Scanning SQUID microscopy in a cryogen-free cooler

Yishai Shperber, Naor Vardi, Eylon Persky, Shai Wissberg, Martin E. Huber, Beena Kalisky

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Scanning superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) microscopy is a powerful tool for investigating electronic states at surfaces and interfaces by mapping their magnetic signal. SQUID operation requires cryogenic temperatures, which are typically achieved by immersing the cryostat in liquid helium. Making a transition to cryogen free systems is desirable, but has been challenging, as electric noise and vibrations are increased in such systems. We report on the successful operation of a scanning SQUID microscope in a modified Montana Instruments cryogen-free cooler with a base temperature of 4.3 K. We demonstrate scanning SQUID measurements with flux noise performance comparable to a wet system and correlate the sensor-sample vibrations to the cryocooler operation frequencies. In addition, we demonstrate successful operation in a variety of SQUID operation modes, including mapping static magnetic fields, measurement of local susceptibility, and spatial mapping of current flow distribution.

Original languageEnglish
Article number053702
JournalReview of Scientific Instruments
Volume90
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 May 2019

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Instrumentation

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