Probe Station Options

Extends the minimum sample temperature of the CPX probe station to 1.6 K base temperature by lowering the pressure inside the sample stage heat exchanger. The PS-VLT-CPX includes a rotary vane pump with oil mist eliminator, all connections to the station, and it changes the sample stage sensor to a Cernox sensor. The modified sample stage is optimized for cooling 25.4 mm (1 in) samples with modified radiation shielding. A grounded sample holder is included—additional sample holders for the VLT operation are sold separately. 3-phase 208 V 50/60 Hz operation.

Extends the maximum sample temperature using a sample stage with integrated thermal standoffs, calibrated temperature sensor, and heater. The temperature range of the PS-HTSTAGE option is from 20 K to 675 K and can accommodate 50 mm (2 in) diameter samples; it reduces z-axis travel to 11 mm. Standard sample holders can be used when the high-temperature stage is removed. There are simple steps in the operation manual to reconfigure an existing heater output to drive the stage. Requires manual switching of the 100 W radiation shield heater for closed-loop control. The PS-HTSTAGE is not compatible with RF, MCW, parametric probes, FT‑OPTIC optical access kit, or the ability to backside bias the sample.

Extends the minimum sample temperature by lowering the base pressure inside the sample stage heat exchanger (see individual model specifications). The PS-LT option includes system modifications, a stainless steel bellows and a DS402 rotary vane pump with oil mist eliminator. Single phase worldwide 50/60 Hz operation. 50 Hz operation may increase base temperature.

Lowers the ultimate base pressure up to two decades and reduces pump down time. Critical for samples sensitive to contamination or condensation, like in high Z and low current applications, the PS-HV-CPX option ensures that condensation does not accumulate on the sample during cooldown. A modification to the station chamber port allows an ISO100 gate valve and integrated vibration isolator to mount the ISO100 turbo pump directly to the chamber. Includes dry scroll backing pump, full range gauge mounted to vacuum chamber and turbo controller with gauge readout integrated into the electronics console.

Evacuates the probe station vacuum chamber. The TPS‑FRG includes a V-81 turbo pump (NW 40 inlet) with oil free dry scroll backing pump, FRG‑700 full range gauge, controller, and interface cable to USB port. Full range gauge allows measurement of pressure from atmosphere to 10^-8 Torr. The included interface cable allows connection to a standard USB computer port for vacuum pressure logging; includes an Agilent 24-month warranty. Requires the PS‑TP‑KIT.

Connects any NW 40 inlet turbo pumping station to a probe station. The PS-TP-KIT includes a 1 m NW 40 bellows, a tee for inline gauge mounting, and all necessary clamps/fittings; it also includes NW 25 and NW 16 adapters for transfer line maintenance evacuation.

Minimize vibration from a pump to a probe station. The PS-PLVI-40 is used for turbo pumping stations, and includes NW 40 fittings, 1 m stainless steel bellows, clamps, and rings. The PS-PLVI-25 minimizes vibration from a rotary vane pump or a backing pump, and is recommended for use with the PS-LT low temperature options or with the PS-CPX-HV high vacuum option. It includes NW 25 fittings, 1 m stainless steel bellows, clamps, and rings. Both options require one bag of cement.

Simulates the thermal loading of a sample during probing. The PS-REF-CRX consists of a calibrated CX-1050-SD-HT-1.4M sensor chip mounted to a 10 mm × 10 mm × 0.45 mm thick sapphire substrate with landing pads. There are no leads to the sensor; temperature is read using four ZN50 probes. Kit includes temperature cable and adapters to connect four BNC or triaxial configured probe arms to the temperature sensor input on the Model 336. Also includes sample clamps and additional probe arm shields to further minimize radiation on the sample. The temperature range is 2 K to 400 K.

Microwave probe calibration substrates
All probe stations

Calibrate GSG probes with the CS-5 and CS-15 substrates. Calibrations supported are SOLT (short-open-load-through), LRL (line-reflective-line), LRM (line-reflective-match). Pitch range for the CS-5 is 75 to 250 µm and for the CS-15 is 40 to 150 µm.

Provides direct, line of sight, optical access to the back (bottom) side of the sample when used with an optical access sample holder (sold separately). The FT-OPTIC option is beneficial when measuring samples that are optically active on the side opposite the one being electrically probed. The kit includes a 25 mm (1 in) quartz viewport and related components to mount on the bottom of the vacuum chamber. The opening in the sample stage and optical sample holders is 5.08 mm (0.2 in). The working distance between the viewport and sample is approximately 147 mm (5.79 in). The optical access is configured at Lake Shore when ordered with the probe station, but it is easy to install in the field when ordered separately. Lake Shore offers the choice of several compatible optical access sample holders.

The PS-LN2 nitrogen laboratory storage Dewar has 50 L liquid capacity and a 12.7 mm (0.5 in) top withdraw port that is compatible with the probe station transfer line. Constructed of durable stainless steel, the Dewar includes a pressure gauge, gas port, gas valve, and 68.9 kPA (10 psi) pressure relief valve for safe and convenient operation.

The PS-TLF-LNA high flow capacity transfer line (for all stations listed above except the FWPX) is 500 mm (20 in) shorter than the standard transfer line for a better fit with the PS-LN2 Dewar. The PS-TLF-LNB is specially adapted for use with the FWPX only.

Supplying the required is 40 psi of compressed air for the pneumatic vibration isolation options (PS-PVIS or PS-TTVIS), the PS-OAC is only available for 120 V operation.

See the chiller selection page for options