Introduction

        Quantum Opus, a research and development company based in Plymouth, MI, specializes in manufacturing cutting-edge Superconducting Nanowire Single-Photon Detector (SNSPD) products known for their unparalleled sensitivity, speed, and precision. These detectors require a stable and reliable vacuum environment for optimal operation, a critical element in their high-performance measurement devices.

Challenges

        Quantum Opus initially relied on a competitor’s 50 LVP scroll vacuum pump for its SNSPD systems. However, this pump presented several challenges, significantly affecting their operations. The primary issues included:

• Inconsistent Vacuum Performance: The competitor’s pump struggled to provide the necessary vacuum levels, leading to operational      inefficiencies.
• High Maintenance Requirements: Frequent tip seal replacements increased downtime, causing disruptions in production and research.
• Reduced Efficiency: Ballast valves in the conventional scroll pump design contributed to higher leakage rates, undermining vacuum      performance.
• Space Limitations: The pump’s large footprint (594 in³) limited the portability of Quantum Opus’s measurement systems, restricting their design flexibility.

        These challenges threatened the performance and portability of Quantum Opus’s high-precision devices, making it imperative to find a more reliable and compact solution.

 

Solution

        In 2018, Scroll Labs proposed the SVF-2 and SVF-5 vacuum pumps, utilizing their innovative floating scroll technology. Unlike traditional scroll pumps, Scroll Labs’ SVF series pumps eliminate the need for tip seals and ballast valves, offering a maintenance-free solution with enhanced performance.

Key features of the SVF series include:

• No-tip-seal design: Eliminating the tip seal removes the need for frequent maintenance, reducing downtime and operational costs.
• No-ballast-valve system: By avoiding the use of ballast valves, the SVF pumps minimize leakage and ensure a more stable vacuum      performance.

• Compact Design: The SVF-5’s smaller footprint enables Quantum Opus to integrate the vacuum pump into their devices more seamlessly, improving the overall portability and flexibility of their products.

  
  

Table.1 A comparison form the competitor’s product with our SVF-E1-5PFS

        In addition, Scroll Labs offered a range of models such as the PC and PFS series to meet Quantum Opus’s varied needs, providing them with more tailored solutions for different operational requirements.

 

Results

        Since integrating Scroll Labs’ SVF vacuum pumps, Quantum Opus has experienced a number of tangible improvements:

• Improved Performance: The vacuum environment for SNSPD systems became more stable and reliable, enhancing product sensitivity and      precision.
• Reduced Downtime: Maintenance-free operation of the SVF series pumps has virtually eliminated unplanned outages, allowing for more      consistent production and research output.
• Enhanced Portability: The compact size of the SVF-5 pump has allowed Quantum Opus to design more portable, space-efficient measurement devices, opening new market opportunities.

Fig. 1 Quantum Opus’s One-Button Portable SNSPD System with our product. (Provided By Quantum Opus)

 

Conclusion

        By transitioning to Scroll Labs’ innovative SVF vacuum pump technology, Quantum Opus has overcome critical operational challenges, leading to more efficient, reliable, and portable products. This partnership has allowed them to maintain their cutting-edge position in the field of quantum measurement technology.