Optical Table with Integrated Cryocooling and Vibration Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-precision optical experiments are limited by environmental vibrations, thermal effects, and electromagnetic noise, which are not adequately addressed by current optical tables, especially in ultra-high resolution microscopy and quantum optics.
Innovation Solution
An optical table with a rigid table top, height-adjustable legs equipped with a damping device, and integrated cooling using a cryocooler underneath the table top, where the cryogenic plate is thermally connected to the cryocooler and decoupled from vibrations, allowing for flexible and high-resolution experiments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If cryocoolers are arranged above or on the optical table, then cooling function is provided, but vibrations from the cryocooler affect the optical experiments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by placing the cryocooler underneath the optical table instead of above or on it. This spatial inversion separates the vibration source from the optical components while maintaining thermal contact through the table structure, thereby providing cooling without transmitting vibrations to the experiments.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical table structure itself acts as an intermediary between the cryocooler and the optical components. The table conducts heat from the cryocooler to cool the optical components while its rigid structure and mounting arrangement filter out vibrations, mediating between the cooling function and vibration isolation requirements.
2Measurement precision
If the optical table is designed for high rigidity and stability, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability for different experimental configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical table into modular components including adjustable legs with individual damping, a standardized table top with mounting provisions, and separate cryocooler assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the table top maintains rigidity for precision while legs and mounting options provide adaptability for different configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates height-adjustable legs that allow dynamic reconfiguration of the table structure. The legs can be adjusted to different heights and positions to accommodate various experimental setups, while the damping devices provide dynamic vibration control. This dynamic adjustability maintains measurement precision while enhancing adaptability.
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 solution provides a stable and low-vibration environment for sensitive optical experiments, decoupling the measurement area from vibrations and thermal noise, enabling flexible and high-resolution optical experiments by effectively managing environmental influences.
Implementation Method 1
The table legs are equipped with a damping device for damping vibrations. A damping device is a system for damping mechanical oscillations such as vibrations, shaking and bumping, which can usually convert kinetic energy into heat energy.
Implementation Method 2
a cryocooler is provided underneath the table top for cooling a cryogenic plate, wherein the cryogenic plate is in thermal contact with the cryocooler and can be cooled by the latter
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a coolable optical table with a table top and at least three table legs. Securing means for securing objects such as optical elements are provided in a table surface of the table top. The table legs are equipped with a damping device for damping vibrations.