Vacuum-Sealed Sample Cell for Cryogenic Quantum Circuit Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Samples, such as quantum circuit elements, deteriorate when exposed to environmental conditions like air and moisture, especially when transported or stored before cryogenic measurements, due to heat transfer and contamination risks, and existing handling methods do not adequately protect these samples or allow for repeated access without compromising their integrity.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum-tight, openable sample cell with integrated vacuum-tight signal connections and robust thermal connections, featuring a conduit for evacuation and a closing valve for sealing, allows for isolation from atmospheric conditions and enables repeated use and recycling, while maintaining low-temperature protection and electromagnetic shielding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If samples are manufactured close to the cryostat and inserted quickly, then sample protection from environmental deterioration is improved, but logistics flexibility and transportation capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent parts: a sample preparation chamber that can operate at room temperature and a cryogenic measurement chamber. The sample cell acts as a transfer interface between these two environments, allowing samples to be prepared separately and then transferred without direct contact between the preparation and measurement environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The sample cell serves as an intermediary component that bridges the room-temperature preparation environment and the cryogenic measurement environment. It provides a sealed transition path that protects samples during transfer, enabling flexible logistics while maintaining sample integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If samples are transported or stored for long periods before measurement, then logistics flexibility is improved, but sample integrity deteriorates due to environmental exposure
Solution Approach 1:
Samples are prepared and sealed in the sample cell under controlled conditions before being transported or stored. The preliminary sealing action protects samples from environmental deterioration during subsequent storage or transport periods, enabling long-term preservation without compromising integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sample cell creates a sealed, controlled environment that isolates samples from harmful atmospheric conditions during storage and transport. This inert barrier prevents environmental deterioration while maintaining logistics flexibility.
3Reliability
If vacuum conditions are applied to protect samples, then sample protection from contamination is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional evacuation systems
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum system is segmented and localized to only the sample cell rather than requiring vacuum conditions throughout the entire preparation and measurement system. This localized approach provides necessary protection while minimizing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum/evacuation requirement is extracted from the main measurement system and confined to only the sample cell during the critical transfer and storage phase. This separates the vacuum function from the broader system, reducing overall complexity while maintaining protection where needed.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple signal connections are made to the sample, then measurement capability is improved, but heat load on the cryogenic environment increases
Solution Approach 1:
Signal connections are segmented into two categories: those made in the room-temperature preparation chamber and those made in the cryogenic environment. The sample cell with its airtight connectors handles the interface, allowing most connections to be established without compromising the cryogenic environment, thereby reducing heat load while maintaining measurement 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
The solution effectively protects samples from environmental deterioration, allows for repeated access and re-use, and supports high-frequency signal connections without compromising the low-temperature environment, ensuring the sample's integrity and operational readiness.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal connection between the sample base and the refrigerator attachment
Implementation Method 2
an evacuation channel between inside and outside of the enclosure for evacuating the enclosure after closing
Implementation Method 3
a closing valve for selectively allowing and preventing flow of gaseous media through the conduit
Data Source
AI summary
A sample cell is provided for holding a sample to be placed in a cryogenically cooled environment. The sample cell comprises an airtight, openable and closable enclosure. Within said enclosure is a sample base for receiving the sample. A refrigerator attachment is provided for attaching the sample cell to a refrigerated body of a cryogenically cooled environment. The sample cell comprises a thermal connection between the sample base and the refrigerator attachment. One or more airtight connectors are provided for establishing electric connections between inside and outside of said enclosure.