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Exploiting complex 3D-printed surface structures for portable quantum technologies

N. Cooper1,*, D. Johnson1, B. Hopton1, M. Overton1, D. Stupple2, A. Bratu2, E. Wilson2, J. Robinson2, L. Coles3 et al.

M. Papastavrou3 and L. Hackermueller1

  • 1School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom
  • 2Torr Scientific Ltd., Pebsham Lane, Bexhill-on-Sea TN40 2RZ
  • 3Metamorphic Additive Manufacturing Ltd, Riverside Chambers, Full Street, Derby, DE1 3AF, United Kingdom

  • *Contact author: nathan.cooper@nottingham.ac.uk
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Phys. Rev. Applied 25, 014047 – Published 21 January, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/rg8y-rpsc

Abstract

Portable quantum technologies require robust lightweight apparatus with superior performance. For techniques dependent upon high-vacuum environments, such as atom interferometers and atomic clocks, three-dimensional (3D) printing enables additional avenues to tailor in-vacuum gas propagation dynamics. We demonstrate intricate fine-scale surface patterning of 3D-printed vacuum components to increase the rate at which gas particles collide with the surface. By applying a nonevaporable getter coating for use as a surface pump, we show that the patterned surface pumps gas particles 3.8 times faster than equivalent flat areas. These patterns can be directly integrated into additively manufactured components, enabling application in close proximity to key experimental regions and contributing to overall mass reduction. We develop numerical simulations that show good agreement with this result and predict up to a tenfold increase in the pumping rate, for realistic surface structures. Our work has direct applications in enabling passively pumped portable quantum technologies but also establishes 3D printing as a powerful technique for the creation of optimized surface patterning to provide enhanced control over high-vacuum gas dynamics for a broad range of applications.

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synopsis

Patterned Surface Sustains Ultrahigh Vacuum

Published 21 January, 2026

The 3D-printed fitting could help to miniaturize cold-atom sensors by reducing the need for continuous pumping.  

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Phys. Rev. Applied 25, 014047– Published 21 January, 2026
  • Received 2 July 2025
  • Revised 6 October 2025
  • Accepted 10 November 2025
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