Plastic Waveguide Multi-Signal Link for Cryogenic Qubit Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing waveguide technologies are not suitable for the simultaneous bidirectional transmission of multiple signals in the frequency range between 1 GHz and 10 THz, particularly in environments incompatible with radio transmissions, such as Quantum machines, where they lead to high energy inefficiency and increased costs due to the use of coaxial cables.

Innovation Solution

A plastic waveguide system that enables broadband bidirectional multi-connectivity by transmitting a plurality of signals, including useful information and sinusoidal reference signals, maintaining synchronization and avoiding interference through heterodyne and direct conversions, allowing for efficient communication in cryogenic environments with reduced energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If coaxial cables are used for signal transmission in Quantum machines, then signal transmission is enabled, but the number of cables increases and thermal losses increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal lossesVSAvoidnumber of cables
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple signal transmission functions into a single plastic waveguide structure. Instead of using multiple coaxial cables for different signals (control, readout, reference), the invention integrates all these functions into one waveguide that can simultaneously transmit multiple frequencies and signal types, thereby reducing the number of physical connections and associated thermal losses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The plastic waveguide is designed as a universal transmission medium that can handle multiple signal types and frequency ranges simultaneously. It serves as both a control signal transmission path and a readout signal path, and can also carry reference signals, replacing the need for separate specialized cables for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple coaxial cables are used to address Qubits, then signal transmission to multiple Qubits is enabled, but energy efficiency decreases due to thermal conduction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to address QubitsVSAvoidenergy efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges multiple Qubit addressing functions into a single plastic waveguide that can transmit multiple frequency signals simultaneously. Different frequency ranges within the waveguide can be assigned to different Qubits or Qubit groups, enabling multi-Qubit control without requiring separate physical cables for each Qubit, thus maintaining versatility while improving energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses frequency division multiplexing where different frequency parameters within the plastic waveguide are assigned to different communication channels. This allows multiple Qubits to be addressed through a single physical medium by varying the frequency parameter, eliminating the need for multiple thermal-conductive cables.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of energy

If plastic waveguide is used for signal transmission, then thermal insulation is improved, but simultaneous bidirectional multi-signal transmission was not previously enabled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal insulationVSAvoidsimultaneous bidirectional multi-signal transmission capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention utilizes frequency division multiplexing to enable simultaneous bidirectional multi-signal transmission through the plastic waveguide. By assigning different frequency ranges to different signal types (forward signals, backward signals, reference signals) and using heterodyne conversion techniques, the system achieves full-duplex communication with multiple signals in a single thermally-insulated medium.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces heterodyne conversion as an intermediary mechanism that enables the plastic waveguide to handle multiple signal types. Local oscillators generate reference signals that mix with the transmitted signals through heterodyne conversion, allowing the system to extract multiple independent communication channels from a single physical transmission medium while maintaining thermal insulation.

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

This solution allows for the efficient transmission of multiple signals in Quantum machines and IoT applications, reducing the number of connections and energy consumption, enabling the integration of a large number of Qubits while maintaining low thermal losses and energy efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

Waves with frequencies between 1 GHz and 10 THz are non-ionizing radiation that can penetrate a wide range of non-conductive materials such as wood, plastic, ceramics, and paper. The transmission of such waves enables new applications in various technical fields

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave propagation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

Plastic waveguides form thermally insulating links that enable broadband radio transmissions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 3

a first signal comprising a first carrier frequency modulated by a first signal carrying a first useful information and a first reference signal generated by a first local oscillator of the first transceiver device, said first transceiver device being configured to transmit said first signal and said first reference signal through the plastic waveguide to a second transceiver device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeterodyne conversion: Heterodyne

Data Source

PatentEP3958469B1System for bi-directional transmission of signals in a plastic waveguide
Publication Date: 2024.01.31 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
  • EP3958469B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3958469B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

System for bidirectional transmission in a plastic waveguide of a plurality of signals, between a first transmitter-receiver device and a second transmitter-receiver device, the plurality of signals comprising a useful information carrier signal and one or more reference signals generated by one or more local oscillators on different frequencies, the first transmitter-receiver device being a power radio transmitter-receiver device, the second transmitter-receiver device being a zero-consumption multi-signal transmitter-receiver device which includes a passive transmitter and a passive receiver.