Vacuum-Integrated Objective Lens Assembly for Ion Trap Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical systems for ion trap quantum computing face challenges in achieving precise alignment and space efficiency due to the need for tightly controlled beam alignment and limited physical space for adjustment mechanisms, particularly with overhanging loads and restricted access.
Innovation Solution
An optical system with a mounting flange and objective lens assembly featuring a ball joint for angle adjustment, a translation stage with ramps for x and y-axis adjustments, and a focus stage with a rotatable focus ring, allowing for five axes of kinematically independent adjustments to achieve precise alignment and support large overhanging moments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a Gough-Stewart Platform (Hexapod) is mounted outside the vacuum chamber with vertical beam orientation, then the system can achieve beam alignment, but overhanging loads (moments) on the manipulator are not desirable and physical space is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by mounting the objective lens inside the vacuum chamber adjacent to the ion trap, rather than mounting the manipulator outside the chamber. This reversal eliminates overhanging loads on the manipulator while maintaining beam alignment precision through direct coupling of the lens to the vacuum chamber wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex Gough-Stewart Platform mechanical manipulator with a simpler mounting flange and objective lens assembly that is directly mounted inside the vacuum chamber. This substitution eliminates the need for complex manipulator mechanisms while achieving the required alignment precision through the optical bench and adjustment stages.
2Measurement precision
If a relatively small spot size (4.5 um) is achieved using a relatively high numerical aperture (NA) objective, then imaging precision is improved, but physical space for adjustment mechanisms is significantly restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests multiple adjustment stages (x-y translation stage, z-focus stage, and tilt adjustment stage) within a compact mounting flange assembly that is mounted inside the vacuum chamber. This nested arrangement provides five degrees of freedom for alignment while minimizing the physical space required, accommodating the high NA objective's need for precise positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes multiple dimensional adjustments (x-y translation, z-focus, and tilt angles) to achieve precise alignment in a compact configuration. By distributing adjustment functions across different spatial dimensions and stages, the system achieves high precision spot size control without requiring excessive linear space for each adjustment mechanism.
3Measurement precision
If thirty-two telecentric beams are targeted at an array of thirty-two individual atoms, then quantum computing precision is improved, but the complexity of alignment and adjustment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single objective lens with five degrees of freedom (x-y translation, z-focus, and tilt adjustments) that serves multiple functions: aligning telecentric beams, focusing on individual atoms, and maintaining precision across the array. This multi-functional approach simplifies the overall system compared to having separate alignment mechanisms for each beam-atom pair.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the alignment function into distinct adjustment stages (coarse x-y translation, fine z-focus, and tilt adjustment) that can be independently optimized. This segmentation allows each stage to address specific alignment requirements, making the complex task of aligning 32 beams to 32 atoms more manageable through hierarchical adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical system may include a target, a laser source, and an optical lens assembly. The optical lens assembly may include a mounting flange mounted adjacent the laser source, an objective lens aligned between the laser source and the target, and at least one adjustment stage coupled between the mounting flange and the objective lens. The adjustment stage may include a ball joint having a ball joint body, a ball receiver tube, and adjustable fasteners coupling the ball joint body to the ball receiver tube. The adjustment stage may include a translation tube having ramps thereon, and adjustable fasteners coupled between the mounting flange and the translation tube. In addition, the adjustment stage may include the mounting flange having a threaded surface thereon, and a focus ring rotatably coupled to the threaded surface of the mounting flange.