Special Optics has launched the Q-Series microscope objectives, a platform developed over more than a decade in collaboration with leading quantum research institutions. These objectives translate custom designs into an off-the-shelf product, addressing a need for precision and stability in quantum experimentation. The Q-Series supports rubidium, strontium, barium and ytterbium, enabling manipulation of more atoms at a time and facilitating a transition from proof-of-concept to scaled research.
“Researchers have traditionally had to choose between repurposed catalog optics and lengthy custom development cycles,” said Craig Fitzgerald, director of business development at Special Optics. “The Q-Series changes that by providing the first off-the-shelf objective platform built for quantum applications, enabling academic labs and quantum technology companies to reduce lead times and experimental risk.”
Q-Series Objectives Designed for Neutral and Cold-Atom Experiments
The Q-Series objectives facilitate manipulation of a greater number of atoms simultaneously, a capability important for scaling quantum experiments beyond initial validation stages. This increased control stems from high laser power integrated into the objective design, allowing researchers to confidently progress toward larger, more complex systems.
Beyond simply increasing atom count, the Q-Series platform supports experiments using rubidium, strontium, barium and ytterbium, broadening the scope of neutral and cold-atom research accessible with commercially available optics. The new platform provides precise color correction across multiple laser wavelengths, accommodating evolving experimental needs and ensuring adaptability for future research directions.
Researchers have traditionally had to choose between repurposed catalog optics and lengthy custom development cycles.
Craig Fitzgerald, director of business development, Special Optics




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