In this episode you suggest that lightweighting is important in quantum physics research because……..? Do they really have to move the chamber in their quantum physics research? I’m not a physicist, but that sounds a little fishy to me. Most quantum physics experiments I’m aware of tend to be very large. Could it be that aluminum was chosen primarily for its thermal conductivity, or low X-ray transparency, or some other reason, rather than for weight reasons? In other words, it may be lighter but that may not be relevant at all to its intended function. That is not easy.
Thanks for the question! We checked back with our expert to get you the best possible answer. Here's what Laurence Coles had to say: “Very good questions, and great to have discussion so soon! Yes, the lightweighting was a primary goal here alongside considerations for heat transfer via conduction or convection. A big focus for the quantum tech industry at the moment is to move away from heavy and large lab based experiments, and onto smaller more lightweight and portable systems which can be taken out into the field. A few good examples include UAV mounted gravimeters, portable atomic clocks for improved security in communications and there are many more. So we really are at a time where we could be moving into a quantum age of technology, and the first step is making portable versions of well establish research lab based experiments in order to make this leap forward! David’s other points about Aluminium’s other desirable properties are also very important, there are a lot of quantum technologies which cannot use steel based chambers and so the choice of an Aluminium based alloy gives us more opportunities across this exciting new technology area.”
Why does it matter if it were lighter if its main purpose is for thermal management? Wouldn't this be best as a copper part? Even under vacuum it should be strong enough.
In this episode you suggest that lightweighting is important in quantum physics research because……..?
Do they really have to move the chamber in their quantum physics research? I’m not a physicist, but that sounds a little fishy to me. Most quantum physics experiments I’m aware of tend to be very large.
Could it be that aluminum was chosen primarily for its thermal conductivity, or low X-ray transparency, or some other reason, rather than for weight reasons?
In other words, it may be lighter but that may not be relevant at all to its intended function. That is not easy.
Thanks for the question! We checked back with our expert to get you the best possible answer. Here's what Laurence Coles had to say:
“Very good questions, and great to have discussion so soon! Yes, the lightweighting was a primary goal here alongside considerations for heat transfer via conduction or convection. A big focus for the quantum tech industry at the moment is to move away from heavy and large lab based experiments, and onto smaller more lightweight and portable systems which can be taken out into the field. A few good examples include UAV mounted gravimeters, portable atomic clocks for improved security in communications and there are many more. So we really are at a time where we could be moving into a quantum age of technology, and the first step is making portable versions of well establish research lab based experiments in order to make this leap forward!
David’s other points about Aluminium’s other desirable properties are also very important, there are a lot of quantum technologies which cannot use steel based chambers and so the choice of an Aluminium based alloy gives us more opportunities across this exciting new technology area.”
I love that you guys make these videos. Thank you!
Great job guys! Keep them coming! Thank you!
Nice video, thanks for sharing it :) Does PLA mix with bronze have a good torque resistance ?
Why does it matter if it were lighter if its main purpose is for thermal management? Wouldn't this be best as a copper part? Even under vacuum it should be strong enough.
Man That Is Cool..
Pretty cool, only this
Cool, pun intended
Two words: infomercial blah