A high-speed, large-aperture 3D printed laser shutter for cold atom experiments
cond-mat.quant-gas, physics.ins-det
Submitted: 2026-10-20
Updated: 2026-10-20
Comments: 6 pages, 6 figures, 1 table. The data and models, including experimental data, CAD files, a parts list, assembly instructions and thermal and electrical models that support the findings of this study are openly available in UQ eSpace at https://doi.org/10.48610/da433e5
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/
The gist: Cold atom experiments require optical shutters with rapid and repeatable actuation.
Abstract
Cold atom experiments require optical shutters with rapid and repeatable actuation. Existing solutions often involve high cost, limited aperture diameter and slow transitioning. We present a 3D-printable shutter design featuring a large aperture of 4.5 mm diameter, low-cost assembly, and robust performance. The device achieves switching times of 399 plus or minus8 μ s with delays of 2.7 plus or minus0.2 ms for a fully illuminated aperture, with four different shutters demonstrating repeatable performance. We measure the shutter speed to be 7.0 plus or minus0.1 m/s. This approach offers an accessible, scalable solution for cold atom and other optical experiments requiring multiple shutters with precise light control and avoids the need to resize or precision-align a beam through an aperture.
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