Optical viewport technology enhanced for fusion and quantum applications
The UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) claims to have reduced optical distortion by up to 75%, for fusion energy and quantum physics research.
The UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) claims to have reduced optical distortion by up to 75%, for fusion energy and quantum physics research.
As part of its research into fusion energy, UKAEA’s Special Techniques Group has built expertise in producing high-performance optical viewports used on fusion machines.
The Group recently completed Project Solace, to further enhance viewport performance for other sectors such as quantum physics.
The feedback from quantum physics customers was that the optical flatness of viewports is important to reduce distortion of measurements coming from trapped atoms.
Following the development of the new modelling tools, the Group engaged Frazer Nash Consultancy to evaluate multiple viewport design options and identified opportunities to reduce optical distortion by up to 75% compared to baseline design.
Tim Bestwick, Deputy CEO for the UKAEA, says, 'The team now plans to design and produce ultra-low distortion optical viewport designs for the next generation of quantum computers and sensors.'
These designs will be available for different sectors and global markets, including aerospace, beam-line science and high-power laser applications, to provide solutions to manufacturing challenges.
