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Ultra-Compact LD

Dilution Refrigerator Measurement System

The Ultra-Compact LD System is an all-in-one, ultra-compact cryogenic measurement system based on our LD systems.

Highlights
Technical Specifications
Pulse Tube
Options
Performance Graphs
Layout and Facility Requirements
Contact Sales

The Ultra-Compact LD System is an all-in-one, ultra-compact cryogenic measurement system based on our LD systems.

The new, compact, cryogenic measurement system is ideal for laboratory environments with limited space, or as a solution for high-performance computing (HPC) data centers where multiple units need to be installed in the same space. It is built to operate silently with low vibration, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments.

The layout integrates the cryostat, gas handling system, and pulse tube compressor into a single unit, and adds generous rack space for measurement electronics to create a tidy, easy-to-access, compact system – without compromising performance.

Product Highlights

1.0

Ultra-Compact LD

Dilution Refrigerator Measurement System

Compact. Flexible. Accessible.

As an all-in-one system, the Ultra-Compact LD gives you the freedom to place the system wherever you need it in your lab. And when it comes to operating and carrying out experiments, the system includes an integrated 19” rack with 10U space for additional measurement electronics.

Designed with accessibility in mind, doors provide easy access to the Gas Handling System, measurement electronics and the pulse tube compressor.

The cryostat vacuum cans are available in two configurations, a 2-section version offering 237 mm experimental space, or a 3-section version offering a vast 510 mm experimental space.

Proven LD System Performance

The Ultra-Compact LD system is available in two system configurations:

  • Ultra-Compact LD250
  • Ultra-Compact LD400

The system shares the same performance specifications as our standard LD400 or LD250 systems, delivering power, flexibility, and ease of use. There are a variety of access ports for experimental wiring, with 2 x ISO-K63 slotted in all flanges, and 5 x KF40 including a central port.

The large mixing chamber flange diameter of 294 mm (11.42”) provides easy, full access to an experimental space that can be cooled to a base temperature of < 10 mK in less than 24 hours.

Silent Operation

The sound level is 8-14 dB lower compared to the standard LD system in a frame. The silent operation is ideal for labs where the measurement system is installed in the same space as users’ workstations.

Integrated Mounting Rack

A 19” mounting rack with 10U free space for measurement equipment is integrated into the Ultra-Compact LD frame, with the possibility to route wiring neatly through the frame for a clean installation.

Vibration Dampening

The system utilizes multiple dampening solutions, to deliver low-vibration operation. The pulse tube ballast tanks and remote motor have their own vibration isolation. The pulse tube compressor is installed on a vibration isolation platform, and the frame has been made extra rigid by the use of diagonal frame supports.

Same Versatility as LD Systems

Bluefors offers a vast catalog of performance-optimized measurement infrastructure, and a selection of superconducting magnets (with less than 3 Tesla z-axis field available for the UC-LD).

Additional options include a Long-Life Cold Trap that allows the system to remain cold for up to 3 years, additional radiation and magnetic shielding, a Helium battery, and other options available for our LD systems.

Gas Handling System Generation 2

The Ultra-Compact LD system utilizes the recently released Gas Handling System Generation 2, featuring a new multi-stage roots main circulation pump for reliable, silent, maintenance-free operation.

The new Generation 2 Control Software offers unmatched ease-of-use with automation, a best-in-class data viewer with system logs, and cryogenic state awareness.

Services

Total System Care

Total System Care enables you to focus on your own work – doing research and measurements. The service ensures that systems operate at the best possible performance level and with maximal uptime, without users needing to spend time maintaining the systems themselves.

Learn more

Technical Specifications

2.0

Ultra-Compact LD

Dilution Refrigerator Measurement System

Note: Cooling power is measured from experimental flange outside the Mixing Chamber. Cooldown time to base temperature is measured from an empty system with standard sample space and shield set.

Ultra-Compact LD400GuaranteedExpected
Base temperature 10 mK8 mK
Cooling power at 20 mK14 μW16 μW
Cooling power at 100 mK400 μW500 μW
Cooling power at 120 mK575 μW650 μW
MXC Flange Diameter294 mm
Cooldown time to base
temperature		24 h22 h

Ultra-Compact LD250GuaranteedExpected
Base temperature 10 mK8 mK
Cooling power at 20 mK12 μW14 μW
Cooling power at 100 mK250 μW300 μW
Cooling power at 120 mK360 μW400 μW
MXC Flange Diameter294 mm
Cooldown time to base
temperature		24 h22 h

Gas Handling System & Control Software Generation 2

Pulse Tube Cryocooler Configurations

3.0

Ultra-Compact LD

Dilution Refrigerator Measurement System

Cryomech Pulse Tube Cryocoolers with remote motors provide cryogenic cooling power to the dilution refrigerator measurement system without the need for liquid cryogens. The cooldown time of the system partly depends on the selected pulse tube power.

There are four pulse tube models available for the Ultra-Compact LD System:

The upgraded pulse tube models provide increased cooling power at the 4K Flange, and the PT310-RM configuration provides a 20% increase in MXC Flange cooling power. Learn more here.

Options

4.0

Ultra-Compact LD

Dilution Refrigerator Measurement System

Faster turnaround options

4K Heater

4K Heater

The 4K Heater is a fully automated fast warm-up option, which decreases the warm-up time for our cryogenic measurement systems.
LN2 Pre-Cooling Loop

LN2 Pre-Cooling Loop

The Liquid Nitrogen (LN2) Pre-Cooling Loop can be pre-installed in our systems at the factory to achieve faster cooldown.
Still Heat Pipe

Still Heat Pipe

The Still Heat Pipe is a passive component that reduces cooldown time by 10-15%, and improves turnaround time.

Shield options

Additional Radiation Shields

Additional Radiation Shields

We offer the possibility for additional electromagnetic shielding around the experimental space.
Magnetic Shielding

Magnetic Shielding

Magnetic shielding provides protection for samples from interference caused by magnetic fields.

Gas Handling System options

Industrial PC

Industrial PC

The high-performance industrial PC offers fully independent and versatile operation of the Bluefors dilution refrigerator measurement system.
Service Booster

Service Booster

The Service Booster is a dedicated turbomolecular pump for vacuum pumping, enabling more secure operation of the system.

Other options

Additional Sensors

Additional Sensors

Additional temperature sensors can be integrated into the system for comprehensive diagnostics and measurements.
Helium Battery

Helium Battery

The Helium Battery makes it possible to run experiments at mK temperatures for a limited time with the pulse tube cryocooler turned off.
Long-Life Cold Trap

Long-Life Cold Trap

The Long-Life Cold Trap enables the continuous operation of the system for up to three years.

Performance Graphs

5.0

Ultra-Compact LD

Dilution Refrigerator Measurement System

1Start cooldown
6Normal circulation mode
5Stop mixture condensation
4Start mixture condensation
3Stop pulse pre-cooling
2Start pulse pre-cooling

Above are cooldown curves for three different configurations of LD systems measured with calibrated resistance thermometers.

  • System 1: basic LD with LN2 pre-cool
  • System 2: basic LD
  • System 3: LD with 100 mm extra sample space, Mixing Chamber shield, additional sample mounting plate, and large amount of DC and RF cabling.

The Pulse Pre-Cooling sequence is one of the key points in reducing the cooldown time (see spots 2 and 3). Because we do not use exchange gas, some parts of the dilution refrigerator unit stay ‘hot’ on cool down, which prevents condensation of the helium3 –helium-4 mixture. To cool down these hot spots effectively, the mixture is repeatedly admitted from the tanks to the Still side of the dilution refrigerator to operate as an exchange gas and then pumped out again.

Services

Customer Care

We support our customers throughout the lifetime of their system, providing dedicated care to find solutions for any issues. Our technicians and engineers are ready to help you wherever you are located, with prompt service delivered either remotely or on-site.

Learn more

Layout and Facility Requirements

6.0

Ultra-Compact LD

Dilution Refrigerator Measurement System

Layout Overview

Ultra-Compact LD Layout with callouts
1. Gas Handling System, 2. Thermometry Unit and 10U of free rack space, 3. cryostat and its support frame, 4. pulse tube cryocooler compressor (inside the frame)

The Ultra-Compact LD System is designed with a pre-determined lab layout.

Facility Requirements

The basic requirements are 3-phase electricity, cooling water, and compressed air. The full list of requirements and specification details can be found in the Pre-Installation Guide, please contact our sales team for a copy.

LD Systems Empowering Research

See Also

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Bluefors Systems
Options for an existing Bluefors System
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Accessories for an existing Cryomech System
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