Quantum Technology Research Solutions

For over 50 years, MKS has provided components and expertise for thousands of systems and optical applications in a variety of markets. We offer a full range of products for quantum technology research, and in particular, the neutral atom, trapped ion and photonic approaches. With a deep understanding of the challenges faced in quantum technology research, MKS is able to partner with customers to develop the best solutions for quantum applications including atom cooling, magneto-optical trapping (MOT), quantum computing, quantum cryptography, atomic clocks, Bose-Einstein condensates and others.

quantum_computing

Quantum Computing

quantum_crypto

Quantum Cryptography

quantum_sensors

Quantum Sensors

Challenges in Quantum Technology Research MKS Solutions
Precise manipulation of atom and tuning of wavelength Tunable CW ring lasers
External cavity diode lasers (ECDLs)
Maintaining long-term stability Vibration control
Robust, stable mounts
Miniaturization of setup and maximum use of space Double density breadboards
Forkless pedestal posts
½-in. optics & mounts
Working with low light signals High-transmission optical coatings
Balanced photodetectors
Interference from magnetized components Non-magnetic tables, isolators and other components

Quantum Technology Research Products

Check out MKS Recommended Quantum Technology Research Products below to build an optical system that best fits your application.

Typical Quantum Computing System Requirements

The table below summarizes typical requirements for quantum technology research, and specifically, for quantum computing. Contact us to discuss specific needs of the system in your application.

Photonic Trapped Ion Cold Atom N-V Centers
Laser Power Milliwatts Watts to Tens of Watts Milliwatts Milliwatts to Watts
Laser Tuning Range ≤100 nm ≤1 nm ≤1 nm ≤1 nm
# of Opto-Mech Components Dozens Few Hundred Several Hundreds Few Hundred
Vibration Isolation Not Required Recommended Recommended Recommended
Free Space or Fiber Optics Fiber Optics Free Space Optics Free Space Optics Free Space Optics
Temperature Range Room Temperature Cryogenic Cryogenic Room Temperature
Sample in Vacuum No Yes Yes No

CW Tunable Lasers

Spectra-Physics and New Focus are leaders in tunable lasers ideal for applications in the Atomic, Molecular, and Optical (AMO) physics field, including precision spectroscopy, atomic cooling, optical clocks, microcavity resonators, and other quantum applications. Two types of continuous wave, tunable lasers are often used in quantum technology research: a ring laser and an external cavity diode laser (ECDL). The main criteria for selecting a laser include wavelength, power, tunable wavelength range, narrow linewidth and long term stability.

Matisse_C
Ring Laser
Vortex
External Cavity Diode Laser
Output Power Watts Milliwatts
Tuning Range – Wide Hundreds of nm with 1 optics set ≤100 nm
Tuning Range – Fine ˜50 kHz ˜50 kHz
Linewidth As low as 30 kHz rms @ >100 msec <2.5 kHz @ 5 µsec
<200 kHz @ 50 msec
Power Stability Flatness to within 5% across 50 GHz <1%
Wavelength Stability Ultra-Stability High Stability
Fiber-Coupled Option No Yes
Matisse C
Matisse C
Velocity
Velocity
Vortex Plus
Vortex Plus
Vortex Plu w/ Vamp
Vortex Plus with VAMP
Max Output Power >7.2 W (pumped with Millennia® eV laser) 60 mW (free space @ 1064 nm) 70 mW (free space @ 780 & 1064 nm) >2 W (free space @ 780 nm)
Tuning Range – Wide

668-1068 nm with 1 optics set

407-412 to 2350-2450 nm 459-461 to 1520-1630 nm 765 to 915 nm
Tuning Range – Fine

>50 GHz + Scan Stitching for wide mode-hop-free tuning over full λ range

>120 GHz to >20 GHz >120 GHz to >25 GHz
Tuning Resolution 50 kHz
Tuning Speed ≤20 nm/sec
Linewidth <20 kHz rms @ > 100 µsec
<30 kHz rms @ > 100 msec
<2.5 kHz @ 5 µsec
<200 kHz @ 50 msec
<2.5 kHz @ 5 µsec
<200 kHz @ 50 msec
Seed laser dependent
Power Stability <1% (over 1 hour ±2°C) <1% (over 1 hour ±2°C) ±1%, typical (seed laser dependent)
Wavelength Stability 2 pm (over 1 hour ±2°C) 2 pm (over 1 hour ±2°C) Seed laser dependent
Other Features Compact, sealed, fully automated design
Intuitive GUI Control
Special optical mounts for stability
Fiber-Coupled Option
Mode-hop-free wide tuning
Shock-proof, thermally insulated
Magnetic damping
Fiber-Coupled Option
Mode-hop-free tuning
Magnetic damping
Safety shutoff feature at low power
Heavy housing and heat sink

CW Wavelength Extension for Matisse

Continuous wave wavelength extenders, WaveTrain® doubler and MixTrain™ frequency mixer, are available to augment the performance of the Matisse. With various configurations of Matisse C, WaveTrain, and MixTrain, MKS offers an all solid state solution for wavelengths ranging from 206 nm to 4.2 µm.

WaveTrain
WaveTrain 2 Frequency Doubler
MixTrain
MixTrain Frequency Mixer
  • Frequency doubling of single-frequency CW lasers
  • Can generate the 2nd harmonic of the output of the Matisse C
  • Input wavelength range: 410 to 1600 nm
  • Doubling efficiencies >35%
  • Sum or difference frequency mixing of single-freq CW lasers
  • Input wavelength range: 690 to 1020 nm
  • Sum output range: 422 to 670 nm
  • Difference output range: 1.1 to 4.2 µm
  • Sum frequency output power > 2W

Recommended Applications for MKS Lasers

Matisse C Velocity Vortex Plus Vortex Plus w/ VAMP
Atomic Clocks
Atom Cooling/Trapping
Bose-Einstein Condensates
Frequency Combs
Microcavity Resonators
Quantum Computing
Quantum Cryptography
Spectroscopy

Optical Tables / Vibration Control

For applications that require holding alignments in place, we offer a comprehensive range of vibration isolation and damping solutions to ensure a stable system.

VC-MSG_MIG-S
Breadboards
VISION-325-S
Workstations
Integrity
Table Systems
VC-rs_series-S
Tables and Legs
Dimension Few feet Few feet Several feet, custom sizes Several feet, custom sizes
Thickness Few inches Few inches Several inches, custom thickness Several inches, custom thickness
Portability Must be carried or placed on "cart" Casters on legs are standard Larger, heavier, optional casters Larger, heavier, optional casters
Isolation None
Damping
Setup Base model comes assembled Base model comes assembled Support frame included but not assembled
May need help from riggers
Tables, legs sold separately
May need help from riggers

Double Density Hole Pattern

The standard hole pattern on table tops and breadboards is a 1-inch grid. MKS offers twice the number of mounting holes with our double density pattern. This is ideal for applications that require dense mounting, such as laser cooling, atomic physics and quantum optics – in other words, quantum technology research. Double Density Hole Pattern is available as standard product on RS2000D series table tops and SGD series breadboards. Contact us for a custom table if the standard products don't meet your requirements.

Double-Density-compare

Non-Magnetic Table Tops

For quantum technology experiments that cannot have any magnetic materials involved, MKS offers a standard non-magnetic table top, the RPR-N series. The top and bottom skins and the trussed honeycomb core of these tables are constructed from 316 stainless steel. 316 is virtually non-magnetic and is much less susceptible to becoming magnetic compared to other materials such as 304 stainless steel. Contact us for a custom table if the standard products don't meet your requirements.

RPR-N

Doubled Tables

In addition to the standard sized, rectangular tables, MKS has the expertise to provide doubled optical tables. We utilize the same internal design as our standard tables for the doubled tables, and through our modular approach, we can provide any size, shape and number of sections you require. The combined table is treated as a single monolithic table, therefore vibration dampening occurs as if it is a single table, which is vastly superior to dampening multiple tables that happen to be joined. Custom shapes such as a "T" allows the use of one laser between multiple setups and maximizes floor space in the lab.

doubled vc

Opto-Mechanics

Optical component mounts are needed to hold and adjust optics. Long term stability and low drift is crucial. Minimizing drift caused by vibrations or thermal drift over time will ensure laser alignment to the desired spot and also reduce any potential downtime due to misalignment and errors. Having a locking mechanism on these mounts can also prevent misalignment of the beam, especially during shipping and also if anything else happens during usage.

HVM industrial mounts are recommended for robust long term usage in compact space. The Suprema® mirror mount is excellent for its stainless steel construction that gives better thermal performance than an aluminum mirror mount. Ultra-fine 254-TPI adjusters provide alignment sensitivity as low as 1.5 arc sec. For applications that are really concerned about the thermal changes that can be potentially caused by prolonged high powered laser usage, the ZeroDrift™ version will compensate for some thermal changes as well. For those mirror mounts that need to be set-and-forget for a long period of time, we recommend the MFM flexure mirror Mount. These are excellent for their small footprint so that machine size can be reduced.

Suprema
Suprema
Ultima
Ultima
Ultima Picomotor
Ultima Picomotor
M-Series
M-Series
Optic Diameters 0.5, 1 and 2 in. 0.5, 1, 2, 3 and 4 in. 1, 2, 3 and 4 in. 0.5, 1 and 2 in.
Resolution 50, 100, 127 and 254 TPI 80, 100, and 170 TPI 0.7 µrad angular 100 TPI
Angular Range ±7° ±7° ±3°, ±3.5° and ±5° ±4°
Material Stainless Steel Anodized Aluminum Anodized Aluminum Aluminum
Drive Types Knob
Hex Key
Exchangeable Actuators
Knob
Hex Key
Exchangeable Actuators
Picomotor Actuator Knob
Hex Key
Lockable Versions? Yes Yes No Yes
Other Versions Clear-Edge
Front- and Rear-Loading
Right- and Left-Handed
Low Wavefront Distortion
ZeroDrift™
Clear-Edge
Right- and Left-Handed
Low Wavefront Distortion
Clear-Edge
Right- and Left-Handed
Clear-Edge
Front- and Rear-Loading
Right- and Left-Handed
HVM-Series
HVM-Series
MFM-Series
MFM-Series
Optic Diameters 0.5, 1 and 2 in. 0.5, 0.75 and 1 in.
Resolution 80 and 100 TPI 80 and 100 TPI
Angular Range ±2.5°, ±3° and ±3.5° ±2.5°
Material Anodized Aluminum, Stainless Steel Stainless Steel
Drive Types Hex Key Hex Key
Lockable Versions? Yes No
Other Features Front- and Rear-Loading Versions Shock Resistant
Front- and Rear-Loading Versions
Adhesive wells for permanent mounting
A-Line
A-Line
Compact
Compact
LP-Series
LP-Series
Optic Diameters 0.5 to 3 in. 0.5, 1 and 2 in. 0.5, 1 and 2 in.
Resolution - 100 TPI 100 TPI
Adjustments Fixed XY, XYZ, XY θz, XYZθxθy, XYZ θxθyθz XY, XYZ, XYZθxθy
Material Aluminum Aluminum Aluminum
Other Features Self-aligning design
Large clear aperture
Compatible with A-Line alignment system
Adapters for other optics

Alignment pin holes

Zero-freeplay XY mechanism
True Gimbal adjustments
Independent non-influencing locks
Adapters for other optics
UGP-1
UGP-1
RSP-Series
RSP-Series
Optic Size 0.5 and 1 in. cube 1 and 2 in.
Resolution 100 TPI 4 arc min
Angular Range ±5° 360°
Material Aluminum Aluminum
Drive Types Knob w/ Hex Hole Coarse: knurled edge
Fine: knob
Lockable Yes Yes
Other Features True gimbal motion
Adapters for other optics
Full ball bearing races
Adapters for other optics
PX Post PX Pedestal
Diameter 1 in. 1 in. with 1.25 in. flange forkless-optical-pedestals
Heights 1, 2, 3 and 4 in.
Material Stainless Steel
Other Features Accessories for varying heights and mounting configurations
AKP Adaptors
Kinematic Bases Flat, Cone, V-Groove kinematic-breadboard-adaptors
Adapter Tops Fixed, Adjustable
Drive Type 100 TPI Hex Key
Lockable? Yes
Material Aluminum

Manual and Piezo Stages

MKS provides standard manual and piezo positioning stages that are individually tested and guaranteed to have small deviation. Crossed-roller and gothic arch bearings provide high rigidity and precision motion while locking mechanism ensures long term stability.

Multi-Axis
Multi-Axis
Gothic Arch
Gothic Arch
ULTRAlign
ULTRAlign
460P
460P Modular
Adjustments XYθxθy, XYZθxθy, XYZθxθyθz X, XY, XYZ X, Z, XY, XZ, XYZ X, XY, XYZ
Travel Range 3 mm and 8° 5, 12.7 and 25.4 mm 13 and 25 mm 13 and 25 mm
Angular Deviation Pitch: <15 arc sec
Roll: <10 arc sec
Yaw: <20 arc sec
<100 µrad <150 µrad
Bearings Ball Crossed-Roller Ball
Material Aluminum Stainless Steel Stainless Steel Aluminum
Drive Types Picomotor Micrometer & Picomotor Adjustment Screw
Micrometer
Motorized Actuator
Adjustment Screw
Micrometer
Motorized Actuator
Resolution/MIM <30 nm Micrometer: 50.8 TPI
Picomotor: <30 nm
Actuator Dependent Actuator Dependent
Lockable? No No Yes No
Other Features Extra thick plates for more stability
Low profile
Right- and left-handed configurations
Patented peg joining system for excellent repeatability

Optics

Different types of optics are needed to route and manipulate the laser beams. They should work with the laser wavelengths which depend on the atomic transitions being excited, withstand the laser power requirements, and have proper shape and size to accommodate the increased component density.

Wavelengths 250-600 nm 450-700 nm 480-20000 nm 650-20000 nm
Coatings UV Aluminum Aluminum Silver Gold mirrors
CW Damage Threshold 100 W/cm2 100 W/cm2 1000 W/cm2 200 W/cm2
Reflectivity >90% >93% >96% >96%
Diameters 0.5 to 8 in.
Other Shapes Square, Elliptical, D-shaped, Concave
Substrate Materials Borofloat 33, Zerodur
Other Features Insensitive to polarization and AOI
Wavelengths 245-440 nm 430-700 nm 650-1000 nm 1000-1550 nm
CW Damage Threshold 500 W/cm2 1000 W/cm2 1000 W/cm2 1000 W/cm2 lenses
Reflectivity per Surface <0.5% coated, <4% uncoated
Diameters 0.25 to 3 in.
Shapes Plano-Convex, Bi-Convex
Plano-Concave, Bi-Concave
Substrate Materials N-BK7, UV Fused Silica
Non-Polarizing BS Polarizing BS
Wavelengths 400-700 nm
700-1100 nm
1100-1600 nm
420-680 nm
620-1000 nm
900-1300 nm
1200-1600 nm
beamsplitters
CW Damage Threshold 100 W/cm2 2000 W/cm2
Reflectivity 45 ±5% Rs > 99.5% average
Transmission 45 ±5% Tp > 90% average
Sizes 0.25 to 2 in. 0.5 and 1 in.
Substrate Materials N-BK7 SF2
Other Features S- and P-polarization components matched to within 10% High Extinction Ratio, Tp/Ts >500:1 (1000:1 average)
Zero-Order Waveplates
Wavelengths 266-1550 nm waveplates
CW Damage Threshold 2 MW/cm2
Reflectivity per Surface <0.25%
Diameters 0.5 and 1 in.
Substrate Material Quartz
Temperature Coefficient 0.0001 λ/°C
Retardation Accuracy ±λ/300
  • Bandpass Filters: high out-of-band blocking and excellent temperature stability.
Bandpass Filters
Center Wavelengths 310-900 nm bandpass-filters
Bandwidth (FWHM) As small as 10 nm
Out-of-Band Blocking <0.01%
Wavelength Shift with Temperature 0.01 to 0.02 nm/°C
Other Features Superior lifetime in harsh environments

Light Analysis

Optical detector and power meter measure the power of the laser and monitor the optical signal. 918D series advanced photodiode sensors are calibrated for use with Newport power meters and offer lowest calibration uncertainty in the industry. Balanced detectors enable accurate measurement of extremely low power light by using two detectors to eliminate background noise. 818-BB detectors feature picosecond scale rise times for very fast signal detection.

Wavelengths 200-1100 nm 400-1100 nm 780-1800 nm 800-1650 nm
Detector Material UV Si Si Ge InGaAs 918D
Sensor Size Ø11.3 mm Ø11.3 mm Ø3 mm Ø3 mm
Min Measurable Power
(w/o attenuator)
20 pW 20 pW 5 nW 20 pW
Max Measurable Power
(w/ OD3 attenuator)
200 mW 2000 mW 2000 mW 2000 mW
Rise Time ≤5.9 µs ≤2 µs ≤2 µs ≤2 µs
Calibration Uncertainty ±1% to ±4% (w/o attenuator)
Other Features Switchable OD1, OD2 or OD3 attenuator
Fiber-optic adapters available
  • Handheld Power Meters: compatible with 918D detector and provide fast link to PC for lot to lot data storage.
1919-R_angle
1919-R High Performance Handheld Power Meter
843-R_front_angle
843-R-USB Economical Handheld Power Meter
  • High performance portable use
  • From pW to thousands of Watts
  • Bar graph, simulate analog needle, line plot, stability, and real time statistical displays
  • Advanced analytical functions
  • Economic portable use
  • From pW to thousands of Watts
  • Bar graph or simulated analog needle display
  • Best for quick, basic measurements
Wavelengths 400-1070 nm 800-1700 nm
3 dB Bandwidth DC to 125 KHz 20x7
Common Mode Rejection 50 dB
Rise Time 3 µsec
Peak Responsivity 0.5 A/W 1.0 A/W
Optical Input Free Space or Fiber-Coupled
Wavelengths 200-1100, 500-890, 800-1800, 830-2150 and 1000-1600 nm
Detector Materials DSilicon, UV Enhanced Silicon, GaAs, InGaAs, Extended InGaAs 818-BB
Detector Diameters From 0.02 to 4.6 mm (most are <1 mm)
Rise Time From 25 psec to 3 nsec (most are 10’s or 100’s of psec)
Optical Input Free Space or Fiber-Coupled
Other Features Available amplified or not amplified
Battery biased

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