Vacuum Chamber Optical Assembly With Spiral Flexures for Lens Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical systems for ion trap quantum computing face challenges in achieving precise alignment of the objective lens within a vacuum chamber, particularly due to space restrictions and the need for compact, integrated designs.
Innovation Solution
The optical system incorporates a compact optical assembly with a parallel flexure system and spiral flexures, providing five degrees of freedom for precise adjustment of the objective lens within the vacuum chamber, allowing for tightly controlled telecentricity, distortion, and spot size requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a Gough-Stewart Platform (hexapod) is mounted outside the vacuum chamber with beams entering from below, then the alignment precision can be achieved, but the chamber size increases and physical space for adjustment mechanism is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The optical assembly is nested inside the vacuum chamber, with the objective lens positioned within the chamber volume rather than outside. This eliminates the need for large external adjustment mechanisms and reentrant windows, achieving precise alignment while maintaining a compact chamber design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from horizontal beam travel (skimming the top of the ion trap) to vertical beam orientation (entering from below through a small reentrant window). This dimensional change allows the optical assembly to be positioned inside the chamber with restricted physical space while maintaining alignment precision.
2Device complexity
If horizontal beam travel is used to skim the top of the ion trap, then the system architecture is simplified, but the alignment precision and control in all three axes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic adjustment mechanism with five degrees of freedom (three translational and two rotational) that allows the optical assembly to be precisely positioned and oriented. This dynamic capability enables the system to achieve high alignment precision while maintaining a relatively simple overall architecture through automated adjustment.
3Volume of stationary object
If a small reentrant window is used for vertical beam entry, then the chamber size is minimized, but the adjustment mechanism space is significantly restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical adjustment mechanisms (which would require significant physical space) with a compact piezoelectric actuator system. This substitution allows for precise positioning and orientation of the optical assembly within the limited space available through the small reentrant window, achieving both compact chamber size and operational capability.
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
This solution enables precise alignment and adjustment of the optical system within the vacuum chamber, enhancing the performance of ion trap quantum computing systems by minimizing chamber size and optimizing beam alignment.
Implementation Method 1
a laser source, and an optical assembly to be positioned within the vacuum chamber between the target and the laser source
Implementation Method 2
The optical assembly includes a housing, a frame, a lens carried by the frame, and a plurality of spiral flexures
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
An optical system (102) for use with a vacuum chamber (116) may include a target (108) to be positioned within the vacuum chamber (116), a laser source (106), and an optical assembly (104) to be positioned within the vacuum chamber (116) between the target (108) and the laser source (106). The optical assembly (104) includes a housing (120), a frame (122), a lens (114) carried by the frame (122), and spiral flexures (124a, 124b, 124c, 124d) each having a respective proximal end coupled to the frame (122). In addition, the optical assembly (104) includes a plurality of flexure actuators (126a, 126b, 126c, 126d) where each flexure actuator is coupled between the housing (120) and a distal end of a respective spiral flexure.