The core of our quantum innovation
Refined and integrated sensing solutions, compact and driven by a patented approach.
At the heart of our innovative quantum sensing technology lies pioneering academic research that fundamentally advances the field of atomic vapor cells. Our work builds directly upon these breakthroughs,
leading to our proprietary solutions.
Pioneering 3D Laser-Written Vapor Cells
Our foundational work introduced a breakthrough
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.
Achieving Picotesla Magnetometer
Sensitivity
Building directly on the initial fabrication
breakthroughs, subsequent research further
validated the extraordinary potential of these laser-
written vapor cells for high-performance quantum
sensing. This follow-up work demonstrated an
optically pumped magnetometer (OPM) built with a
sub-millimeter cross-section laser-written cell,
achieving a remarkable sensitivity in the picotesla
range. This marked a significant milestone, proving
the viability of our microfabricated cells for ultra-
sensitive magnetic field detection in real-world
applications.
Protecting Innovation: Our Patented Technology
The innovations detailed in these two papers converged to form the fundamental basis of our patent. This intellectual property directly safeguards the advancements proven in this foundational research.
Our patent protects the core of our laser-written atomic vapor cell technology, its unique fabrication methods, and the integrated quantum sensing devices it enables.
This proprietary knowledge is central to our work in compact, high-performance atomic quantum sensors.
Our Patent
Covers
✓ The Laser Writing Based Fabrication Method: The specific process for creating the intricate 3D internal structures within transparent materials.
✓ LWVC Devices and Their Integration: The laser-written vapor cell devices themselves, and their seamless integration into atomic-photonic chips.
✓ Use in Complete Quantum Sensor Systems: The application of these advanced LWVCs and integrated chips within full quantum sensor systems.
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)