Physical Property Measurement System (PPMS)

The CMC is proud to offer the Quantum Design PPMS DynaCool, a state-of-the-art, cryogen-free system for advanced physical property measurements. Equipped with a 9 T superconducting magnet and a dilution refrigerator option, the PPMS DynaCool enables precise measurements from 50 mK to 400 K, making it ideal for studying quantum materials, magnetic properties, and electrical transport phenomena. Its low-vibration environment and high-vacuum capabilities (<10^-4 Torr) ensure reliable data for both academic research and industry applications.

 

Key Features

• Temperature Range: 50 mK to 400 K with continuous low-temperature control and smooth transitions through 4.2 K.
• Magnetic Field: Up to 9 T, with precise field sweep modes.
• Cryogen-Free Operation: Uses a two-stage pulse tube cooler, eliminating the need for liquid cryogens.
• Automated Operation: Fully compatible with multiple measurement options, controlled via Quantum Design’s MultiVu software.
• High Vacuum: Integrated cryopump for ultra-clean measurement conditions.

 

Available Measurement Options

• Electrical Transport
  
  • AC Resistance (ETO): Measures resistances from 10 μΩ to 5 GΩ using 4-probe (10 μΩ–10 MΩ) or 2-probe high-impedance modes (2 MΩ–5 GΩ). Supports simultaneous two-channel measurements and automated I-V curve collection for ohmic contact verification.
  • DC Resistance: Measures resistances from 10 μΩ to 5 MΩ in 4-probe configuration, with source currents from 2 nA to 8 mA. Configurable to protect sensitive samples by limiting voltage, current, or power.
  • Van der Pauw – Hall Transport: Automates resistivity and Hall coefficient measurements for uniform samples, calculating carrier concentration and sheet resistance with high accuracy. Includes an I-V curve utility for contact validation.
• Magnetometry
  • Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM): Measures magnetic moments with a sensitivity of <6·10^-7 emu at 300 K. Ideal for studying phase transitions and hysteresis, with acquisition times of ~1 second per datum. Includes a local temperature sensor for precise thermometry.
  • AC Susceptibility (ACMS II): Measures dynamic susceptibility with a sensitivity of 1·10^-8 emu, using AC fields from 0.05 to 15 Oe (10 Hz–10 kHz). Supports DC magnetization measurements without hardware changes.
  • Torque Magnetometry: Detects magnetic moments via cantilever torsion, with noise levels of 1·10^-9 N·m. Suitable for field, temperature, or angular dependence studies.
• Thermal Measurements
  • Heat Capacity: Enables high-precision microcalorimetry from 50 mK, with a resolution of 2 nJ/K at 2 K. Automated background subtraction and post-processing tools resolve sharp first-order transitions.
  • Thermal Transport Option (TTO): Simultaneously measures thermal conductivity, Seebeck coefficient, and electrical resistivity for thermoelectric materials. Calculates the figure of merit (ZT) for rapid evaluation.
• Sample Orientation
  •  Horizontal Rotator: Rotates samples from -10° to 370° in a magnetic field, with standard resolution (0.0133°/step) for precise angular positioning.

For information on fees and scheduling, please visit our User Fees page.