Quantum Sample Holder Assembly for Cryogenic Mounting and Cooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sample holders for quantum devices are complex and do not adequately protect and cool the devices, particularly under cryogenic conditions, complicating the mounting process.

Innovation Solution

A sample holder assembly comprising a first and second portion with cavities, a printed circuit board for biasing the quantum device, and electrical conducting elements and waveguides for connection and shielding, allowing for easy mounting and efficient cooling and protection of the quantum device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If existing sample holder designs are used for quantum devices, then the devices can be held, but the mounting process becomes complex and the devices are not adequately protected and cooled under cryogenic conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting process simplicityVSAvoidsample holder structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sample holder is divided into a first portion with a first cavity and a second portion with a second cavity, allowing modular assembly and simplified mounting of the quantum device. Each portion can be independently manufactured and then assembled together with the quantum device positioned between them.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The quantum device is positioned to cover portions of both cavities, with the device effectively nested between the two portions. The electrically conducting elements and wave guides are integrated within the holder structure, with conductors extending from the interior cavities to the exterior for connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If existing sample holder designs are used, then basic holding is achieved, but adequate protection and cooling under cryogenic conditions is not provided

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice protection and coolingVSAvoidholder structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sample holder structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: the first and second portions provide mechanical support and protection, the cavities provide thermal management pathways for cryogenic cooling, the electrically conducting elements provide electrical connections, and the wave guides provide electromagnetic signal transmission. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The printed circuit board with electrically conducting elements and wave guides acts as an intermediary between the quantum device and the external environment, providing both electrical and thermal pathways while maintaining the cryogenic environment isolation. The conducting elements extend from the interior cavities to the exterior, mediating connections without compromising the sealed cryogenic environment.

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

Facilitates simple and secure mounting of quantum devices while providing effective protection and cooling, ensuring optimal performance under cryogenic conditions.

Implementation Method 1

first fixing elements comprising a printed circuit board configured to bias the quantum device toward the first portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

the printed circuit board comprising electrically conducting elements and/or wave guides, and one or more electrical conductor(s) and/or wave guide(s)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave propagation: Waveguide

Implementation Method 3

providing the protection and cooling required by the quantum device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP4364195B1Holder and mounting method for quantum device
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 QM TECHNOLOGIES APS
  • EP4364195B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4364195B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

A sample holder (10) for a quantum device (16) comprises a first portion (12b) comprising a first cavity (14b), a second portion (12a) comprising a second cavity (14a), first fixing elements comprising a printed circuit board (18) including electrical conductors and/or wave guides, and second fixing elements (24) configured to fix the first and second portions to each other. The quantum device, particularly comprising one or more qubits based on superconducting junction devices or single electron devices, is provided over and covering at least part of the cavities, is fixed to the first portion by the first fixing elements, and the electrical conductors and/or wave guides are connected to the quantum device and extend to the outside.