Quantum Device Holder Assembly for Cryogenic Shielding 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 during mounting, which is crucial for their operation, especially under cryogenic conditions.
Innovation Solution
A simple assembly design comprising a first and second portion with cavities and flexible elements for fixing the quantum device, allowing easy mounting and providing thermal and electromagnetic shielding, while maintaining electrical connections and cooling capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing sample holder designs are used, then quantum devices can be mounted, but the mounting process is complex and protection/cooling is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated sample holder structure. The holder integrates mechanical mounting features (first and second portions with cavities), thermal management (cooling channels), and electromagnetic shielding (conductive material) into one unified component, eliminating the need for separate complex assembly steps while providing comprehensive protection and cooling for the quantum device
Solution Approach 2:
The sample holder is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides structural support, precise positioning, thermal cooling, and electromagnetic shielding. The first and second portions with their respective cavities serve multiple purposes: mechanical support, alignment registration, and integrated cooling, thereby simplifying the overall system while enhancing device protection
2Ease of operation
If simple assembly design is used, then mounting is easy, but protection and cooling may be inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The sample holder is divided into distinct functional segments (first portion with first cavity, second portion with second cavity) that can be independently designed and manufactured. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function (mounting, cooling, shielding) while maintaining overall simplicity and ease of assembly through modular construction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where the quantum device is positioned within the first cavity of the first portion, which is then integrated with the second portion containing the second cavity. This nested arrangement provides layered protection and integrated cooling channels that surround the device, ensuring comprehensive protection and thermal management while maintaining a compact, easy-to-assemble design
3Stability of the object's composition
If flexible elements are used for fixing, then device displacement is prevented, but manufacturing precision is required
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible elements are designed with specific local properties optimized for their function: they are positioned at predetermined locations within the cavities and have tailored flexibility characteristics. This localized optimization allows the elements to provide stable device positioning while accommodating manufacturing tolerances, as each element's flexibility is specifically tuned to compensate for potential dimensional variations in the rigid holder portions
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 assembly ensures secure, efficient mounting and operation of quantum devices at cryogenic temperatures by preventing displacement and shielding from electromagnetic interference, while facilitating easy electrical connections and effective cooling.
Implementation Method 1
the first fixing elements comprise a flexible element biasing the quantum device toward the first portion
Implementation Method 2
The second fixing elements may be any type of fixing elements, such as screws, bolts, clamps, glue, adhesive, welds, soldering, springs, resilient elements or the like. It may be desire that the second fixing elements also perform other tasks, such as thermal transport
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A holder for a quantum device comprises first and second portions with respective cavities, first fixing elements, electrical conductors and/or wave guides, and second fixing elements to fix the first and second portions to each other. The quantum device (16), particularly comprising one or more qubits either based on superconducting junction devices or single electron devices, is provided over and covering the cavities (14a, 14b), is fixed to the first portion (12b) by the first fixing elements, particularly a flexible PCB (18), and the electrical conductors and/or wave guides are connected to the quantum device and extend to the outside.