Bluefors Oy
Arinatie 10
00370 Helsinki
FINLAND
Tel: +358 9 5617 4800
Fax: +358 9 386 7335
VAT: FI 2183 2199
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Cool For Progress
LD Dilution Refrigerator System
The LD is our most sold dilution refrigerator measurement system. It has best-in-class heat exchangers with superior performance. The LD400 system typically provides more than 15 μW at 20 mK on the experimental flange with only 18 litres of helium-3. In addition, it has a high cooling power of ∼ 0.5 mW when operated at 100 mK. This well-engineered dilution refrigerator measurement system has a clean and open design with sensitive parts well protected and out of reach for the user – minimal risk of damage during installation of experimental equipment. A single push of a button initiates a fully automated cool-down sequence from room to base temperature.
In addition:
Nine LOS Access Ports
All line-of-sight ports reach from room temperature to mixing chamber.
- 2 x KF63 slotted in all flanges
- 5 x KF40 including central port
- 2 x KF16.
Large Experimental Space
MXC Flange Diameter: 290 mm | 11.42″
Off-center placed dilution unit maximizes useful space on all flanges. Open design permits easy experimental access without being obscured by heat exchangers or system support structure
Superior Performance
- Base temperature well below 10 mK
- Fast cool-down: < 24 hours to 10 mK.
Temperature Controller
The Bluefors Temperature Controller enhance the user experience of our cryogenic systems. With a modern and intuitive user interface, you gain direct control and overview of the system’s temperature status.
The Bluefors Temperature Controller is fully-integrated to all dilution refrigerator measurement systems.
Read more about the Temperature Controller here.
Low Total Cost of Ownership
Oil-free pumps and compressors in gas handling unit guarantee minimal maintenance requirements with service interval up to 3 years. The systems employ only high quality components such as Pfeiffer Vacuum pumps and pressure sensors, VAT vacuum valves and bellows.
OPTIONS
Magnets:
Solenoid
Vector
Special
Wiring:
Twisted pair wiring
Coaxial wiring
Optical fibers
SEE ALSO
Options
Vibration Isolation
We offer improved vibration isolation for experiments that are particularly sensitive to low frequency vibrations (< 1 kHz).
- Basic vibration isolation frame
- Active vibration damping
- GHS isolation frame
- Pulse tube pause system.
Optical Ports
We offer direct optical access to the sample space. The optical ports can be equipped with different window materials and are available in different sizes and configurations. With four 0.5″ optical ports, equipped with our standard fused silica windows, our DR systems still reach a base temperature of < 15 mK.
Magnetic Shielding
We offer magnetic shielding that can be fitted directly to the system (e.g. a magnetic shielding metal cylinder with one end closed inside the lower section of the vacuum can). For magnetic shielding we work together with Amuneal Manufacturing Corp.
Additional Radiation Shields
We offer the possibility for additional EM shielding around the sample space. These shields can be attached to the mixing chamber plate (LD and XLD) and the cold plate (XLD). Standard shields are made from gold-plated copper. Other materials and platings are available upon request.
Long-Life Cold Trap
We have developed a unique long-life cold trap that allows for continuous operation of the system for up to three years. The trap is integrated with the system and does not need any cryogenic liquids to operate (care-free).
4K Heater Kit
Fully automated fast warm-up option, which allows overnight warm-up for our standard LD systems.
LN2 Pre-cooling Loop
Engaging LN2 pre-cooling loop with an external source of liquid nitrogen allows to reduce the cool-down time by ~ 40% in case of a basic system.
Helium Battery
We have developed a solution which enables running experiments at dilution refrigerator temperatures for a limited time with the pulse tube cryo-cooler switched off. Helium gas is condensed into a container installed at the 4K flange. Once the container has been filled with liquid helium, the pulse tube can be switched off and by pumping on the reservoir the 4K flange is cooled sufficiently for the dilution circuit to continue operating. Since this mode of operation involves both a mechanical cryo-cooler as well as cryogenic liquids we call it hybrid cooling. The battery performance is characterized by the hold time i.e. how long the dilution unit can be operated while the pulse tube is switched off. For an empty LD cryostat the hold time is approximately 3.5 hours. Due to the increased heat load at the 4K flange the hybrid system is not compatible with a superconducting magnet and any experimental wiring that would increase the heat load to the 4K flange will also decrease the hold time. In practical cases the hold time is between 2 to 3 hours.
Service Packages and Extended Warranty are available upon request
Technical Specifications
Note: Cooling power is measured on the experimental flange outside MXC.
| LD250 | Guaranteed | Expected |
|---|---|---|
| Base temperature | 10 mK | 8 mK |
| Cooling power @ 20 mK | 12 μW | 14 μW |
| Cooling power @ 100 mK | 250 μW | 300 μW |
| Cooling power @ 120 mK | 360 μW | 400 μW |
| Cool-down time to base | 24 hrs | 22 hrs |
| LD400 | Guaranteed | Expected |
|---|---|---|
| Base temperature | 10 mK | 8 mK |
| Cooling power @ 20 mK | 14 μW | 16 μW |
| Cooling power @ 100 mK | 400 μW | 450 μW |
| Cooling power @ 120 mK | 575 μW | 650 μW |
| Cool-down time to base | 24 hrs | 22 hrs |
Performance Graphs
1
2
3
4
5
6
1
Start cool-down
2
Start pulse pre-cooling
3
Stop pulse pre-cooling
4
Start mixture condensation
5
Stop mixture condensation
6
Normal circulation mode
Above are cool-down 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, MXC shield, additional sample mounting plate and large amount of DC and RF cabling.
Pulse pre-cooling sequence (see spots 2 and 3) is one of the key points in reducing the cool-down time. Because we do not use exchange gas some parts of the DR unit stay ‘hot’ on cool down, which prevents condensation of the mixture. By repeatedly admitting the mixture from the tanks through the low impedance still side of the DR and then pumping it out again, these hot spots are effectively cooled down.
Typical Layout
Each of our systems is designed to be installed to a specific location defined in advance. A separate layout drawing is made for each Bluefors system, which should always be referred to for exact dimensions.
1
1
Oil-free pumps and compressors in Bluefors’ gas handling unit guarantee minimal maintenance requirements with service interval up to 3 years.
Technical Requirements
The basic requirements are 3-phase electricity, cooling water, 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.
Contact our sales team for questions, requests and Pre-Installation Guide.