The PPMS® from Quantum Design is now available in a fully cryogen-free configuration. The PPMS® DynaCool™ utilizes a two-stage Pulse Tube cooler to simultaneously cool the superconducting magnet and the temperature control system, ensuring a low-vibration environment for accurate sample measurements.
It offers continuous low-temperature control, precise field and temperature sweep capabilities, and an integrated cryopump, making it immediately compatible with all standard PPMS measurement options and custom user-designed experiments.
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Features
- There is no requirement for liquid cryogens
- Temperature range of 1.8 K – 400 K
- 9 T, 12 T, and 14 T magnets available
- Continuous Low-Temperature Control - keeps temperatures below 4.2 K with smooth temperature transitions while warming and cooling through 4.2 K
- Controlled temperature Sweep Mode
- Fully automated operation of PPMS measurement possibilities
- Built-in Cryopump for high vacuum applications (<10-4 Torr)
- CAN architecture was used in the construction of new devices to increase reliability
- Standby mode requires less recuperation time and saves electricity
Available Measurement Options
Electrical Transport
AC Resistance (ETO)
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The Electrical Transport Option (ETO) allows AC resistance measurements using a 4-probe lead configuration. For samples with higher resistances, a 2-probe high-impedance mode is also available. It supports simultaneous signal collection from two channels.
- Measure resistances of 10 μΩ – 10 MΩ in a standard 4-probe configuration
- Resistances of 2 MΩ – With the high-impedance 2-probe setup, 5 GΩ can be measured
- Ohmic contact screening can be done with automated I-V curve collection
DC Resistance
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Using a standard puck, the DC Resistivity Option enables DC resistance measurements across up to three channels.
- Measure resistances of 10 μΩ – 5 MΩ in a standard 4-probe configuration
- Source currents between 2 nA – 8 mA
- Bridge characteristics can be adjusted to limit the voltage, current, or power at the sample to safeguard delicate equipment, films, etc.
van der Pauw – Hall Transport
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The van der Pauw Option enhances accuracy in resistivity and Hall coefficient measurements. It employs a switching controller to automatically collect the data required to calculate parameters such as carrier concentration and sheet resistance precisely in uniformly thick samples of arbitrary shape.
- Configurable MultiVu sequence commands in either the standard van der Pauw or Hall geometries automatically source current and monitor voltage for a succession of lead permutations
- When necessary during a measurement, the user can verify the ohmic nature of contacts using an integrated IV-Curve application
MeasureReady® M91 FastHallTM
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The M91 FastHall Controller accommodates van der Pauw (4-point) and Hall bar (6-point) geometries. In the standard model, samples are connected to the PPMS sample puck.
The M91 HR model, designed for higher resistance measurements, extends the measurement range and features a custom Lake Shore Hall insert for use within the PPMS. This insert is fully shielded from the instrument to the sample, ensuring optimal low-noise performance.
- Supports van der Pauw and Hall bar samples
- Standard resistance M91 range: 10 mΩ to 10 MΩ
- High resistance M91 HR range: 10 mΩ to 10 GΩ
- Cut measurement time up to one-half with no field reversal needed
- Switching technique minimizes thermal drift
Horizontal Rotator
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The Horizontal Rotator allows a transport sample to be rotated 360 ° while subjected to an applied magnetic field. It features an automated indexing system with an encoder for precise angular positioning, and an integrated thermometer monitors the temperature near the sample for real-time tracking.
- Change the direction of a sample between -10 ° and 370 ° to alter the orientation of the applied magnetic field according to the installed sample
- Two versions of motor available: Standard Resolution (0.0133 °/step) and High Resolution (0.0011 °/step)
Pressure Cell (Transport)
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ElectroLab, a top Japanese manufacturer of pressure cells, produces the Transport Pressure Cell Option for the PPMS. It allows up to two 4-probe electrical transport measurements at pressures as high as 2.7 GPa, usually for the sample and a manometer.
- Includes manometer materials of tin and lead
- Any QD transport mechanism compatible with PPMS can be used to gather data
Magnetometry
Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM)
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The VSM can measure a sample’s magnetic moment as a function of temperature or magnetic field. Magnetic phase transitions and hysteretic behavior are swiftly resolved, with typical acquisition periods for a single datum of approximately 1 second.
- A lock-in measuring technique isolates the sample signal from external mechanical and electrical noise, resulting in noise levels below 6·10-7 emu at 300 K
- A temperature sensor embedded in the coil set provides local sample thermometry via exchange gas coupling
- The optional Large Bore Coil Set allows for an even greater choice of sample containers with minimum loss of sensitivity
VSM Oven
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The VSM oven makes conventional VSM measurements in the 300–1000 K temperature range possible. The sample's temperature is locally heated and sensed using a unique alumina sample holder with a built-in resistive heater and temperature sensor.
- High-temperature Zircar cement and copper radiation shields for sample mounting are included in the user kit as standard equipment
- Noise levels are less than 6·10-6 emu at 300 K
AC Susceptibility (ACMS II)
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The AC Measurement System (ACMS II) employs a mutual induction-based methodology to ascertain a sample's dynamic (AC) susceptibility. For unmatched simplicity, the system also allows the user to perform DC magnetization measurements without modifying the hardware settings.
- To reduce the contribution of the background signal, a multi-point automated nulling approach achieves an AC moment sensitivity of 1·10-8 emu
- Frequencies ranging from 10 Hz to 10 kHz offer AC excitation fields of 0.05 to 15 Oe
- During significant temperature changes, the automated touch-down process maintains sample-centering
First Order Reversal Curve (FORC) Software for VSM
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Measurements of the First Order Reversal Curve (FORC) and the following analysis offer more information about the magnetic reversal mechanisms of samples than traditional major hysteresis loops. Signatures of specific magnetic reversal mechanisms can be found in the produced curve families.
- Compatible with any Quantum Design VSM configuration
- During a measurement, FORC distributions can be shown in real-time
Fiber Optic Sample Holder (FOSH) for VSM
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The VSM Fiber Optic Sample Holder (FOSH) allows light to enter the VSM sample space during a measurement.
- Specialized sample rod and holder transmit a broad range of light
- Standardized fiber connections guarantee compatibility with a wide range of light sources
Pressure Cell (Magnetometry)
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Leading Japanese pressure cell supplier HMD manufactures the magnetometric pressure cell option. A simpler version does not require copper sealing rings or a hydraulic press to generate the maximum attainable pressure of 1.3 GPa.
- Included manometer materials are tin and lead
- BeCu structure provides a modest and homogenous magnetic background
Torque Magnetometry
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The torque magnetometer detects a sample's magnetic moment by applying a static magnetic field to generate torque on a tiny cantilever. Torsion is measured using piezoresistive elements to investigate the moment as a function of magnetic field intensity, temperature, or angular orientation relative to the field.
- Noise levels in the measured torque are 1·10-9 N·m (high sensitivity cantilever)
- Integrated calibration loop on the cantilever chip
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Thermal Measurements
Heat Capacity
The Heat Capacity option allows for high-precision microcalorimetry experiments that assess a sample’s heat capacity as a function of temperature. The software’s automated field calibration capability allows for measurements in a static applied magnetic field.
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- Typical addenda signal of 0.2 μJ/K at 2 K, where signal resolution is 2 nJ/K
- Software automates the gathering of addenda (background) signals and conducts the necessary subtraction to get the sample’s heat capacity
- Integrated data post-processing technologies allow for high-resolution sampling of sharp first-order transitions
Thermal Transport Option (TTO)
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The TTO can rapidly characterize thermoelectric materials by measuring their thermal conductivity, Seebeck coefficient, and electrical resistivity simultaneously. A continuous data acquisition option enables higher-density curves to be acquired in less time, increasing throughput for a time-consuming measurement.
- The thermoelectric figure of merit, ZT, is automatically computed for quick and easy data evaluation
- The included sample mounting supplies enable the measurement of a wide variety of materials
Dilatometer
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The dilatometer feature lets users easily characterize subtle changes in a sample's lattice expansion/contraction caused by temperature or magnetic field variations. In contrast to standard copper-cell arrangements, a new fused-silica architecture significantly reduces background signals, and no costly absolute capacitance bridge is required.
- It is possible to resolve sample dilation signals below 10 pm (at 2 K)
- Magnetostriction’s bulk coefficients of thermal expansion are calculated and published automatically
- High-purity copper sample and reference data provided
Sub-Kelvin Capabilities
Dilution Refrigerator
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The Dilution Refrigerator option provides the lowest temperature possible in a PPMS, ranging from 4 K to 50 mK. Thanks to a seamless connection, the MultiVu software automatically controls all gas handling and manifold activities, making temperature control as easy as it is in the base PPMS.
- When cooling from room temperature, the base temperature (50 mK) is usually reached in roughly five hours
- During regular operation, a closed cycle system guarantees that the precious 3He/4He gas mixture is not lost
- Heat Capacity, Electrical Transport, and AC Susceptibility are all compatible measurement options
Helium-3 Refrigerator
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The Helium-3 Refrigerator's temperatures range from 350 K to 0.4 K, or over four decades. Temperature control is as easy as in the base PPMS, thanks to seamless connection, where MultiVu software automatically controls all gas handling and manifold activities.
- When cooling from room temperature, it usually takes around two hours to reach the base temperature (0.4 K)
- During regular operation, a closed cycle system guarantees that the precious 3He gas is not lost
- Electrical transport and heat capacity are examples of compatible measurement options
Adiabatic Demagnetization Refrigerator (ADR)
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With the ADR, the PPMS's lowest possible temperature (with zero field) can be easily increased to 100 mK. Samples are cooled to 100 mK using the PPMS magnet to take advantage of the magnetocaloric effect in paramagnetic salt. Electrical transport characteristics can be evaluated as the temperature wanders back up to the nominal PPMS base.
- When cooling from room temperature, the base temperature (100 mK) is usually reached in roughly three hours
- Uncontrolled drift up to 1.9 K typically lasts approximately 2 hours
- Compatible with all electrical transport options
Sub-Kelvin Measurements
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The range across which some properties can be assessed has been expanded by adapting several types of measuring alternatives to function in sub-Kelvin environments:
- Electrical Transport (ETO/Resistivity): Available for ADR, Helium-3, DR
- Heat Capacity: Available for Helium-3, DR
- AC Susceptibility: Available for DR
Multi-Function Probes
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QD's MFPs streamline the process of bringing external connections (electrical, optical, etc.) in from the top of the probe and offer an interface with the integrated chamber wiring for experienced users wishing to construct custom experiments inside the PPMS. There are several variations available:
- Types A, B, and M provide different socket configurations for electrical access
- Type C only includes the probe with baffles and no electrical interface
- Photoconductivity Variant includes an integrated fiber feedthrough
- CryoFMR Variant works with the NanOsc CryoFMR Spectrometer
Optical Multi-Function Probe (OMFP)
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The OMFP makes gaining optical access to the PPMS’s sample chamber easy. Thanks to an integrated camera imaging system and piezo-positioner capsule, finding and navigating to a region of interest on the sample is simple.
- Features smaller than 5 μm can be resolved by the camera
- The positioning capsule has a full range of 3 mm in each direction of movement in the x, y, and z axes
- There are two four-probe channels available to correlate electrical transport measurements with optical data
FMR Spectroscopy
NanOsc FMR Spectrometers
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Broadband FMR spectroscopy can continuously measure several tens of GHz. Measurements throughout a broad frequency range can greatly enhance the accuracy of extracting a range of material properties unavailable by static measurement techniques.
- FMR spectrometer that is turn-key and has an intuitive software interface
- Calculates the effective magnetization (Meff), anisotropy (K), gyromagnetic ratio (γ), damping (α), and inhomogeneous broadening (ΔHO)
- Allows the user to extract the inverse spin Hall effect ISHE and exchange stiffness (A)
Optics
Optical Multi-Function Probe (OMFP)
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The OMFP makes gaining optical access to the PPMS's sample chamber easy. Thanks to an integrated camera imaging system and piezo-positioner capsule, finding and navigating to a region of interest on the sample is simple.
- Features smaller than 5 μm can be resolved by the camera
- The positioning capsule has a full range of 3 mm in each direction of movement in the x, y, and z axes
- Two four-probe channels are available for comparing optical data to electrical transport measurements
Light sources
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For investigations needing illumination within the PPMS sample space, two broadband xenon light sources are available:
- The TLX120Xe uses a 100 W source and contains a motorized monochromator, allowing the light wavelength to be set via a sequence command in MultiVu
- The MLS 300 W source has a manual selection filter wheel for passing predetermined wavelengths of light
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Videos
PPMS Option Swap Out Video
The Ease of Switching PPMS Measurement Options. Video Credit: Quantum Design, Inc.