Viewports developed by UKAEA have played a crucial role in advancing quantum computing research at the Technical University of Vienna. By providing high optical clarity, robust vacuum compatibility, and seamless integration, these viewports enabled the team to manipulate single atoms with precision. This case study explores how UKAEA’s viewport technology aided quantum experiments and highlights its impact on scientific advancements.
Key Highlights:
The Fusion Technology (FT) division at UKAEA develops high-performance optical viewports designed for extreme environments. These viewports facilitate precise optical access to vacuum chambers, making them essential in fusion energy research, quantum computing, and other high-tech applications. Viewports allow external optical instruments, such as microscopes and lasers, to monitor experiments inside vacuum systems without compromising the integrity of the sealed environment.
UKAEA’s viewport technology is built using a proprietary diffusion bonding technique, which joins optical materials like fused silica, quartz, sapphire, and diamond to metals such as stainless steel and titanium. The process ensures that the optical component remains free from manufacturing and operational stresses, preserving high optical clarity and durability.
Beyond quantum computing, UKAEA viewports are widely used in:
- Fusion energy research: Proven in long-term use within extreme environments like the Joint European Torus (JET).
- Beamline science and spectroscopy: Providing reliable optical access for high-energy experiments.
- Aerospace and high-power laser applications: Supporting advanced research and engineering applications.
Background on the Project
The Technical University of Vienna is at the forefront of quantum research, working on an experimental setup that involves manipulating individual atoms for quantum computing applications. Their project focuses on creating and studying entangled quantum states to advance knowledge in quantum information processing.
Challenge
The research team needed a specialised scientific vacuum chamber to conduct precise quantum experiments. Key challenges included:
- Achieving and maintaining an ultra-high vacuum environment.
- Integrating optical microscopes outside the vacuum chamber while maintaining a short working distance.
- Ensuring minimal optical distortion for accurate laser manipulation of atoms.
Solution: UKAEA Viewports
To address these challenges, the team selected UKAEA’s viewports, which are widely recognised in the scientific community for their precision and reliability. The UKAEA viewports provided:
- High optical clarity: Essential for observing and manipulating individual atoms.
- Compact and robust design: Allowed for seamless integration with the research team’s custom-built scientific chamber.
- Optimised vacuum compatibility: Ensured minimal interference, allowing for accurate quantum experiments.
These features stem from rigorous development and testing processes, including UKAEA’s Optical Viewport Process Inspection, which guarantees that each viewport meets stringent scientific and industrial standards.
Results
The UKAEA viewports enabled the research team to:
- Successfully trap and manipulate single atoms using laser-based optical techniques.
- Maintain a high-precision experimental environment with minimal interference.
- Progress towards the creation of stable entangled quantum states, a crucial step in quantum computing.
“UKAEA’s viewports played a crucial role in our experimental setup, allowing us to integrate high-resolution microscope objectives. This is crucial in order to trap and manipulate individual atoms.”
— Stephan Roschinski, Technical University of Vienna
Conclusion
UKAEA’s commitment to providing high-quality, research-grade optical viewports has been instrumental in supporting advanced quantum research. By enabling precise optical manipulation in ultra-high vacuum environments, UKAEA continues to contribute to scientific breakthroughs in quantum technology.