Facility
The Low-Temperature Laboratory (LLTL) proudly presents four cutting-edge microkelvin platforms—ND1, ND2, ND3, and ND4—each a marvel of technology and innovation offering high-performance, large access and rapid turnaround. These platforms harness the power of Oxford Instruments dilution refrigerators, complemented by copper or PrNi5 nuclear adiabatic demagnetization stages, to unlock the mysteries of the quantum world, enabling measurements as low as 100 µK under magnetic fields up to 9T.
Equipped with state-of-the-art SQUID-based amplifiers, our platforms offer a rich fabric of measurement capabilities, from NMR and electrical and thermal transport to heat capacity, microwave circuitry, and nanomechanical motion analysis. Our commitment to advancing the frontiers of low-temperature science is exemplified through pioneering techniques, such as nanofluidic confinement and the realisation of low-dimensional quantum materials.
Beyond these platforms, LLTL boasts a range of traditional wet and cryogen-free dilution refrigerators, backed by essential resources, including a TCF20 Linde helium liquefier and well-equipped mechanical and electrical workshops.
ND1 Microkelvin Platform
Explore ND1, where cutting-edge technology meets ultra-low temperatures down to 100μK. Our Microkelvin Platform boasts state-of-the-art SQUID-based amplifiers, enabling broadband NMR, rapid temperature sensing from 100μK to 4K, and precise heat capacity measurements from 100μK to 100mK.
ND2 Microkelvin Platform
Discover ND2, a hub of cutting-edge low-temperature research. Our facility features a robust copper nuclear adiabatic demagnetization stage in conjunction with an Oxford Instruments Kelvinox high-access dilution refrigerator. With our state-of-the-art SQUID-based amplifiers and access to temperatures as low as 200μK, ND2 is our gateway to exploring topological superfluidity, early universe phase transitions, and the search for groundbreaking topological superconductivity.
ND3 Microkelvin Platform
Uncover the extraordinary world of ND3 Microkelvin Platform, where precision meets innovation at microkelvin temperatures. Equipped with cutting-edge SQUID-based technology and a versatile sample environment, ND3 is our portal to exploring quantum materials, superconductivity, and quantum phenomena with unparalleled accuracy.
ND4
Our remarkable nuclear demagnetization refrigerator, a pioneering cryogen-free system that unlocks the microkelvin temperature range. At its heart lies a specially engineered PrNi5 nuclear adiabatic demagnetization stage, enabling measurements as low as 395 µK. Imagine a “lunchtime” precool of about 2 hours—a quirky feature of this unique technology, where science meets a good meal! This refrigerator offers ultra-low-temperature, low-electromagnetic-noise environment, laying the groundwork for a diverse array of scientific applications in quantum materials and quantum information science.”
Bigpot
Bigpot is a wet dilution refrigerator known for its enlarged 1K pot, from which its name is derived. Specifically configured for microwave cavity optomechanics experiments with nanomechanical devices and superfluid acoustic resonators, this refurbished and modernized Oxford Instrument refrigerator is a crucial tool in our cutting-edge quantum optomechanics activities.
