The core of our quantum innovation
Refined and integrated sensing solutions, compact and driven by a patented approach.
Pioneering 3D Laser-Written Vapor Cells
Our foundational work introduced an out-of-the-box
method for fabricating alkali-metal vapor cells using
femtosecond laser writing, marking the birth of laser-
written vapor cell (LWVC) technology. This approach
enables the creation of fully three-dimensional internal
structures within transparent substrates, offering
unprecedented flexibility in defining vapor cell
geometries. It also opens pathways for monolithic
integration with photonic components on the same
chip. As a proof of concept, LWVCs were successfully
used for sub-Doppler saturated absorption
spectroscopy and single-beam optical magnetometry,
demonstrating their potential for compact,
customizable, chip-scale quantum sensing platforms.
Our foundational work introduced an out-of-the-box method for fabricating alkali-metal vapor cells using femtosecond laser writing, marking the birth of laser written vapor cell (LWVC) technology.
This approach enables the creation of fully three-dimensional internal structures within transparent substrates, offering unprecedented flexibility in defining vapor cell geometries. It also opens pathways for monolithic integration with photonic components on the same chip.
As a proof of concept, LWVCs were successfully used for sub-Doppler saturated absorption spectroscopy and single-beam optical magnetometry, demonstrating their potential for compact, customizable, chip-scale quantum sensing platforms.
Combining high sensitivity with sub-mm spatial resolution
Subsequent research further
validated the potential of laser-
written vapor cells for high-performance quantum
sensing. This follow-up work demonstrated a prototype of an OPM built with a sub-millimiter cross section and achieving picotesla sensitivity. This marked a significant milestone, proving the viability of our microfabricated cells for ultra-sensitive field detection in magnetic microscopy and lab-on-chip applications.
Protecting Innovation: Our Licensed Technology
Our patent protects the core of our laser-written atomic vapor cell technology, its unique fabrication method, and the chip-scale atomic quantum devices it enables.
This proprietary knowledge is central to develop our innovative products.
Our Patent
Covers
✓ The Laser Writing Based Fabrication Method: The specific process for creating the intricate 3D internal structures within transparent materials to be filled with atomic vapors.
✓ LWVC Devices and Their Integration: The laser-written vapor cell devices themselves, and their seamless integration into atomic-photonic chips.
✓ Complete quantum sensors: enabled by LWVCs and integrated atomic-photonic chips.
About the Patent
Patent Number: EP4231032A1 (also filed as US20230273278A1, CN116605827A)
Title: “An atomic vapor cell, an integrated atomic/photonic device and apparatus comprising the atomic vapor cell, and a method for fabricating an atomic vapor cell”
Inventors: V. G. Lucivero, M. W. Mitchell, G. Corrielli, R. Osellame, A. Zanoni
Original Assignees: ICFO, CNR, Politecnico di Milano
Publication Date: August 23, 2023 (EP filing)
