MACOR glass-ceramic-based UHV cell for quantum technology applications

M M. Proske (Institute of Physics, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz 1 , Mainz D-55122,) S S. Boles-Herresthal (Institute of Physics, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz 1 , Mainz D-55122,) D D. Latorre-Bastidas (Institute of Physics, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz 1 , Mainz D-55122,) I I. Varma (Institute of Physics, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz 1 , Mainz D-55122,) R R. Skanda (Institute of Physics, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz 1 , Mainz D-55122,) O O. Hellmig (Institute for Quantum Physics, Universität Hamburg 2 , Hamburg D-20148,) K K. Sengstock (Institute for Quantum Physics, Universität Hamburg 2 , Hamburg D-20148,) A A. Wenzlawski (Institute of Physics, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz 1 , Mainz D-55122,) P P. Windpassinger (Institute of Physics, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz 1 , Mainz D-55122,)

Abstract

Compact, customizable, non-magnetic vacuum systems are a key requirement for many field applications of quantum technology based on cold atoms. We report on the development and construction of a compact, low-cost ultrahigh vacuum compatible cell using the glass-ceramic MACOR. The cell offers a CF flange connection to commercial vacuum technology, as well as high numerical aperture viewports for precise optical measurements. The presented technology shows stable vacuum pressures of <1×10−10 mbar for more than a year since the implementation into the vacuum system of a quantum gas experiment, further proving suitability for general quantum technology applications.

Article Details

Volume / Issue Vol. 128, Issue 13
Published March 30, 2026
ISSN 0003-6951
Publisher American Institute of Physics

Journal Info

Applied Physics Letters

American Institute of Physics

ISSN: 0003-6951 Physical Sciences

Authors (9)

M

M. Proske

Institute of Physics, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz 1 , Mainz D-55122,

S

S. Boles-Herresthal

Institute of Physics, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz 1 , Mainz D-55122,

D

D. Latorre-Bastidas

Institute of Physics, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz 1 , Mainz D-55122,

I

I. Varma

Institute of Physics, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz 1 , Mainz D-55122,

R

R. Skanda

Institute of Physics, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz 1 , Mainz D-55122,

O

O. Hellmig

Institute for Quantum Physics, Universität Hamburg 2 , Hamburg D-20148,

K

K. Sengstock

Institute for Quantum Physics, Universität Hamburg 2 , Hamburg D-20148,

A

A. Wenzlawski

Institute of Physics, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz 1 , Mainz D-55122,

P

P. Windpassinger

Institute of Physics, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz 1 , Mainz D-55122,