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Cryogenic-free VSM and ETO measurement system – Quantum Design, VersaLab (VERSALAB)

Cryogenic-free VSM and ETO measurement system – Quantum Design, VersaLab

Guarantor:
Viktor Danchuk

Instrument status:
Operational Operational, 3.3.2026 09:03

Equipment placement:
CEITEC Nano - C1.56

This cryogen-free physical property measurement system (VERSALAB) is suitable for magnetic and electrical characterization. It is a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) with an electrical transport option (ETO), capable to apply a magnetic field up to 3 T within a temperature range from 50 K up to 400 K. In addition, it has an oven option for the VSM to extend the temperature up to 1000 K.

Publications:

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Photogallery:

Specification:

The VersaLab VSM option is a fast and sensitive DC magnetometer that consists primarily of a linear motor transport (VSM head) for vibrating the sample and a coil set for detection (pickup coil). The basic measurement is performed by oscillating the sample near the pickup coil and synchronously detecting the voltage induced. With a relatively large oscillation amplitude (1–3 mm peak) and a frequency of 40 Hz, the system can resolve magnetization changes of less than 1 µemu with 1 s data averaging. Two sets of coils (standard  and large) are available for different sample sizes. In case of flat samples (e.g. thin film on substrate) measurements in both in-plane and out-of-plane configurations are possible (out-of-plane configuration only for large coilset). For most uses, the standard coilset puck provides the best trade-off between sensitivity and accuracy. The sensitivity is not significantly affected by large magnetic fields, so the VSM can perform sensitive measurements up to the maximum field of 3 T. The standard working temperature range of the VersaLab (50–400 K) could be extended for the VSM option up to 1000 K thanks to the Oven kit, for which it is necessary to use a special sample holder.


The VersaLab ETO supports three types of measurements: resistance, IV curves and differential resistance, over a wide range of resistance values. Measurements are usually made by applying a sinusoidal AC drive current and measuring the AC voltage response. However, a special 2-wire high resistance mode is available where an AC voltage is applied, and the AC current response is measured with a current amplifier. The ETO’s current source has a range from 1 nA to a maximum current of 100 mA, and it is capable of supplying both DC and AC current with frequencies from 0.1 Hz to 200 Hz. Three preamplifiers in conjunction with the current source get the ETO a noise floor of 10 nΩ and allow measurements of resistances up to 5 GΩ. A break-out box is available for changing the bonded connections within all three channels.

Sample requirements:

In case of VSM there are more sample holder possibilities:

  • Polypropylene capsules in brass trough - powder samples fitted in the capsules.
  • Quartz holders - thin films on substrates attached to quartz holder using special glue, in-plane measurements only. Sample size is max. 5x5 mm for standard coilset, max. 10x10 mm for large coilset.
  • Straws - thin films on substrates or bulk samples, both in-plane and out-of-plane measurements possible. Sample size is limited by the straw dimensions.
  • Heated holder for oven option - sample should be no wider than 3 mm, ideal sample geometry is a thin plate. The sample is attached to the holder using special alumina cement.

In case of ETO there are pucks available for samples (max. 10x10 mm) both for out-of-plane and in-plane sample orientation. The electrical connections from the sample to the puck are made by the wire bonder. In case of smaller samples there can be attached two samples on one puck whereas each of the samples is attached to a separate measurement channel. 

VSM option

RMS sensitivity< 1 µemu with 1 sec averaging
Sample size in XY plane5 mm for standard coilset, 10 mm for big coilset
Position in Z axisapprox. 33 mm from the bottom (automatic centering available)
Temperature range50 - 400 K, and up to 1000 K with Oven kit
Magnetic field range3 T max.


ETO option

Sensitivity1 nV at 100 mA
Resolution10 nW at 100 mA
DC and AC drive amplitude10 nA to 100 mA
Resistance range10 µΩ to 5 GΩ
Temperature range50 - 400 K
Magnetic field range3 T max.

Documents:

Link to official instrument manuals (access for CEITEC Nano users only after login):

official instrument manuals - VERSALAB

For more documentation created by CEITEC Nano see the "Document Library" section.

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