Flexible Touch Sensor Layout for UHV Ion Trap Optics Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

In quantum information processing systems using surface ion traps, high-numerical aperture optics require precise alignment and short working distances, leading to tight constraints that increase the risk of collisions and damage to fragile components when moved outside the vacuum environment.

Innovation Solution

A touch sensor system with an outer and inner structure separated by a UHV window, where the inner structure with control elements is moved within the outer structure, and a proximity detection mechanism stops movement upon contact or proximity to prevent collisions, using flexible circuit boards with resistive or capacitive rings and light emitting elements for wide-field illumination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If high-NA optics are placed close to the ion trap for improved imaging, then imaging quality is improved, but the risk of collision and damage to fragile components increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging qualityVSAvoidcollision risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into an inner structure (holding optics and movable components) and an outer structure (stationary housing), allowing the imaging components to be separated from the vacuum environment while maintaining precise alignment capabilities through the segmented architectural design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A UHV window acts as an intermediary barrier between the inner structure (containing optics) and the ion trap in vacuum, enabling optical access while preventing physical contact and collision between the optics and the vacuum environment components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If optics are moved outside vacuum environment for easier access, then ease of operation is improved, but alignment precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptics accessibilityVSAvoidalignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The inner structure containing the optics is nested within the outer structure, allowing the optics to be positioned close to the UHV window for precise alignment while remaining accessible from outside the vacuum environment for operation and maintenance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

Mechanical alignment adjustments are replaced with precise positioning through the nested structure design, where the inner structure can be accurately positioned relative to the UHV window without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms that would compromise precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If tight tolerances are applied to optics positioning for improved imaging, then imaging quality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging qualityVSAvoidpositioning system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optics and imaging components are pre-positioned on the inner structure during assembly, establishing precise relative positions before the system is sealed and placed in operation, thereby eliminating the need for complex real-time adjustment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Prevents collisions and ensures accurate alignment of optics with the regions of interest, maintaining the integrity of sensitive components and enabling precise imaging and illumination within the ultra-high vacuum environment.

Implementation Method 1

The flexible circuit board may include one or more resistive or capacitive rings that change value in response to the inner structure being in physical contact with or within a set proximity of the outer structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResistive ring detection: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitive ring detection: Capacitance

Implementation Method 3

light emitting elements for wide-field illumination

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS11146271B2Flexible touch sensors and methods for wide-field imaging of atom or ion trap

Publication Date: 2021.10.12 IONQ INC

AI summary

The disclosure describes various aspects of different techniques for flexible touch sensors and method for wide-field imaging of an atom or ion trap. A touch sensor is described for controlling movement of a control element for use with the trap that includes an outer structure and an inner structure that holds the control element and moves within the outer structure. The trap is inside an ultra-high vacuum (UHV) environment and the outer and inner structures are outside the UHV environment and separated by a UHV window. The control element or elements are brought into proximity of the UHV window in connection with controlling targets at the trap. The inner structure can stop moving within the outer structure to avoid damaging of the UHV window with the control element(s) in response to the inner structure being in physical contact with or within a set proximity of the outer structure.