Piezoelectric Beam Stabilization for Cryogenic Optical Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cryogenic environments in quantum information processing systems face challenges in maintaining precise alignment and stability of optical components due to thermal contraction and vibrations, which affect interferometric stability and alignment between the cryogenic lens and target.

Innovation Solution

Implementing piezoelectric actuators and non-contact sensors for feedback to dynamically reposition optical elements, such as a dove prism, to maintain alignment with the target, compensating for relative motion and vibrations within the cryogenic environment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If optical components are fixed rigidly in cryogenic environment, then structural stability is maintained, but thermal contraction and vibrations cause misalignment between lens and target

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment stabilityVSAvoidinterferometric alignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by replacing rigid fixed mounting with active dynamic positioning using piezoelectric transducers. These transducers continuously adjust the position of optical elements (mirrors, prisms) to compensate for thermal contraction and vibrations, transforming a static rigid structure into a dynamically adaptable optical path that maintains nanometer-scale alignment precision throughout the cryogenic cycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback through non-contact sensors that continuously monitor the relative positions of optical components and targets. This position information is fed to a control system that calculates correction signals, which are then applied to piezoelectric transducers to adjust optical element positions, creating a closed-loop feedback system that actively maintains interferometric alignment despite thermal and vibrational disturbances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If piezoelectric transducers are used to dynamically reposition optical elements, then alignment precision is maintained, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with piezoelectric transducers, which provide precise positioning through electrochemical actuation rather than mechanical linkages. This substitution eliminates the need for manual adjustment mechanisms, gear systems, or motorized stages, reducing mechanical complexity while achieving nanometer-scale positioning control through electrical signals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by exploiting the piezoelectric effect, where electrical voltage parameters are converted into precise mechanical displacement parameters. By controlling the voltage applied to piezoelectric transducers, the system achieves fine-grained control over optical element positions, transforming electrical control parameters into nanometer-scale mechanical adjustments without complex mechanical transmission systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If non-contact sensors are implemented for feedback control, then alignment monitoring precision is improved, but measurement and control difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition measurement precisionVSAvoidcontrol complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces non-contact sensors as intermediaries between the optical components and the control system. These sensors (such as capacitive or optical sensors) measure positions without physical contact, eliminating the need for direct mechanical coupling between measurement devices and optical elements. This intermediary approach enables precise position detection while isolating the measurement system from the cryogenic environment and vibration sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Achieves precise interferometric alignment and stability between the cryogenic lens and target, ensuring optical components remain aligned within nanometer-scale accuracy even under thermal and vibrational disturbances.

Implementation Method 1

The one or more piezoelectric transducers are coupled to at least one optical element and configured to dynamically reposition the at least one optical element in response to relative motion between the target and the lens assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a laser beam source configured to produce a laser beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Data Source

PatentUS12405483B2Piezo-based beam stabilization for cryogenic environments

Publication Date: 2025.09.02 IONQ INC

AI summary

Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to systems and methods for use in the implementation and/or operation of quantum information processing (QIP) systems, and more particularly, to various aspects of methods and systems for piezoelectric-based (or piezo-based) beam stabilization for cryogenic environments used in QIP systems.