Quantum Design PPMSSometimes crystals only show their true colors under low temperatures, magnetic fields, or currents. Our PPMS systems help us uncover any mysteries they may hide and crack the case.
Featuring Eran Maniv and Shannon Haley
Quantum Design MPMS SQUID MagnetometerOne of the best ways of investigating magnetism is a SQUID. SQUIDs use Josephson junctions to sense even the smallest magnetic fields. This helps us scan our crystals and decipher the magnetism puzzles of today.
Focused Ion Beam (FIB)Sometimes crystals don't come out the right shape. What do we do? We blast it into the right shape! Gallium ions can be used to form the shape of a crystal's surface to make it easier to make contacts and create devices that we can measure.
Featuring Shannon Haley
NanofabricationWe also use lithography to create devices for our measurements, especially on our smallest samples. Here's Oski, our school mascot, holding a silicon wafer in the nanolab.
Dilution RefrigeratorIn order to investigate quantum criticality, it helps to be as close to absolute zero as possible. A dilution refrigerator exploits the unique characteristics of a 3He/4He mixture in order to reach temperatures as low as 20 mK. Our dilution refrigerator can additionally apply a substantial field in almost any orientation, so as to really push the samples to their limit.
Resonant Ultrasound SpectroscopyResonant ultrasound spectroscopy allows us to measure the elastic moduli of a crystal as a function of temperature. The elastic moduli are deeply connected with symmetries of the crystal, allowing us to understand what symmetries are broken or preserved throughout the measurement. In our group, we use this to study what may be controlling phase transitions to answer questions such as: Is this phase transition structural, electronic, or magnetic?
Resonant ultrasound spectroscopy allows us to measure the elastic moduli of a crystal as a function of temperature. The elastic moduli are deeply connected with symmetries of the crystal, allowing us to understand what symmetries are broken or preserved throughout the measurement. In our group, we use this to study what may be controlling phase transitions to answer questions such as: Is this phase transition structural, electronic, or magnetic?
Sometimes, we need extra help from our friends. We travel to other user facilities to help us peer into our crystals using special techniques and instruments we don't have at home. We often like to visit:
