Integrated Zeeman Coil Heating for Compact Atom Beam Slowing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing atomic beam generation apparatuses for optical lattice clocks are inefficient in terms of electric power consumption and space usage due to separate structures for heating the atomic source and decelerating the atomic beam, leading to increased size and power requirements.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a Zeeman coil that generates both the magnetic field for decelerating the atomic beam and heats the atomic source, eliminating the need for separate heating structures and reducing power consumption and size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate structures are used for heating the atomic source and decelerating the atomic beam, then the atomic beam generation apparatus can perform its functions, but the apparatus size and electric power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveatomic beam generation functionVSAvoidapparatus size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the heater and Zeeman slower into a single integrated structure where the heater serves dual purposes: heating the atomic source and acting as the Zeeman slower for decelerating the atomic beam. This merging eliminates the need for separate heating structures and reduces the overall apparatus volume while maintaining both heating and deceleration functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The heater is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it heats the atomic source to generate the atomic beam and also functions as the Zeeman slower to decelerate the beam. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require separate dedicated structures, thereby reducing apparatus size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate structures are used for heating the atomic source and decelerating the atomic beam, then the atomic beam generation apparatus can perform its functions, but the electric power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveatomic beam generation functionVSAvoidelectric power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the heating function and Zeeman slower function into a single heater structure, allowing the system to use one power supply instead of two separate power sources. This consolidation reduces total electric power consumption while maintaining both heating and deceleration capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The heater is designed as a universal component that simultaneously performs heating and Zeeman slower functions. By using a single component for multiple purposes, the system eliminates redundant power consumption associated with operating separate heating and deceleration devices independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If separate structures are used for heating the atomic source and decelerating the atomic beam, then the atomic beam generation apparatus can perform its functions, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveatomic beam generation functionVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate functional structures (heater and Zeeman slower) into one integrated heater assembly. This merging reduces the number of components, simplifies the structural configuration, and decreases device complexity while preserving both heating and beam deceleration functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 integrated approach achieves electric power saving and space saving by utilizing the Zeeman coil to both heat the atomic source and decelerate the atomic beam, resulting in a more compact and energy-efficient atomic beam generation apparatus.

Implementation Method 1

a coil portion that supplies Joule heat to the atomic oven and that generates a magnetic field in the deceleration portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a coil portion that supplies Joule heat to the atomic oven and that generates a magnetic field in the deceleration portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 3

a deceleration portion having a bore through which an atomic beam and a laser beam pass, and that decelerates, with a laser beam and a magnetic field, an atomic beam emitted from the atomic oven

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectZeeman deceleration:

Data Source

PatentUS20250106977A1Atom Beam Generation Device, Physics Package, Physics Package for Optical Lattice Clock, Physics Package for Atomic Clock, Physics Package for Atomic Interferometer, Physics Package for Quantum Information Processing Device, and Physics Package System

Publication Date: 2025.03.27 RIKEN CO LTD

AI summary

An atom beam generation device includes an atomic oven including a reservoir in which a sample is contained, a deceleration unit, and coil units. The deceleration unit includes a bore through which an atomic beam and a slowing laser beam pass, and decelerates an atomic beam emitted from the atomic oven by means of slowing laser beam and a magnetic field. The coil units supply Joule heat to the atomic oven, and generate a magnetic field in the deceleration unit.