US 8,526,000 B1Granted

Atomic sensor physics package with integrated transmissive and reflective portions along light paths

AssigneeHoneywell International Inc.

InventorsChristina Marie Schober, James A. Vescera, Jennifer S. Strabley

Life of this patent

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Abstract

In one embodiment, a block for a physics package of an atomic sensor is provided. The block comprises one or more sections of optically transparent material defining a vacuum sealed chamber, and including a plurality of transmissive and reflective surfaces to define a plurality of light paths intersecting the vacuum sealed chamber. The one or more sections of optically transparent material include a first monolithic section defining at least a portion of the vacuum sealed chamber. The first monolithic section includes a first portion disposed across a first light path of the plurality of light paths such that light in the first light path is incident on the first portion of the first monolithic section.

Claims6

Dependent claims

A method of forming a block for a physics package, the method comprising:

machining a monolithic mass of optically transparent material to form at least a portion of a vacuum sealed chamber;
machining the monolithic mass of optically transparent material to form at least a portion of a light path intersecting with the vacuum sealed chamber;
polish the monolithic mass of optically transparent material, wherein polishing includes etching a first surface at an end of the at least a portion of the light path such that the first surface is optically transparent;
machining the monolithic mass of optically transparent material to form a second surface reverse of the first surface and aligned with the portion of the light path;
polishing the second surface such that the second surface is optically transparent;
and
attaching a chamber evacuation structure to a first exterior opening of the vacuum sealed chamber.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 13/482,042Filed 29 May 2012
Granted: 3 Sep 2013
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification6 codes

G02B 27/00
Optical systems or apparatus not provided for by any of the groups
G04F 5/14
Apparatus for producing preselected time intervals for use as timing standards: using atomic clocks
G02B 17/023
Catoptric systems, e.g. image erecting and reversing system: for extending or folding an optical path, e.g. delay lines
G02B 17/086
Comprising a refractive element with a reflective surface, the reflection taking place inside the element, e.g. Mangin mirrors: wherein the system…