A high-speed, large-aperture 3D printed laser shutter for cold atom experiments

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 $399\pm 8\mu$s with delays of $2.7\pm 0.2$ ms for a fully illuminated aperture, with four different shutters demonstrating repeatable performance. We measure the shutter speed to be $7.0\pm 0.1$ 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.

arXiv comment6 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