Versatile PPMS® System for Automated Lab Measurements

The Quantum Design PPMS is a distinctive laboratory instrument featuring an open architecture and a variable temperature-field system. It is designed for automated measurements across a wide range of applications.

The system includes all necessary hardware and electronics to start collecting high-quality data immediately and can be easily customized for specific user experiments.

It offers field control up to ±16 T and a temperature range from 1.9 K to 400 K. Its expandable design allows for the integration of various features, making the PPMS one of the most versatile systems available.

Download the Brochure for More Information

Features

• The system is compatible with over 20 Quantum Design Measurement Options, which smoothly integrate into the MultiVu software.
• The sample chamber, with a diameter of 2.6 cm, accommodates custom probes.
• Temperature and magnetic field controls within the software allow complex data acquisition processes to be automated.
• Versatile sample mounts connect easily to the 12 electrical leads in the cryostat insert, ensuring consistent and reliable electrical access.
• The included Model 6000, a sophisticated microprocessor-controlled unit, removes the need for external bridges, current sources, or voltage sources in basic operations.
• The system interfaces with external third-party instruments by controlling them within MultiVu or directing the PPMS from external software, such as NI LabVIEW.

Magnet Configurations

• Options include longitudinal solenoid magnet configurations of 9 T, 14 T, or 16 T.
• For transverse fields, a 7 T split-coil configuration is available.
• Systems can also be ordered without a magnet installed.

Available Measurement Options

Electrical Transport

AC Resistance (ETO)

The Electrical Transport Option (ETO) allows AC resistance measurements on samples using a 4-probe lead configuration. For higher resistance samples, a high-impedance 2-probe mode is available. Signals from two channels can be gathered simultaneously.

• Measure resistances of 10 μΩ – 10 MΩ in a standard 4-probe configuration
• Resistances of 2 MΩ – 5 GΩ can be measured in the high-impedance 2-probe configuration
• Automated I-V curve collection can be used to screen for ohmic contacts
• Differential (dV/dI) resistance measurement mode 

Image Credit: Quantum Design International

DC Resistance 

Using a standard puck, the DC Resistivity Option enables DC resistance measurements on up to three channels.

• Source currents between 2 nA – 8 mA
• Measure resistances of 10 μΩ – 5 MΩ in a standard 4-probe configuration
• Configurable bridge parameters to limit the voltage, current, or power at the sample for protecting sensitive devices, films, etc.

Image Credit: Quantum Design International

van der Pauw – Hall Transport

The van der Pauw technique improves accuracy in resistivity and Hall coefficient measurements. This option uses a switching controller to automatically gather the data required for precise calculations of parameters like carrier concentration and sheet resistance in a uniformly thick sample of any shape.

Image Credit: Quantum Design International

• Configurable MultiVu sequence commands automatically source current and measure the voltage across various lead permutations in standard van der Pauw and Hall geometries.
• An integrated IV-Curve utility allows confirmation of the Ohmic nature of contacts as needed during measurement.

MeasureReady^® M91 FastHall^TM

The M91 FastHall Controller is compatible with van der Pauw (4 connections) and Hall bar (6 connections) geometries. In the standard resistance model, samples are connected via Quantum Design's PPMS sample puck. The M91 HR high-resistance model offers an expanded resistance range compared to the standard model and includes a custom Lake Shore Hall insert for use within the PPMS. This insert is fully guarded from the instrument to the sample, enabling ultra-low noise measurements.

Image Credit: Quantum Design International

• Compatible with van der Pauw and Hall bar sample configurations
• High resistance M91 HR range: 10 mΩ to 10 GΩ
• Standard resistance M91 range: 10 mΩ to 10 MΩ
• Reduces measurement time by up to 50 % without requiring field reversal
• Switching technique reduces thermal drift

MeasureReady^® M81-SSM

The Lake Shore MeasureReady M81-SSM (Synchronous Source and Measure) system offers a simple solution for advanced measurement applications. The M81-SSM is intended to reduce the complexity of many function-specific instrumentation setups by integrating the comfort of DC and AC sourcing with DC and AC measurement, including lock-in sensitivity and measurement performance.

M81-SSM. Image Credit: Quantum Design International

M81-SSM Breakout Box. Image Credit: Quantum Design International

The exceptionally low-noise system ensures synchronized measurements from 1 to 3 source and 1 to 3 measurement channels, making it highly suitable for various material and device research applications.

• Simultaneous source module update and measurement module sampling timing across all channels
• All measurement channels have user-selectable DC/AC amplitude and phase detection
• For the lowest source/measure noise, use a linear module power supply architecture
• Every source and measurement channel can handle DC and AC signals up to 100 kHz
• Customized for fundamental, harmonic, and phase AC and DC biased measurements
• Available options for source and measure modules currently include:
  • BCS-10 balanced current source module, VS-10 voltage source, VM-10 voltage measure, and CM-10 current measure

• Connectivity to the PPMS base system is guaranteed by the MeasureLINK application pack and Lake Shore breakout box

Horizontal Rotator

The Horizontal Rotator allows for 360 ° rotation of a transport sample under an applied magnetic field. An automated indexing process with an encoder ensures precise angular positioning, while an onboard thermometer closely monitors the temperature near the sample.

Image Credit: Quantum Design International

• Rotate the sample from -10 ° to 370 ° to adjust the magnetic field orientation relative to the sample.
• Motor options include Standard Resolution (0.0133 °/step) and High Resolution (0.0011 °/step) versions.

Pressure Cell (Transport)

The Transport Pressure Cell Option for the PPMS, provided by ElectroLab, a Japanese supplier of pressure cells, allows up to two 4-probe electrical transport measurements (typically for the sample and a manometer) at pressures up to 2.7 GPa.

Image Credit: Quantum Design International

• Includes manometer materials made of tin and lead.
• Data collection is compatible with any PPMS-compatible QD transport option.

Magnetometry

Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM)

The VSM allows for measuring a sample's magnetic moment as a function of temperature or magnetic field. Magnetic phase transitions and hysteretic behavior are quickly detected, with typical acquisition times for a single data point around 1 second.

Image Credit: Quantum Design International

• Achieves noise levels below 6·10^-7 emu at 300 K using a lock-in measurement technique to separate the sample signal from external mechanical and electronic noise.
• An integrated temperature sensor within the coil set provides local sample thermometry through exchange gas coupling.
• The optional Large Bore Coil Set accommodates a broader range of sample holders with minimal sensitivity loss.

VSM Oven

The VSM Oven enables standard VSM measurements within the temperature range of 300 – 1000 K. It features a unique alumina sample holder with an integrated resistive heater and temperature sensor to locally heat and monitor the sample temperature.

Image Credit: Quantum Design International

• The user kit includes high-temperature Zircar cement and copper radiation shields for sample mounting.
• Noise levels are below 6·10^-6 emu at 300 K.

AC Susceptibility (ACMS II)

The AC Measurement System (ACMS II) uses a mutual induction-based method to measure a sample's dynamic (AC) susceptibility. It also allows for DC magnetization measurements without altering the hardware configuration for ease of use.

Image Credit: Quantum Design International

• AC moment sensitivity of 1·10^-8 emu is achieved through a multi-point automated nulling procedure to reduce background signal contribution.
• AC excitation fields range from 0.05 to 15 Oe, with frequencies between 10 Hz and 10 kHz.
• An automated touch-down procedure maintains sample centering despite large temperature changes.

First Order Reversal Curve (FORC) Software for VSM

First Order Reversal Curve (FORC) measurements and their analysis offer deeper insights into a sample's magnetic reversal mechanisms that traditional major hysteresis loops cannot reveal. The resulting families of curves can expose specific signatures of magnetic reversal processes.

Image Credit: Quantum Design International

• Compatible with any Quantum Design VSM configuration.
• FORC distributions can be displayed in real-time during measurement.

Fiber Optic Sample Holder (FOSH) for VSM

The VSM Fiber Optic Sample Holder (FOSH) directs light into the VSM sample space during a measurement.

Image Credit: Quantum Design International

• The specialized sample rod and holder transmit a broad spectrum of light.
• A standardized fiber connection ensures compatibility with various light sources.

Pressure Cell (Magnetometry)

HMD, a leading Japanese supplier of pressure cells, provides the pressure cell option for magnetometry. Its simplified design eliminates the need for copper sealing rings or a hydraulic press, allowing it to reach a maximum pressure of 1.3 GPa.

Image Credit: Quantum Design International

• Manometer materials include tin and lead.
• BeCu construction ensures a minimal and uniform magnetic background.

Download the Brochure for More Information

Torque Magnetometry

The torque magnetometer measures a sample's magnetic moment by applying a static magnetic field to generate torque on a small cantilever. The torsion is detected using piezoresistive elements, allowing the moment to be studied as a function of magnetic field strength, temperature, or angular orientation relative to the field.

Image Credit: Quantum Design International

• Noise levels in the measured torque are 1·10^-9 N·m (with high sensitivity cantilever).
• An integrated calibration loop is included on the cantilever chip.

Thermal Measurements

Heat Capacity

The Heat Capacity option enables high-precision microcalorimetry experiments to measure a sample's heat capacity as a function of temperature. The software's automated field calibration function can also take static applied magnetic field measurements.

Image Credit: Quantum Design International

• Typical addenda signal is 0.2 μJ/K at 2 K, with a 2 nJ/K signal resolution.
• The software automates the addenda (background) signal collection and performs subtraction to determine the sample's heat capacity.
• Integrated data post-processing tools allow for high-resolution sampling of sharp first-order transitions.

Thermal Transport Option (TTO)

The TTO enables rapid characterization of thermoelectric materials by simultaneously measuring a sample's thermal conductivity, Seebeck coefficient, and electrical resistivity. A continuous data acquisition mode allows for higher-density curves to be collected in less time, improving throughput for typically time-consuming measurements.

Image Credit: Quantum Design International

• The thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) is automatically calculated for quick and convenient data evaluation.
• Included sample mounting supplies accommodate a wide range of materials for measurement.

Dilatometer

The dilatometer option easily identifies subtle changes in a sample's lattice expansion or contraction due to variations in temperature or magnetic field. Its innovative fused-silica construction significantly reduces background signals compared to traditional copper-cell setups, and no expensive absolute capacitance bridge is needed.

Image Credit: Quantum Design International

• Sample dilation signals as small as 10 pm can be resolved (at 2 K).
• Bulk coefficients of thermal expansion and magnetostriction are automatically calculated and reported.
• High-purity copper samples and reference data are provided.

Sub-Kelvin Capabilities

Dilution Refrigerator

The Dilution Refrigerator option provides access to a temperature range from 4 K to 50 mK, the lowest temperature achievable in a PPMS. Its seamless integration ensures temperature control is as straightforward as in the base PPMS, with all gas handling and manifold operations automatically managed by the MultiVu software.

Image Credit: Quantum Design International

• The base temperature of 50 mK is typically reached in about 5 hours when cooling from room temperature.
• A closed-cycle system prevents the loss of the valuable 3He/4He gas mixture during regular operation.
• Compatible measurement options include AC Susceptibility, Heat Capacity, and Electrical Transport.

Helium-3 Refrigerator

The Helium-3 Refrigerator provides access to a temperature range spanning nearly four decades (350 K – 0.4 K). Its seamless integration ensures temperature control is as easy as in the base PPMS, with all gas handling and manifold operations automatically controlled by the MultiVu software.

Image Credit: Quantum Design International

• The base temperature of 0.4 K is typically reached in about 2 hours when cooling from room temperature.
• The closed-cycle system ensures the valuable 3He gas is not lost during regular operation.
• Compatible measurement options include Heat Capacity and Electrical Transport.

Adiabatic Demagnetization Refrigerator (ADR)

With the ADR, the minimum achievable temperature in the PPMS is easily extended to 100 mK. Using the PPMS magnet to leverage the magnetocaloric effect in paramagnetic salt, samples are cooled to 100 mK, allowing electrical transport properties to be measured as the temperature rises back to the nominal PPMS base.

Image Credit: Quantum Design International

• The base temperature of 100 mK is typically reached in about 3 hours when cooling from room temperature.
• Uncontrolled drift up to 1.9 K typically lasts about 2 hours.
• Compatible with all electrical transport options.

Sub-Kelvin Measurements

Several measurement options have been adapted for sub-Kelvin environments, expanding the range over which specific properties can be measured:

• Electrical Transport (ETO/Resistivity): Available for ADR, Helium-3, DR
• Heat Capacity: Available for Helium-3, DR
• AC Susceptibility: Available for DR

Image Credit: Quantum Design International

Multi-Function Probes

For advanced users who wish to build custom experiments inside the PPMS, QD's MFPs offer an interface with the integrated chamber wiring and simplify the process of bringing external connections (electrical, optical, etc.) through the top of the probe. Several variants are available:

• Types A, B, and M offer different socket configurations for electrical access.
• The Photoconductivity Variant features an integrated fiber feedthrough.
• Type C includes only the probe with baffles and no electrical interface.
• The CryoFMR Variant is compatible with the NanOsc CryoFMR Spectrometer.

Image Credit: Quantum Design International

Optical Multi-Function Probe (OMFP)

The OMFP easily achieves optical access to the PPMS sample chamber. The integrated camera imaging system and piezo-positioner capsule simplify identifying and navigating to a region of interest in the sample.

• The camera can resolve features smaller than 5 μm.
• The positioning capsule enables movement in the x, y, and z axes with a full range of 3 mm in each direction.
• Two four-probe channels are available to correlate optical data with electrical transport measurements.

Image Credit: Quantum Design International

FMR Spectroscopy

NanOsc FMR Spectrometers

Broadband FMR spectroscopy enables continuous measurements spanning several tens of GHz. The wide frequency range significantly improves the accuracy of extracting various material parameters that are not accessible through static measurement techniques.

• Calculates effective magnetization (Meff), anisotropy (K), gyromagnetic ratio (γ), damping (α), and inhomogeneous broadening (ΔHO).
• Turn-key FMR spectrometer with an easy-to-use software interface.
• Allows exchange stiffness (A) extraction and inverse spin Hall effect (ISHE).

Image Credit: Quantum Design International

Optics

Optical Multi-Function Probe (OMFP)

Using the OMFP, optical access to the PPMS sample chamber is easy. The integrated camera imaging system and piezo-positioner capsule facilitate straightforward identification and navigation to regions of interest in the sample.

Image Credit: Quantum Design International

• The camera can resolve features smaller than 5 μm.
• The positioning capsule enables movement along the x, y, and z axes with a full range of 3 mm in each direction.
• Two four-probe channels are available for correlating optical data with electrical transport measurements.

Light Sources

For experiments requiring illumination inside the PPMS sample space, two broadband xenon light sources are available:

• The TLX120Xe features a 100 W source and includes a motorized monochromator, allowing light wavelength selection via a sequence command in MultiVu.
• The MLS 300 W source comes with a manual selection filter wheel for passing pre-determined wavelengths of light.

Image Credit: Quantum Design International

Download the Brochure for More Information

Videos

The Ease of Switching PPMS Measurement Options. Video Credit: Quantum Design International