ARCTIC SPM Lab
Redefining Low-Temperature SPM
SPM LT SPM VT SPM STS LT STM VT STM HDL Nanolithography AFM QPlus AFM nc-AFM RF Spintronics Optics High Magnetic Field
- Closed Cycle SPM at lowest temperatures
- Combination of key SPM methods
- Modularity
- Small footprint
- Low acoustic noise
The ARCTIC SPM represents our latest innovation in modular, ultra-low-temperature scanning probe microscopy. Built on our newly developed ARCTIC closed-cycle cooling platform, it combines cutting-edge technology with user-friendly operation.
With the ARCTIC SPM LAB, you benefit from unattended, continuous cooling, eliminating the complexities of handling extreme temperatures. This system ensures virtually unlimited measurement time while delivering the stability traditionally associated with liquid helium cryostat-based SPMs.
Designed for maximum flexibility, the ARCTIC SPM features a unique horizontal cooling power feed, resulting in a compact footprint. Its open-access design allows for unrestricted entry from all sides, empowering your experiments with unmatched versatility.
Pushing the Boundaries of UHV SPM Research
The ARCTIC SPM is designed to meet the highest standards for ultra-high vacuum (UHV) scanning probe microscopy, providing seamless access to advanced applications such as:
- High energy resolution spectroscopy
- Time-resolved electrical and optical measurements
- Spin resonance studies
- Bond-resolved imaging
At its core, the ARCTIC SPM features the well-proven, purely non-magnetic Tribus SPM head, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of cutting-edge low-temperature research applications. These include:
- High magnetic field environments for spin phenomena studies
- Radio frequency signaling, enabling spin resonance analysis
- Optical experiments utilizing lenses or parabolic mirrors
- Low-noise QPlus AFM, optimized for ultra-low temperatures
A key focus in the ARCTIC SPM's development was ensuring the seamless integration of all features, including optics and magnetic field operation.
Additionally, modular design is at the heart of the system—allowing for later on-site upgrades with minimal downtime, ensuring long-term adaptability and future-proofing your investment.
More Information
Equipped with Tribus SPM Head
At the core of the ARCTIC SPM is the purely non-magnetic and well-proven Tribus SPM head, enabling a broad range of applications at cutting-edge temperatures as low as 4K (down to 1K, on request). These include:
- High Magnetic fields up to 5T for spin-based studies
- RF access for advanced resonance experiments
- Optical access via lenses and parabolic mirrors
- Low-noise QPlus AFM
Special emphasis has been placed on ensuring seamless combined operation of all these features, including optics and magnetic fields.
High resolution camera for Precision Imaging
When working with structured samples, such as small devices, a high-resolution camera view of the tip-sample region is usually desired. The ARCTIC SPM chamber is designed to accommodate our HR Long-Range Microscope, which can be mounted at the center-rear optical port. This feature is also available as a future upgrade, ensuring long-term flexibility.
Did you know? The Tribus SPM head supports up to 11 electrical contacts at the sample plate. This allows for electrical configuration of devices during imaging or the use of our dedicated TVS plate for variable temperature operation.
Optimised for Optical Experiments
The ARCTIC SPM is designed with a strong focus on optical experiments, ensuring maximum flexibility and precision. It can feature up to two in-situ parabolic mirrors, positioned close to the sample, which can be independently adjusted in three dimensions using dedicated non-magnetic motors.
With an optical viewport on the top side, this setup enables the seamless integration of parabolic mirrors and magnetic fields within the superconducting magnet, expanding possibilities for advanced optical investigations.
External components
A- Integrated Tip and Sample Prepration
For tip or sample preparation within the SPM analytic chamber, the ARCTIC SPM offers the flexibility to connect a heater or tip preparation station directly to the chamber. Additionally, the system can be seamlessly integrated into larger UHV setups via its system connector port.
A rotatable carousel, mounted around the SPM, provides convenient storage for multiple samples or tips, ensuring easy access using the wobblestick.
B- Optimized Port Configuration
The SPM chamber features a standard layout with:
- Three front-side ports and three rear-side ports, each positioned at 30° relative to the sample surface, enabling optical access or in-situ evaporation onto the face-down sample in the Tribus SPM head.
- Two additional optical ports on the left and right sides, designed for camera viewing and tip-sample region illumination.
This design ensures maximum flexibility for a wide range of experimental setups.
Small footprint and Quiet Operation
The ARCTIC SPM is engineered for ultra-quiet and stable operation; featuring a dedicated noise-canceling and vibration isolation system that ensures minimal acoustic and vibrational interference.
- The compressor can be placed nearby within a noise-canceling housing or positioned in an adjacent room—up to 18m away—for even greater noise isolation.
- Its compact footprint and low height requirements make it a seamless fit for any lab environment.
- Designed with user convenience in mind, the system provides ergonomic access to the wobblestick, connectors, and viewports, ensuring a smooth and efficient workflow.
The ARCTIC SPM combines high performance with lab-friendly practicality—delivering cutting-edge research capabilities without compromise.
Specifications
3E-10mbar
Superconducting and dry
Perpendicular to sample surface
9 ports
4
Tribus Ultra
• QPlus® AFM operation
• 4 or 10 additional sample contacts
• STM tip preparation tool
• Customized preparation chamber
• RF cabling for tip and sample
• RF antenna (e.g. for ESR experiments)
• Optics: dual-lens or dual parabolic mirror (on request)
