Optical Table with Inverted Cryogenic Cooling for Vibration Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-precision optical experiments are limited by environmental vibrations, thermal effects, and electromagnetic noise, requiring low-vibration and cryogenic conditions, which are challenging to maintain with existing optical tables.
Innovation Solution
An optical table with a rigid table top, adjustable and vibration-damped legs, and an integrated cooling system where a refrigeration machine cools a cryogenic plate beneath the table, decoupling the measurement setup from vibrations and thermal sources, and allowing flexible arrangement of optical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If cooling machines such as cryostats are arranged above or on the optical table, then cryogenic conditions can be achieved, but the measurement precision is limited by vibrations from the cooling machine
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by placing the cooling machine below the optical table instead of above or on it. The cryogenic plate is positioned under the table top, and the refrigeration machine is located in the base structure, thereby separating the vibration source from the measurement area while maintaining thermal coupling through the inverted configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vibration isolation system as an intermediary between the cooling machine and the optical table. This includes vibration-damping elements and isolation mechanisms that decouple the refrigeration machine from the table top, allowing thermal energy to be managed while preventing mechanical vibrations from reaching the measurement area
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the refrigeration machine is placed below the table top, then vibrations are isolated from the measurement area, but the thermal coupling efficiency may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the thermal management system into distinct functional zones: the cryogenic plate directly contacts the table bottom for efficient heat extraction at the measurement interface, while the refrigeration machine operates separately in the base. This segmentation allows optimal thermal coupling at the measurement point while isolating the vibration source
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs thermal management elements as intermediaries to maintain efficient heat transfer from the measurement area to the refrigeration system. These elements ensure that despite the inverted arrangement, the thermal coupling remains effective while the mechanical coupling is minimized through vibration isolation
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 stable, high-resolution optical experiments by effectively isolating the measurement setup from environmental vibrations and thermal noise, allowing for flexible configuration and efficient cooling without mechanical restrictions.
Implementation Method 1
The table legs are equipped with a damping device for damping vibrations
Implementation Method 2
a refrigeration machine for cooling a cryogenic plate is provided under the table top
Implementation Method 3
the cryogenic plate being in thermal contact with the refrigeration machine and being able to be cooled by it
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to coolable optical table (1) comprising a table top (9) and at least one table leg. The surface of the table top is provided with securing means for securing objects such as optical elements. The table legs are provided with a damping device (5) for damping vibrations.