Three-dimensional Acousto-optic Deflector-lens (3D AODL)

Patent Status

Patent Pending

Brief Description

      Optical tweezers generated with light modulation devices have great importance for highly precise laser imaging and addressing systems e.g. excitation and readout of single atoms, imaging of interactions between molecules, or highly precise spatial trapping and movement of particles. To generate dynamic optical tweezers adjustable at the microsecond scale, acousto-optic deflectors (AOD) are commonly used to modulate the spatial profile of laser light. Dynamic optical tweezers are increasingly relevant for emerging technologies such as neutral atom quantum computers, and tightly focused laser spot arrays may enable advanced imaging and/or semiconductor processing applications. However, dynamic optical tweezer systems capable of rapid, aberration-free movement of one or multiple atoms simulataneously, in arbitrary X, Y, and Z directions, have not been realized.
      UC Berkeley researchers have developed a dynamic optical tweezer system capable of three-dimensional motion of multiple atoms simultaneously that overcomes significant defects in the prior art. Carefully designed waveform modulation of one or more acousto-optic deflector lenses (AODLs) enables atomic addressing and trapping without moving parts. The invention removes limitations on timing and directional capabilities in all three, X, Y, and Z planes. The invention can flexibly address one atom, multiple atoms, or the entire array at the microsecond scale.

Suggested uses

• Neutral atom quantum computing
• Multi-focal-spot laser imaging and/or semiconductor processing

Advantages

• Smooth, rapid/microsecond motion in X, Y, and Z without moving parts
• Tightly focused laser spots remain free from optical aberration
• Addresses one or multiple atoms simultaneously

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