SWG Vapor Cell Waveguides for Compact Atomic Package Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Atomic vapor cells are difficult to produce at commercial scale, occupy a large footprint, and are challenging to integrate with other electrical or optical systems due to the use of free space optics.
Innovation Solution
Physics packages incorporating sub-wavelength grating (SWG) waveguides and/or radio frequency (RF) waveguides that include a substrate, a sealed cell for vapor storage, and optical/RF couplers, allowing for consistent manufacturing and integration with various systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If atomic vapor cells are produced using conventional free space optics, then the interaction between light and atoms can be achieved, but the footprint is large and integration with other systems is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces free space optical paths with integrated waveguide structures. Light is guided through planar waveguides fabricated on a substrate, eliminating the need for bulk optical components and free space propagation. This substitution of mechanical/optical system with an integrated photonic circuit reduces footprint and simplifies integration with electrical and other optical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated platform: the waveguide structure serves both as the optical path and as the containment structure for the atomic vapor. The vapor cell is formed directly on the waveguide substrate, merging the optical guiding function with the vapor containment function, thereby reducing the overall footprint and improving integration.
2Productivity
If atomic vapor cells are produced using conventional methods, then the vapor can be contained, but consistent production at commercial scale is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional glass-blown or sealed-cell manufacturing methods with semiconductor fabrication processes. Planar waveguides are fabricated using standard photolithography, deposition, and etching techniques on silicon or other substrate materials. These processes are well-established in commercial semiconductor manufacturing, enabling consistent, high-volume production with tight tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the manufacturing parameters from traditional glassworking temperatures and techniques to semiconductor fabrication parameters (photolithography wavelengths, deposition temperatures, etch chemistries). These parameter changes align the production process with existing commercial manufacturing infrastructure, improving both productivity and consistency.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional atomic vapor cells are used, then the vapor can be stored, but the interaction cross-section with light is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent concentrates the atomic vapor in a localized region directly above the waveguide where the evanescent field is strongest. By confining the vapor to a small volume above the waveguide surface rather than using a large bulk cell, the interaction density is increased. The local vapor density and interaction cross-section are enhanced in the region of strongest optical field while maintaining a compact overall footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from three-dimensional bulk vapor interaction to a two-dimensional planar interaction geometry. The waveguide confines light in the vertical dimension, creating a planar evanescent field that interacts with vapor atoms in a thin layer above the surface. This dimensional change increases the interaction cross-section per unit footprint by concentrating the interaction in the vertical dimension while extending along the waveguide length.
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
Enhances the interaction between light and atoms/molecules by increasing the cross-section and electromagnetic field amplitude, facilitating scalable and efficient integration into diverse applications.
Implementation Method 1
a sub-wavelength grating (SWG) waveguide having a length and a width and disposed on the substrate. The SWG waveguide may include a plurality of grating segments that are spaced apart from one another and define a gap within the SWG waveguide
Implementation Method 2
a first optical coupler configured to couple light into the SWG waveguide such that the light propagates through the vapor located within the gap
Implementation Method 3
a radio frequency (RF) waveguide. The RF waveguide may include a first RF electrode disposed on the substrate, and a second RF electrode disposed on the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
Physics packages including atomic or molecular vapors and sub-wavelength grating (SWG) waveguides and/or radio frequency (RF) waveguides are provided herein. In some examples, a physics package for interacting with atoms or molecules in a vapor includes a substrate, and a cell sealed to the substrate and storing the vapor. A SWG waveguide may be disposed on the substrate and within the cell. The SWG waveguide may include a plurality of grating segments that are spaced apart from one another and define a gap within the SWG waveguide. The vapor may be located at least within the gap. A first optical coupler couples light into the SWG waveguide such that the light propagates through the vapor located within the gap and interacts with the atoms or molecules in the vapor located within the gap. A second optical coupler receives light from the SWG waveguide.