Ultra-Compact LD System – Now Available
Bluefors today announced the immediate availability of their new Ultra-Compact LD dilution refrigerator system – an all-in-one, compact cryogenic measurement system ideal for lab environments with limited space.
The Ultra-Compact LD integrates all the necessary components of the dilution refrigerator – a Bluefors LD cryostat, Gas Handling System Generation 2 and pulse tube compressor – into one tidy, easy-to-access, compact system that incorporates generous rack space for measurement electronics, and can be placed anywhere in a lab.
Smart. Quiet. Flexible.
The Ultra-Compact LD is based on the world’s most widely-used dilution refrigerator, the Bluefors LD – a proven and highly versatile cryogenic measurement system that can be customized for many different use cases.
The system introduces a number of new and improved features designed to bring an enhanced user experience and more flexibility to customers, allowing it to be utilized in host of applications, for example where space is at a premium, or in high-performance computing (HPC) centers.
With an all-in-one design, the Ultra-Compact LD introduces a series of innovative engineering solutions to deliver silent, low-vibration operation. The pulse tube compressor is installed on a vibration isolation platform, and the frame has been made extra rigid using diagonal frame supports. In addition, both the pulse tube ballast tanks and remote motor have their own vibration isolation.
These vibration mitigation techniques combined with additional design considerations also result in quieter operation. The Ultra-Compact LD operates at sound levels 8-14 dB lower than standard Bluefors LD systems. This reduced noise footprint complements the compact layout, allowing the new system perfect to be installed in the same laboratory space as users’ workstations.
Proven LD Performance. All-in-one Powerhouse.
With Bluefors’ experience in quantum technology cooling solutions, the Ultra-Compact LD system benefits from all the advances that Bluefors has introduced to the field in recent years.
The system utilizes the latest Generation 2 Gas Handling System introduced in 2024, featuring a new multi-stage roots main circulation pump for reliable, silent, maintenance-free operation. The advanced Control Software Generation 2 delivers unmatched ease-of-use with automation, a best-in-class data viewer with system logs, and cryogenic state awareness.
By sharing the same design principles, the Ultra-Compact LD offers easy access to the Gas Handling System and also the integrated pulse tube compressor, simply by opening the panel doors. An integrated 19” rack featuring 10U for additional measurement electronics, makes for a clean and tidy installation.
A Comprehensive Measurement Infrastructure Solution
One of the many benefits of basing the new system on the existing LD platform is the vast catalog of performance-optimized measurement infrastructure already available.
The Ultra-Compact LD is available in two system configurations:
| Ultra-Compact LD250 | Ultra-Compact LD400 | |
| Expected cooling power at 20 mK | 14 μW | 16 μW |
| Expected cooling power at 100 mK | 300 μW | 500 μW |
Both configurations feature a large mixing chamber flange diameter of 294 mm (11.42”) offering full access to an experimental space that can be cooled to a base temperature of < 10 mK in less than 24 hours.
The standard system includes a 2-section vacuum can that offers 237 mm experimental space. A 3-section vacuum can option increases this to 510 mm, making it possible to add, a selection of superconducting magnets (with ≤ 3 Tesla z-axis field magnets available).
Additional options that increase system performance or functionality 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.
Ultra-Compact LD – Cool Power for Progress
Bluefors Dilution Refrigerator Measurement Systems are renowned for their unmatched reliability, with over 1400 units in operation worldwide.
The new Ultra-Compact LD system is a further example of Bluefors pushing the boundaries of ultra-low temperature cooling, helping customers succeed in achieving their goals by offering them the most powerful and flexible cryogenic solutions available.
For further information about the new Ultra-Compact LD cryogenic measurement system, please contact our sales engineers.