Special Optics, a manufacturer of precision optical systems based in Denville, New Jersey, in the United States, has launched the Q-Series line of off-the-shelf microscope objectives designed for quantum applications. The company says the range offers an alternative to adapted catalog optics and to long custom development.
How the Q-Series is designed#
Special Optics says the Q-Series was built for the precision, stability and flexibility that quantum environments require, rather than repurposed from standard catalog products. The company states that the range covers most real-world quantum use cases, including neutral-atom and cold-atom experiments, without long custom lead times.
The platform supports several atom species, including rubidium, strontium, barium and ytterbium. Its features include:
- Precise color correction across multiple laser wavelengths
- High laser power, which allows users to manipulate more atoms at a time
According to the company, this capability allows research teams to move from concept validation to scaled experimentation.
Development and target users#
The Q-Series is based on more than a decade of collaboration with quantum research institutions. It adapts custom designs developed in that work into an off-the-shelf platform for quantum researchers and system developers.
Craig Fitzgerald, director of business development at Special Optics, said:
“Researchers have traditionally had to choose between repurposed catalog optics and lengthy custom development cycles. The Q-Series changes that by providing the first off-the-shelf objective platform built for quantum applications, enabling academic labs and quantum technology companies to reduce lead times and experimental risk.”
About Special Optics and AMETEK#
Special Optics is a Navitar company and part of the Ultra Precision Technologies Division of AMETEK, Inc. It designs and manufactures custom optical systems and components for life sciences, semiconductor inspection, industrial imaging, aerospace, defense and advanced research.
AMETEK, Inc. is a global provider of industrial technology solutions serving niche markets. The company reported annual sales of approximately $9 billion.
