SCIENTIFIC & TECHNICAL SERVICES

Low Temperatures & Magnetometry

A magnetometry service and low temperature measurements platform for magnetic and electrical characterization of advanced materials under controlled magnetic field and temperature conditions.

Request Service

Equipment

Sample Preparation

Magnetic and electrical measurements under extreme conditions

The Low Temperatures & Magnetometry Service supports ICMAB research lines that rely on magnetic and electric properties of materials.

The service provides precise measurements under controlled external magnetic field and temperature conditions, using SQUID-based magnetometers, PPMS systems and low temperature high-field instrumentation.

Its facilities are available to ICMAB research groups and external users, with a User Committee supervising the proper operation and optimisation of the service.

Main service capabilities

A scientific platform for magnetometry, electrical transport and low temperature measurements of advanced functional materials.

SQUID magnetometry

High-sensitivity magnetization measurements from 2 K to 400 K and fields up to ±70 kOe.

Electrical transport

Resistivity, magnetoresistance, Hall effect and critical current measurements using PPMS systems.

Low temperature & high field

Measurements down to 1.3 K and magnetic fields up to ±160 kOe with the ICE-Oxford system.

Sample guidance

Technical support for sample preparation, accepted formats and data delivery procedures.

Request Service

Access procedures differ for ICMAB users and external users. The service provides SQUID and PPMS request forms and direct technical contact for measurement planning.

ICMAB users

Download and print the PDF request form. Please, be as concise as possible when specifying the details of the measurement. Remember that experiments are validated by the IP electronically.
Place the samples together with the printed service form at the “Entrance” shelves in the Service Sample closet located at the corridor next to the laboratory at the ground floor (P0)

For any question about the details of the measurement, contact to the Service Technician Bernat Bozzo (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., ext 436182, Office 1.32) or Ferran Vallès (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., ext 436172, office 1.33)

SQUID

PPMS

External users

Contact to the Service Technician, Bernat Bozzo (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., ext 436182 Office 1.32) or Ferran Vallès (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., ext 436172, Office 1.33) in order to arrange the details of the measurement.
A quotation will be prepared and sent to you.
Send us an order form, indicating the quotation number we provided by email.

Equipment

The service is equipped with SQUID-based magnetometers, PPMS systems and high-field low temperature instrumentation for advanced magnetic and electrical characterization.

Quantum Design MPMS-XL

This magnetometer is based on a SQUID detector that is able to determine extremelly low magnetization signals present in the material under study. This magnetization can be evaluated under several conditions of external magnetic field and temperature. The core system consists of a superconducting longitudinal solenoid able to generate mangetic fields up to 70kOe. The system has also able to precisely control the temperature at the sample space at any value from 2K to 400K with a stability condition of les than 0.1% of oscillation.

Maximum field: ±70kOe
Temperature range: 2K-400K
Two measurement modes: DC (continuous sample motion through the picking coils) and RSO (oscillatory motion through the pickup coils)
Sensivity at zero applied field, magnet in persistent mode: 10-5emu for DC mode, 10-7emu for RSO mode

UItra-Low field option: Useful for ensuring real zero field cooling processes, since the option is able to cancel the mangetic field at a certain working point. Edit

Quantum Design MPMS-3

The MPMS-3 system is the new generation of SQUID detector based magnetometers. It offers an enchanced performance of temperature stabilization, magnetic field stability when compared to those exhibited by the MPMS-XL system. This fact reduces the measurement noise, allowing the obtention of cleaner measurements for those samples with extremelly low magnetic moment. The core system consists of a superconducting longitudinal solenoid able to generate mangetic fields up to 70kOe. The system has also able to precisely control the temperature at the sample space at any value from 2K to 400K with a stability condition of less than 0.1% of oscillation.

SPECIFICATIONS

Maximum field: ±70kOe
Temperature range: 2K-400K
Two measurement modes: DC (continuous sample motion through the pick-up coils) and VSM (vibration sample motion around the center of the pick-up coils)
Sensivity at low field: 10-7emu for DC mode, 10-8emu for VSM mode

Quantum Design PPMS System

Core system

PPMS System bundles the same core system as the MPMS-XL, except for the SQUID detection system. A pinout system is available instead, thus making it possible to electrically contact the sample under study and measure its transport properties (resistance, Hall effect, magnetoresistance…). The core system makes possible to generate magnetic fields up to 90kOe and to control the sample space temperature to any value between 2K and 400K with a stability condition of less than 0.1% of oscillation. PPMS is not only limited to electrical measurements, since the electrical contacts at the sample chamber can be used as an interface to more sofisticated measurement systems such as a VSM magnetometer, AC Susceptometer…

Specifications

Maximum field: ±90kOe
Temperature range: 2K – 400K (some setups modify this range, see below for more information)

MEASUREMENTS OPTIONS

Resistivity

PPMS system is bundled with a current source and a voltmeter multiplexed to three channels that can determine the resistance of three samples quasi-simultaneously using four point measurement approach. Swithing between one sample and next is done automatically and cyclically several times per second. Option can be used for the determination of the resistivity, magnetoresistance and Hall effect of the material under study. Its speficications allow the determination of resistances ranging from mOhm to approximmately 20MOhm. Sample rotator can be used with this option.

Specifications

Current: 5nA to 5mA. DC current or square wave AC (plus/minus current)
Voltage limit: 0.1mV to 95mV
Power limit: 10nW to 1mW

AC Transport

AC Transport uses a waveform generator able to produce driving signals that are used by the current source to produce alternating currents. The bundled voltmeter measures the voltage and the measured signal is treated using a Lock-in based software. Hardware is multiplexed to two channels, so that two samples can be measured during the same session. Related software is prepared for measuring:

Sample resistivity
IV characteristics
Hall effect
Superconducting critical current

Sample rotator can be used with this option.

Specifications:

Amplitude range: 10uA to 2A
Frequency range: 10Hz to 10kHz
Voltmeter scale ranges: 40uV to 5V

ACMS

With this option, PPMS can be used as a magnetometer. The option hardware provides the possibility to be used as DC extraction magnetometer or an AC Susceptometer.

Specifications:

Driving field amplitude: 0.1Oe to 15Oe
Frequency range: 10Hz to 10kHz
Working temperature range: 2K to 350K
Sensibility of DC extraction: 1e-5 emu
Sensibility of AC susceptibility: 1e-8 emu

VSM

VSM based magnetometers provide a fast and precise method for the determination of the DC magnetization of a material. An specially built sample holder that contains a heater allows to extend the working temperature up to 1000K.

Specifications:

Sensibility: 1e-6 emu
Temperature range: 2K to 300K for normal measurements, 300K to 1000K is oven sample holder is used

ICE-Oxford WET ICE 1.5K 50MM MAGNETO

Core system

This system is a Nitrogen shielded wet cryostat with a useful 4He volume of 100L and useful N2 volume of 135L. The system is supplied with a compatible top loading dynamic Variable Temperature Insert (VTI) and integrated magnet support system that houses a 16T solenoid magnet. Two bespoke 1.5K top loading probes have been designed for electrical transport measurements within the 50mm bore VTI. These are fitted with high current leads and rotation stage for electrical transport measurements

Specifications

Maximum field: ±160kOe. Homogeneity 0.1% over 10mm
Temperature range: 1.3K-325K
Temperature stability: <±5mK below 10K, <±10mK between 10-200K,<±50mK 200-300K, <±100mK for temperatures > 300K
50 mm bore

MEASUREMENTS OPTIONS

10A Insert

Measurements

Sample resistivity
Superconducting critical current
In-plane and out-of-plane orientations

Specifications

Current ranges: 10 nA to 7A (DC), or 10 A (Pulsed Current)
Voltmeter scale ranges: 1 nV to 100 V
Maximum sample length: 30 mm

300A Insert

Measurements

Sample resistivity
Superconducting critical current
Sample rotator (90º range with 0.5º accuracy)

Specifications

Current ranges: up to 300 A (Pulsed Current)
Voltmeter scale ranges: 1 nV to 100 V
Maximum sample length: 25 mm

Sample preparation

Due to the nature of the instrumentation, restrictions apply to the type and preparation of samples. Review the specific requirements before submitting samples to the service.

MPMS-XL & MPMS3

Powder

Material in powder form must be delivered inside gelatine or pollycarbonate capsules and the user is responsible of putting the powder inside the capsules. User must ensure that no powder can escape from the capsule, so that equipment contamination is avoided.
Do not manipulate the material with potentially magnetic tweezers, spatules, etc. since it could introduce false contributions to the magnetic signal.
Gelatin capsules degrade with humidity. Avoid its contact to any polar solvents or direct contact to skin.
For ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic materials, it is advised to look for the expected saturation magnetization and limit the mass if the expected magnetic moment would be larger than 0.5emu.
NO LIQUID SAMPLES ARE ALLOWED. IF ANY SOLVENT IS USED, IT MUST BE FIRST EVAPORATED!
Capsules are provided by the service.

Thin films

Sample width cannot be greater than 6mm. Despite there is no theoretical limitation on the height, it is advised to be as short as possible in order not to degrade the reliability of the reported value.
The ideal form factor is a square of 5x5mm2
Make sure that the back side of the substrate does not contain any trace of silver paste, sticky tape or any other material that could eventually trap metallic particles.

Bulk samples

Sample width cannot be greater than 6mm. Despite there is no theoretical limitation on the height, it is advised to be as short as possible in order not to degrade the reliability of the reported value.
Due to the large amount of mass, user should ensure that the expected magnetic moment is not larger than 0.5emu. If so, it should be considered the possibility of further reducing the sample size.
If the material under study is brittle a gelatin capsule or any other kind of protection must be used in order to avoid to contaminate the sample chamber.

Other samples

Contact to the Service Technician in order to study the case.

PPMS - Resistivity & AC Transport

Only bulk samples or thin films can be measured by this technique.
Sample must be contacted to the puk sample holder using a four-wire schema. Wire-bonding contacts and silver paste assisted contacts can be used depending on the nature of the sample.
Wires and silver paste are not provided by the service.
Wire-bonding facility is available in the Nanoquim platform.
Service can lend sample holders for both AC Transport and Resistivity options (rotator version and regular version) for a limited period of time.
Contact to the Service Manager for more details.

PPMS -VSM Low Temperature

Powder

Material in powder form must be delivered inside gelatine or pollycarbonate capsules and the user is responsible of putting the powder inside the capsules. User must ensure that no powder can escape from the capsule, so that equipment contamination is avoided.
Do not manipulate the material with potentially magnetic tweezers, spatules, etc. since it could introduce false contributions to the magnetic signal.
Gelatin capsules degrade with humidity. Avoid its contact to any polar solvents or direct contact to skin.
NO LIQUID SAMPLES ARE ALLOWED. IF ANY SOLVENT IS USED, IT MUST BE FIRST EVAPORATED!
Capsules are provided by the service.

Thin films

Sample width cannot be greater than 10mm. Despite there is no theoretical limitation on the height, it is advised to be as short as possible in order not to degrade the reliability of the reported value.
The ideal form factor is a square of 5x5mm2
Make sure that the back side of the substrate does not contain any trace of silver paste, sticky tape or any other material that could eventually trap metallic particles.

Bulk samples

Sample width cannot be greater than 10mm. Despite there is no theoretical limitation on the height, it is advised to be as short as possible in order not to degrade the reliability of the reported value.
If the material under study is brittle a gelatin capsule or any other kind of protection must be used in order to avoid to contaminate the sample chamber.

Other samples

Contact to the Service Technician in order to study the case.

PPMS-VSM Oven

The experimental setup limits sample width to 3mm. Sample will be mounted using Al2O3 cement diluted with water. Please, ensure that this glue system does not harm your material.
Powder samples should be pressed into pellets or embedded with other matrix material that does not degrade at high temperature. Al2O3 cement can be used in this case.
Bulk samples and thin films can be used with no problem as long as their width is less than 3mm.

Please, contact to the Service Manager for more details

PPMS-AC Susceptibility

Powder

Material in powder form must be delivered inside gelatine or pollycarbonate capsules and the user is responsible of putting the powder inside the capsules. User must ensure that no powder can escape from the capsule, so that equipment contamination is avoided.
Do not manipulate the material with potentially magnetic tweezers, spatules, etc. since it could introduce false contributions to the magnetic signal.
Gelatin capsules degrade with humidity. Avoid its contact to any polar solvents or direct contact to skin.
NO LIQUID SAMPLES ARE ALLOWED. IF ANY SOLVENT IS USED, IT MUST BE FIRST EVAPORATED!
Capsules are provided by the service.

Thin films

Sample width cannot be greater than 6mm. Despite there is no theoretical limitation on the height, it is advised to be as short as possible in order not to degrade the reliability of the reported value.
The ideal form factor is a square of 5x5mm2
Make sure that the back side of the substrate does not contain any trace of silver paste, sticky tape or any other material that could eventually trap metallic particles.

Bulk samples

Sample width cannot be greater than 6mm. Despite there is no theoretical limitation on the height, it is advised to be as short as possible in order not to degrade the reliability of the reported value.
If the material under study is brittle a gelatin capsule or any other kind of protection must be used in order to avoid to contaminate the sample chamber.

ICE-OXFORD 16T

Sample mounting is highly dependant on the sample type. No standard instruccions can be provided.

Contact Ferran Vallès (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) for more details.

Data delivery

Measurement data is automatically copied to the local service network resource once the session is completed. External users can request delivery by email or removable media.

Data delivery

The data corresponding to the measurements is automatically copied to the Service local network resource (\\neolabs\labbtym) once a measurement session is finished.

Output data format is, by default, comma separated values with the relevant measurement fields included. Other secondary data fields are omitted.

If requested, original or RAW data files or data in other formats can also be delivered.

PLEASE, FIND YOUR DATA AT THE FOLLOWING LOCAL NETWORK FOLDERS:

Equipment Network resource

MPMS XL-7T (S1) \\neolabs\labbtym\SQUID I
MPMS-3 (SQUID-VSM) \\neolabs\labbtym\SQUIDVSM
PPMS (P2) \\neolabs\labbtym\PPMS II
PPMS (P3) \\neolabs\labbtym\PPMS III
ICE-16T \\neolabs\labbtym\ICE-OXFORD-16T

External users or users not having access to the ICMAB local network can have their data emailed or copied to removable media upon request.