Quantum physics researchers use close observation of atoms to reveal information about the surrounding world. Atoms contained inside an ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) chamber can be used to gather information about gravitational fields, enable quantum positioning systems and more. It’s possible that we could be moving from the digital age into the quantum age thanks to research and systems like this.
But what is additive manufacturing’s role in quantum physics? 3D printing could be the manufacturing method of choice for the next generation of these critical vacuum chambers. Utilizing AM to build these instruments will mean lighter, smaller and more efficient vacuum chambers that can open new research possibilities. In this episode we look at one such chamber, built by Added Scientific as a way of evaluating the printing material — AlSi10Mg — and its behavior under vacuum.
