Demystifying dust contamination in quantum optics labs: measurements and recommendations

TL;DR

This paper systematically quantifies dust contamination in quantum optics labs, evaluates the effectiveness of various mitigation measures, and provides practical recommendations to maintain contamination-free optical setups without clean rooms.

Contribution

It offers the first comprehensive measurement and assessment of dust levels in quantum optics labs and proposes effective strategies for contamination control.

Findings

Dust particle concentrations vary significantly during lab operation.

Certain precaution measures effectively reduce dust contamination.

Practical recommendations improve optical setup cleanliness.

Abstract

Experiments in the field of quantum optics often require very low concentrations of dust particles in the laboratory, but the complexity of working routines precludes operation within a proper clean room. Research teams have established a multitude of different approaches, precaution measures, and habits to keep the delicate optics setups free of contamination. Here, we systematically quantify dust particle concentration during day-to-day operation of a quantum optics lab, assess the effectiveness of various measures, and give practical recommendations.