Hamamatsu’s new quantum sensor technology

2025/01/17

At Hamamatsu we have a long history of developing glass fabrication, alkali control, and gas charging techniques. While in the past, these have found use primarily in our many photomultiplier and lamp products, we have now extended our capabilities to include alkali vapor cell related technology.​

Producing vapor cells for quantum sensors requires the development of hermetically sealed glass cells filled with alkali vapors and specific gases, tailored to meet stringent application specific requirements. The process demands advanced expertise in controlling alkali metal deposition, precise control of the gas composition, all while maintaining optical clarity in the glass.

Vapor cell wafer

MEMS vapor cell

Small cube cell

Small glass blown vapor cell

We are able to offer unique features for the vapor cells used in our quantum sensors. For example, a proprietary coating technology (US11099245B2) avoids adsorption of alkali gas on the glass cell and prevents helium permeation. This technique minimizes changes to the vapor cell characteristics with time and can therefore prevent the degradation of the quantum sensor performance.

Accelerated lifetime testing for which the cells were stored at 250℃ for up to 14 hours, show the coating’s effectiveness at avoiding the loss in transmission that occurs due to the alakali adsorption in the uncoated cell.

Accelerated lifetime testing

Accelerated lifetime testing

Example 1: Potassium cell testing

K cell without coating

Example 1: Potassium cell testing

K cell with coating

Example 2: Rubidium cell testing

Rb cell

Our expertise combined with our mass production capability and dedication to quality control put us in a unique position to produce the highest quality alkali vapor cells and vertically integrate them with our existing photonic technology to produce complete, customizable module/system level solutions for the quantum sensor market.​

We are dedicated to ensuring the optimal performance, stability, and longevity of our products for cutting-edge applications such as medical imaging, geophysics, and navigation systems.​

Introducing our optically pumped magnetometer

An optically pumped magnetometer (OPM) is a highly sensitive device designed to measure magnetic fields with extraordinary sensitivity (fT levels). It leverages the principles of quantum mechanics and light interaction with atomic vapors, allowing room temperature operation within a compact module. This technology enables breakthroughs across multiple scientific and industrial domains​.

Key features of our OPMs:​

  • Suitable for biomedical applications​
  • Low surface temperature (<40℃) 
  • High sensitivity (20 fT / √Hz)​
  • Multichannel operation​
  • Application specific customizations​, e.g., for high frequency detection​ (up to 2 kHz)

Surface temperature

Surface temperature

Four OPM heads with controller

OPM head and controller

​Please contact us for other customization requests.​ Product launch is expected around mid-2025.

Contact us for more information.

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