Patents by Inventor Mark Saffman

Mark Saffman has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20260119938
    Abstract: Techniques are described for efficiently generating optical traps within a quantum information processor by resonantly enhancing optical trap light using an optical ring resonator. An optical ring resonator may effectively recycle optical trap light in a closed optical path, such that the optical trap light passes through a vacuum chamber many times, reinforcing the intensity of the optical traps. As such, a low power light source may be utilized to generate the optical traps. While such a light source may generate light with a power that is alone insufficient to produce the desired number of optical traps, the optical ring resonator reinforces the intensity of this light through repeated passes through the vacuum chamber, building up light of sufficient intensity to produce the desired number of optical traps in the vacuum chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2024
    Publication date: April 30, 2026
    Applicant: ColdQuanta, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Saffman
  • Publication number: 20260119942
    Abstract: A system and method for quanta sensing is provided. The system includes a quanta sensor, a neutral atom, collection optics, quantum computer, a processor, and a memory. The memory includes instructions stored thereon, which when executed by the processor cause the system to: illuminate the atom array; detect a series of frames of scattered light from the illuminated atom array during a time t; estimate a flux of an image based on the binary frames detected during time t; perform a binary classification based on a flux of the frames; extract quantum state information from the frames; and estimate each neutral atom qubit state based on the extracted quantum state information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2024
    Publication date: April 30, 2026
    Inventors: Mohit Gupta, Mark Saffman, Andreas Velten, Swamit Tannu
  • Publication number: 20260099747
    Abstract: Techniques are described for efficient calibration of control parameters of a quantum information processor. The techniques include executing a quantum circuit a plurality of times while varying the value of a control parameter that parameterizes the quantum circuit. The quantum circuit may include quantum gates and/or other operations that are expected to produce a particular result when the control parameter is properly calibrated. By varying the value of the control parameter between successive executions of the quantum circuit, a calibrated value of the control parameter may be determined. Control parameters may, for instance, have values associated with a particular qubit, or with a particular pair (or larger group) of qubits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2024
    Publication date: April 9, 2026
    Applicant: ColdQuanta, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel C. Cole, David Robert Mason, Mark Saffman
  • Patent number: 12592783
    Abstract: A quantum computer system uses a network of Mach-Zehnder interferometers (MZIs) to route laser light to selected atoms of a quantum array. The MZI network is defined in a photonic integrated circuit (PIC), which also includes an array of optical gratings. A laser system generates the light, the electronically controlled MZI network routes the light to respective optical gratings. The optical gratings convert the light from the MZI network into beams to illuminate the respective atoms so as to conditionally change their quantum states. This routing process offers advantages of economy, scalability and reliability over alternatives approaches to optical control of quantum states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2026
    Assignee: ColdQuanta, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Saffman
  • Publication number: 20250210215
    Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods for controlling multiple species of particles using projected light, including a mask for the same. The mask comprises a substrate that is substantially transparent at a frequency of the projected light; a multiplicity of reflecting regions formed from a reflective material deposited on the substrate that are substantially opaque at the frequency of the projected light, and a subwavelength-thick layer of background material disposed on the substrate and having a multiplicity of apertures therein. The subwavelength-thick layer of background material has a background transparency between the substrate and the reflective material at the frequency of the projected light and the background transparency is selected to form regions of light intensity maxima configured to trap a first species of particle and regions of light intensity minima configured to trap a second species of particle when the light is projected on the mask. Also disclosed are methods of making the mask.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2023
    Publication date: June 26, 2025
    Inventors: Mikhail Kats, Chengyu Fang, Mark Saffman, Sanket Sushil Deshpande, Preston Huft
  • Patent number: 12322920
    Abstract: A coherent light source provides spontaneous emission (Dicke superradiance/subradiance) using a dilute and optically thin cloud of disordered atoms. The coherent light source provides improved noise statistics over that of a laser and ? accordingly, may be used in sensitive interferometric applications such as light gyroscopes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2025
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Deniz Yavuz, David Gold, Mark Saffman, Thad Walker
  • Patent number: 12271782
    Abstract: Sense+compute (S+C) quantum-state carriers (QSCs), e.g., rubidium atoms, can be used provide more scalable quantum sensor systems. Multiple S+C QSCs can capture sensor data. The sensor data can then be transformed in the quantum domain according to a quantum tomographic protocol. The transformed data can be measured to provide a respective classical domain measurement. The sensing, transformation, and measurement can be repeated to provide a set of measurements (corresponding to different transformations) that can be combined according to the quantum tomography protocol to generate a model of the original quantum state. Estimation error associated with the model can be scaled down at a rate corresponding more closely to increases in the number N of QSCs than ?{square root over (N)}, even in the presence of noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2025
    Assignee: ColdQuanta, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Perlin, Pranav Gokhale, Frederic T. Chong, Mark Saffman, Dana Zachary Anderson
  • Patent number: 12141655
    Abstract: A trap for quantum particles, e.g., cesium atoms, is formed using electromagnetic radiation (EMR) of different wavelengths (concurrently and/or at different times). “Red-detuned” EMR, having a trap wavelength longer than a resonant wavelength for a quantum particle is “attracting” and, so, can be used to form the array trap while loading atoms into the array trap. “Blue-detuned” EMR, having a trap wavelength shorter than the resonant wavelength can repel atoms into dark areas away from the EMR peaks so that the atoms are not disturbed by interference carried by the EMR; accordingly, the blue-detuned EMR is used to form the array trap during quantum-circuit execution. Red and blue detuned EMR are used together to form deeper traps that can be used to detect vacant atom sites. Other combinations of trap wavelengths can also be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2024
    Assignee: ColdQuanta, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas William Noel, Mark Saffman
  • Publication number: 20240370753
    Abstract: Sense+compute (S+C) quantum-state carriers (QSCs), e.g., rubidium atoms, can be used provide more scalable quantum sensor systems. Multiple S+C QSCs can capture sensor data. The sensor data can then be transformed in the quantum domain according to a quantum tomographic protocol. The transformed data can be measured to provide a respective classical domain measurement. The sensing, transformation, and measurement can be repeated to provide a set of measurements (corresponding to different transformations) that can be combined according to the quantum tomography protocol to generate a model of the original quantum state. Estimation error associated with the model can be scaled down at a rate corresponding more closely to increases in the number N of QSCs than ?{square root over (N)}, even in the presence of noise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2023
    Publication date: November 7, 2024
    Inventors: Michael A. Perlin, Pranav Gokhale, Frederic T. Chong, Mark Saffman, Dana Zachary Anderson
  • Patent number: 12057242
    Abstract: A trap for quantum particles, e.g., cesium atoms, is formed using electromagnetic radiation (EMR) of different wavelengths (concurrently and/or at different times). “Red-detuned” EMR, having a trap wavelength longer than a resonant wavelength for a quantum particle is “attracting” and, so, can be used to form the array trap while loading atoms into the array trap. “Blue-detuned” EMR, having a trap wavelength shorter than the resonant wavelength can repel atoms into dark areas away from the EMR peaks so that the atoms are not disturbed by interference carried by the EMR; accordingly, the blue-detuned EMR is used to form the array trap during quantum-circuit execution. Red and blue detuned EMR are used together to form deeper traps that can be used to detect vacant atom sites. Other combinations of trap wavelengths can also be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2024
    Assignee: ColdQuanta, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas William Noel, Mark Saffman
  • Patent number: 12020828
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling particles using projected light are provided. In some aspects, the method includes generating a beam of light using an optical source, and directing the beam of light to a beam filter comprising a first mask, a first lens, a second mask, and a second lens. The method also includes forming an optical pattern using the beam filter, and projecting the optical pattern on a plurality of particles to control their locations in space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2024
    Assignee: WISCONSIN ALUMNI RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventor: Mark Saffman
  • Patent number: 11997780
    Abstract: A vacuum cell provides for electric field control within an ultra-high vacuum (UHV) for cold-neutral-atom quantum computing and other quantum applications. Electrode assemblies extend through vacuum cell walls. Prior to cell assembly, contacts are bonded to respective locations on the ambient-facing surfaces of the walls. Trenches are formed in the vacuum-facing surfaces of walls and via holes are formed, extending from trenches through the wall and into the contacts. Plating conductive material into the trenches and via holes forms the electrodes and vias. The electrodes are contained by the trenches and do not extend beyond the trenches so as to avoid interfering with the bonding of components to the vacuum-facing surfaces of the walls. The vias extend into the contacts to ensure good electrical contact. An electric-field controller applies electric potentials to the electrodes (via the contacts) to control electric fields within the vacuum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: ColdQuanta, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Saffman, Thomas William Noel, Steven Michael Hughes
  • Patent number: 11893452
    Abstract: In the context of gate-model quantum computing, atoms (or polyatomic molecules) are excited to respective Rydberg states to foster intra-gate interactions. Rydberg states with relatively high principal quantum numbers are used for relatively distant intra-gate interactions and require relatively great inter-gate separations to avoid error-inducing inter-gate interactions. Rydberg states with relatively low principal quantum numbers can be used for intra-gate interactions over relatively short intra-gate distances and require relatively small inter-gate separations to avoid error-inducing inter-gate interactions. The relatively small inter-gate separations provide opportunities for parallel gate executions, which, in turn, can provide for faster execution of the quantum circuit constituted by the gates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: ColdQuanta, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas William Noel, Mark Saffman, Matthew Ebert
  • Patent number: 11868095
    Abstract: An atomic clock employs alkali metal atoms such as cesium normally used for microwave atomic clocks but with optical stimulation. While alkali metals provide light emissions having a spectral width being as much as 107 wider (and hence less precise) than alkali earth materials commonly targeted for optical atomic clocks, the present inventors have determined that this disadvantage is significantly reduced by improved signal-to-noise ratio in the obtained signal making practical an atomic clock with improved size, weight, and power consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Mark Saffman, Shimon Kolkowitz, Arjav Sharma
  • Publication number: 20230318246
    Abstract: A coherent light source provides spontaneous emission (Dicke superradiance/subradiance) using a dilute and optically thin cloud of disordered atoms. The coherent light source provides improved noise statistics over that of a laser and, accordingly, may be used in sensitive interferometric applications such as light gyroscopes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2022
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Inventors: Deniz Yavuz, David Gold, Mark Saffman, Thad Walker
  • Publication number: 20230297033
    Abstract: An atomic clock employs alkali metal atoms such as cesium normally used for microwave atomic clocks but with optical stimulation. While alkali metals provide light emissions having a spectral width being as much as 107 wider (and hence less precise) than alkali earth materials commonly targeted for optical atomic clocks, the present inventors have determined that this disadvantage is significantly reduced by improved signal-to-noise ratio in the obtained signal making practical an atomic clock with improved size, weight, and power consumption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2022
    Publication date: September 21, 2023
    Inventors: Mark Saffman, Shimon Kolkowitz, Arjav Sharma
  • Patent number: 11575860
    Abstract: Systems and methods for the optical control of qubits and other quantum particles with spatial light modulators (SLM) for quantum computing and quantum simulation are disclosed herein. The system may include a particle system configured to provide an ordered array comprising a multiplicity of quantum particles or a multiplicity of qubits, an optical source, a SLM configured to project a structured illumination pattern capable of individually addressing one or more quantum particles or qubits of the ordered array, and a SLM controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Mark Saffman, Trent Michael Graham, Robert Sylvester Williamson, III
  • Patent number: 11531249
    Abstract: A pair of acousto-optic deflectors (AODs) is used to steer a pair of laser beams to address individual atoms of an array of atoms so that the beams can conditionally induce a 2-photon transition between the atom's quantum energy levels. The first beam is deflected into a +1 diffraction order, resulting in an AOD output beam with a frequency greater than that of the respective AOD input beam. The second beam is deflected into a ?1 diffraction order so that the AOD output beam has a frequency less than that of the respective AOD input beam. The equal and opposite frequency changes compensate it other so that the sum of the output frequencies remains constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: ColdQuanta, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Saffman
  • Patent number: 11488052
    Abstract: A pair of acousto-optic deflectors (AODs) is used to steer a pair of laser beams to address individual atoms of an array of atoms so that the beams can conditionally induce a 2-photon transition between the atom's quantum energy levels. The first beam is deflected into a +1 diffraction order, resulting in an AOD output beam with a frequency greater than that of the respective AOD input beam. The second beam is deflected into a ?1 diffraction order so that the AOD output beam has a frequency less than that of the respective AOD input beam. The equal and opposite frequency changes compensate it other so that the sum of the output frequencies remains resonant with the transition of interest. Thus, AODs can be used to steer laser beams to address individual atoms of an atom array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: ColdQuanta, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Saffman
  • Publication number: 20220262535
    Abstract: A trap for quantum particles, e.g., cesium atoms, is formed using electromagnetic radiation (EMR) of different wavelengths (concurrently and/or at different times). “Red-detuned” EMR, having a trap wavelength longer than a resonant wavelength for a quantum particle is “attracting” and, so, can be used to form the array trap while loading atoms into the array trap. “Blue-detuned” EMR, having a trap wavelength shorter than the resonant wavelength can repel atoms into dark areas away from the EMR peaks so that the atoms are not disturbed by interference carried by the EMR; accordingly, the blue-detuned EMR is used to form the array trap during quantum-circuit execution. Red and blue detuned EMR are used together to form deeper traps that can be used to detect vacant atom sites. Other combinations of trap wavelengths can also be used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2021
    Publication date: August 18, 2022
    Inventors: Thomas William NOEL, Mark SAFFMAN