Custom Optics for Ion Trap Quantum Computing Experiments - AZoQuantum

Sponsored by Avantier Inc.Reviewed by Andrea SalazarOct 31 2025 The objective lens is designed to deliver high resolution, a broad field of view (2500 μm × 400 μm), and long working distance while minimizing aberrations across both UV and visible wavelengths. A long working distance, large numerical aperture microscope objective mounted on the microscope rack. Image Credit: Avantier Inc. Multi-Wavelength Aberration Correction To decrease chromatic aberration, a cemented triplet configuration utilizing crown and flint glass was adopted. The three lens groups were individually tailored for 397 nm, 400 nm, and 632.8 nm wavelengths, attaining: Chromatic aberration ≤ 0.02λ Correction of spherical aberration, coma, and astigmatism via asymmetric curvatures and lens tilt optimization RMS wavefront aberration ≤ 0.05λ across the spectral range Telecentric Optical System A telecentric imaging path was adopted to guarantee consistent UV illumination, ensuring telecentricity remained within 5 mrad. This approach minimizes intensity fluctuations due to object displacement, which is crucial for ion array excitation.

Extended Working Distance with High NA A three-stage optical setup was necessary for achieving both NA = 0.49 and WD ≥ 52 mm: Front: Biconvex lens for incident pupil expansion Middle: Meniscus lens to compensate for field curvature Rear: Plano-convex lens for optical path shortening This configuration balances performance and integration adaptability within vacuum chambers and optical tables. Optimization of Transmission and Distortion High-transmittance optical glass (≥82% at 397 nm) Multilayer AR coatings (reflectivity ≤ 0.5%), resulting in total transmission ≥85% Optical design of long working distance and large numerical aperture microscope objective. Image Credit: Avantier Inc. Production Process: Achieving Ultra-Precision Tolerances Related StoriesMicroscope Optics and How They Support Cryogenic Quantum ResearchThe objective lens comprises 12 spherical components produced to precise tolerances. Lens Production CNC spherical grinding with instantaneous compensation ensures curvature precision within ±0.001 mm Polishing with nano-alumina abrasives achieves a surface roughness of Ra ≤ 0.01 μm and flatness ≤ λ/10 Bonding with UV-cured adhesive in a Class 100 cleanroom maintains coaxiality ≤ 0.002 mm and bonding parallelism ≤ 5 Thickness and Centering Accuracy Laser interferometry guarantees: Thickness deviation ≤ ±0.002 mm Focal length deviation ≤ 0.1 % Coating and Assembly AR coating using vacuum magnetron sputtering with 11/9/7-layer stack designs for 397/400/632.8 nm Temperature- and humidity-controlled lens assembly: Coaxiality ≤ 0.005 mm Center deviation ≤ 0.01 mm Lens flatness PV=0.041wave(λ=632.8 nm). Image Credit: Avantier Inc. All parts and assembly tools of the lens. Image Credit: Avantier Inc. Application in Ion Trap Systems: Improved Optical Performance Dual Function: Laser Excitation and Fluorescence Imaging Field of view fully encompasses standard ion arrays (2000 μm × 300 μm) Laser intensity uniformity within ±3 % Fluorescence collection efficiency enhanced by 40% over NA=0.3 designs Combined with ≥85 % transmission, the signal-to-noise ratio improved by 60 % High-Fidelity Imaging Imaging distortion ≤ 0.2 % → positional error ≤ 5 μm Spot size ≤ 1.2 μm, allowing resolution of ions ≥2 μm apart Performance assessments resolved 10 Ca+ ions with positional repeatability of ±0.3 μm System Integration and Dependability 52 mm working distance accommodates ample space for trap electrodes and vacuum chamber windows Multi-band correction eliminates frequent recalibration during testing Conclusion This high-NA, long working distance microscope objective is a robust optical instrument for quantum computing, atomic physics, and UV-based fluorescence imaging systems. This system establishes a benchmark for novel microscope objective design in intricate lab applications by integrating cutting-edge optical engineering, ultra-precision manufacturing, and practical experimental performance. This information has been sourced, reviewed, and adapted from materials provided by Avantier Inc. For more information on this source, please visit Avantier Inc.