custom-machined monolithic optomechanical construction, then stability is improved, but flexibility for prototyping or experimentation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The modular architecture allows individual optical elements and blocks to be independently selected, added, removed, or reconfigured without affecting the entire system. This segmentation enables flexible prototyping and experimentation while the precision-machined interfaces between modules maintain alignment stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable features such as movable optical elements, adjustable mounting positions, and interchangeable components. These dynamic capabilities allow the system to adapt to different experimental requirements while maintaining stable optical alignment through the precision mechanical interfaces.
3Adaptability or versatility
If optical systems are assembled by hand from off-the-shelf components, then flexibility is improved, but stability is reduced due to drift with temperature changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the assembly into standardized modules with precision-machined interfaces that incorporate thermal expansion compensation features. This allows hand assembly flexibility while the engineered interfaces maintain stable relative positioning across temperature changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structures and optical blocks are designed with controlled thermal expansion parameters, using materials and geometries that minimize differential expansion between components. This allows the system to maintain alignment stability across temperature variations while retaining the flexibility of modular assembly.
4Ease of manufacture
If modular construction is used with cast aluminum plates, then cost is reduced and flexibility is improved, but manufacturing precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plates and optical blocks are pre-machined with precision hole patterns and positioning features during the casting and initial machining processes. This preliminary precision work, performed on standard cast aluminum plates using conventional machining, ensures accurate hole positions while keeping the overall manufacturing process cost-effective and modular.
Data Source
AI summary
Technologies for an optomechanical system include an intermediate plate having a top surface with multiple tapped holes arranged in a grid. A pair of dowel pin holes surround each tapped hole in a linear pattern. Multiple optical blocks are coupled to the intermediate plate using dowel pins positioned in the dowel pin holes and corresponding dowel pin holes defined in the bottom surface of the optical block. Each optical block includes multiple optical elements coupled to the top surface of the optical block with dowel pins. A cryostat may be coupled to the intermediate plate. A cryo-package assembly is mounted inside a cryo chamber of the cryostat. The cryo-package assembly includes a cryo device such as an ion trap covered by a machined copper lid. The lid includes a meandering passageway to allow for differential pumping in order to achieve ultra-high vacuum within the cryo-package assembly.