Physical Property
Measurement System
Resistivity Option User’s ManualPart Number 1076-100A

Quantum Design
11578 Sorrento Valley Rd.
San Diego, CA 92121-1311
USA
Technical support(858) 481-4400(800) 289-6996
Fax(858) 481-7410
Second edition of manual completed August 1999.

Trademarks
All product and company names appearing in this manual are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

U.S. Patents
4,791,788 Method for Obtaining Improved Temperature Regulation When Using Liquid Helium Cooling
4,848,093 Apparatus and Method for Regulating Temperature in a Cryogenic Test Chamber
5,311,125 Magnetic Property Characterization System Employing a Single Sensing Coil Arrangement to Measure AC
Susceptibility and DC Moment of a Sample (patent licensed from Lakeshore)
5,647,228 Apparatus and Method for Regulating Temperature in Cryogenic Test Chamber
5,798,641 Torque Magnetometer Utilizing Integrated Piezoresistive Levers

Foreign Patents
U.K.

9713380.5 Apparatus and Method for Regulating Temperature in Cryogenic Test Chamber

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Table of Contents
PREFACE
Contents and Conventions ...............................................................................................................................vii
P.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................vii
P.2 Scope of the Manual..........................................................................................................................................vii
P.3 Contents of the Manual .....................................................................................................................................vii
P.4 Conventions in the Manual...............................................................................................................................viii

CHAPTER 1
Introduction to the Resistivity Option ...................................................................................................... 1-1
1.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................... 1-1
1.2 Overview of the Resistivity Option ................................................................................................................. 1-1
1.2.1 Advantage of Four-Wire Resistance Measurements ................................................................................ 1-2
1.3 Resistivity Option Software............................................................................................................................. 1-2
1.3.1 Activating the Resistivity Software .......................................................................................................... 1-2
1.3.2 Resistivity Control Center ........................................................................................................................ 1-3

CHAPTER 2
User Bridge Board Operation ...................................................................................................................... 2-1
2.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................... 2-1
2.2 Function of the User Bridge Board.................................................................................................................. 2-1
2.2.1 Limits and Resolution............................................................................................................................... 2-3
2.2.2 Internal Excitation Current Range Selection ............................................................................................ 2-4
2.2.3 Calibration Modes .................................................................................................................................... 2-4
2.2.3.1 Fast Mode .......................................................................................................................................... 2-4
2.2.3.2 Standard Mode................................................................................................................................... 2-5
2.2.3.3 High-Resolution Mode ...................................................................................................................... 2-5
2.2.4 Drive Modes ............................................................................................................................................. 2-6
2.2.5 Internal Voltage Gain Control .................................................................................................................. 2-7
2.2.6 A/D Converter Calibration ....................................................................................................................... 2-7
2.3 Changing User Bridge Board Settings............................................................................................................. 2-8
2.3.1 Using the Bridge Channels Dialog Box to Change Bridge Settings......................................................... 2-9
2.3.2 Using the Bridge Configuration Tab to Change Bridge Settings ........................................................... 2-10
2.3.3 Using the Model 6000 to Change Bridge Settings ................................................................................. 2-11
2.4 Description of User Bridge Board Operation ................................................................................................ 2-11

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PPMS Resistivity Option User’s ManualiContents
Table of Contents

CHAPTER 3
Four-Wire Resistance Measurements ....................................................................................................... 3-1
3.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................... 3-1
3.2 Sample-Mounting Procedures ......................................................................................................................... 3-1
3.3 Taking Four-Wire Resistance Measurements.................................................................................................. 3-2
3.3.1 Taking Single-Point Resistance Measurements........................................................................................ 3-3
3.3.1.1 Taking Measurements in Immediate Mode ....................................................................................... 3-3
3.3.1.2 Taking Measurements in Sequence Mode ......................................................................................... 3-4
3.3.2 Taking Multiple Resistance Measurements .............................................................................................. 3-6
3.3.2.1 Taking Measurements in Immediate Mode ....................................................................................... 3-6
3.3.2.2 Taking Measurements in Sequence Mode ......................................................................................... 3-7
3.4 Resistivity Data Files....................................................................................................................................... 3-9
3.4.1 Creating a Resistivity Data File ................................................................................................................ 3-9
3.4.2 Selecting a Resistivity Data File............................................................................................................. 3-10
3.4.3 Adding a Comment to a Resistivity Data File ........................................................................................ 3-11
3.4.4 Changing Resistivity Data Files during a Sequence Run ....................................................................... 3-11

CHAPTER 4
Operation with the Helium-3 System ........................................................................................................ 4-1
4.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................... 4-1
4.2 Overview of Resistivity Operation with the Helium-3 System ....................................................................... 4-1
4.3 Resistivity Measurements with the Helium-3 System ..................................................................................... 4-2
4.3.1 Measurement Setup .................................................................................................................................. 4-2
4.3.1.1 Prepare for the Measurement............................................................................................................. 4-2
4.3.1.2 Install the Sample .............................................................................................................................. 4-3
4.3.1.3 Start Up the Software ........................................................................................................................ 4-3
4.3.2 Performing Measurements........................................................................................................................ 4-4
4.3.2.1 Reserved Channel 3 ........................................................................................................................... 4-4
4.3.2.2 Excitation Levels ............................................................................................................................... 4-4
4.3.2.3 Unused Bridge Channels ................................................................................................................... 4-4

CHAPTER 5
Operation with the Horizontal Rotator .................................................................................................... 5-1
5.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................... 5-1
5.2 Overview of Resistivity Operation with the Horizontal Rotator ..................................................................... 5-1
5.3 Resistivity Measurements with the Horizontal Rotator ................................................................................... 5-2
5.3.1 Measurement Setup .................................................................................................................................. 5-2
5.3.1.1 Prepare for the Measurement............................................................................................................. 5-2
5.3.1.2 Install the Sample .............................................................................................................................. 5-2
5.3.1.3 Start Up the Software ........................................................................................................................ 5-3
5.3.1.4 Configure the Rotator ........................................................................................................................ 5-3
5.3.2 Performing Measurements........................................................................................................................ 5-3
5.3.3 Turning Off UserTemp............................................................................................................................. 5-3

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Contents
Table of Contents

APPENDIX A
Installation........................................................................................................................................................... A-1
A.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................... A-1
A.2 Installing the User Bridge Board ................................................................................................................... A-1
A.2.1 Remove the Model 6000 Cover .............................................................................................................. A-1
A.2.2 Install the User Bridge Board ................................................................................................................. A-2

References ..............................................................................................................................................References-1
Index ................................................................................................................................................................ Index-1

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PPMS Resistivity Option User’s Manualiii

Contents
Table of Figures

FiguresFigure 1-1. Interface on Resistivity Sample Puck .................................................................................................... 1-1
Figure 1-2. Example of Four-Wire Resistance Measurement. ................................................................................. 1-2
Figure 1-3. Option Manager Dialog Box.................................................................................................................. 1-2
Figure 1-4. Resistivity Control Center ..................................................................................................................... 1-3
Figure 2-1. Block Diagram of Bridge Board ............................................................................................................ 2-3
Figure 2-2. Number of Measurements Averaged in High-Resolution Mode ........................................................... 2-6
Figure 2-3. Bridge Channels Dialog Box ................................................................................................................. 2-9
Figure 2-4. Bridge Configuration Tab in Resistivity Dialog Box .......................................................................... 2-10
Figure 2-5. Allowed Measurement Parameters V and I. ........................................................................................ 2-12
Figure 3-1. Resistivity Sample Puck with Three Samples........................................................................................ 3-1
Figure 3-2. Resistivity Control Center ..................................................................................................................... 3-2
Figure 3-3. Resistivity Quick Measure Dialog Box ................................................................................................. 3-3
Figure 3-4. Bridge Configuration Tab in Resistivity Dialog Box ............................................................................ 3-4
Figure 3-5. Data Fields Tab in Resistivity Dialog Box ............................................................................................ 3-5
Figure 3-6. Scan Excitation Quick Measure Dialog Box ......................................................................................... 3-6
Figure 3-7. Scan Setup Tab in Scan Excitation Dialog Box..................................................................................... 3-7
Figure 3-8. File and Sample Properties Dialog Box............................................................................................... 3-10
Figure 3-9. Datafile Comment Dialog Box for Immediate Mode .......................................................................... 3-11
Figure 4-1. User Bridge Cable.................................................................................................................................. 4-2
Figure 4-2. Helium-3 Sample Puck with Two Samples. .......................................................................................... 4-3
Figure 5-1. Resistance Bridge Sample Holder Board with Two Samples................................................................ 5-2
Figure A-1. Model 6000 PPMS Controller with Cover Removed .......................................................................... A-3

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Contents
Table of Tables

TablesTable 2-1. Sample Connections with User Bridge Cable Connected ....................................................................... 2-2
Table 2-2. Current, Power, and Voltage Limits........................................................................................................ 2-3
Table 2-3. Current Ranges........................................................................................................................................ 2-4
Table 2-4. Function and Suggested Use of Calibration Modes ................................................................................ 2-4
Table 2-5. Voltage Gain Settings ............................................................................................................................. 2-7
Table 2-6. User Bridge Board Parameters................................................................................................................ 2-8

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Contents and Conventions

P.1

Introduction
This preface contains the following information:

P.2•

Section P.2 discusses the overall scope ofthe manual.

•

Section P.3 briefly summarizes thecontents of the manual.

•

Section P.4 illustrates and describes
conventions that appear in the manual.

Scope of the ManualThis manual discusses the operation of the PPMS Resistivity option hardware and software andexplains how to take four-wire resistance measurements. This manual also explains how to use theResistivity option with the PPMS Helium-3 Refrigerator System and the PPMS Horizontal Rotator.

P.3

Contents of the Manual•

Chapter 1 introduces the Resistivity
option and discusses the option software.

•

Chapter 4 explains how to operate theResistivity option with the Helium-3
Refrigerator System option.

•

Chapter 2 discusses the functionality of
the user bridge board and explains how
to operate the user bridge board.

•

Chapter 5 explains how to operate theResistivity option with the Horizontal
Rotator option.

•

Chapter 3 explains how to take four-wireresistance measurements.

•

Appendix A explains how to install theuser bridge board in the Model 6000
PPMS Controller.

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PPMS Resistivity Option User’s ManualviiSection P.4
Conventions in the Manual

P.4

Preface
Contents and Conventions

Conventions in the Manual
File menu

Bold text distinguishes the names of menus, options, buttons, and panels appearing
on the PC monitor or on the Model 6000 PPMS Controller LCD screen.

FilehOpen

The hsymbol indicates that you select multiple, nested software options.

STATUS

Bold text and all capital letters distinguish the names of keys located on the front
panel of the Model 6000 PPMS Controller.

.dat

The Courier font distinguishes characters you enter from the PC keyboard or from
the Model 6000 PPMS Controller front panel. The Courier font also distinguishes
code and the names of files and directories.

<Enter>Angle brackets distinguish the names of keys located on the PC keyboard.

<Alt+Enter>

A plus sign connecting the names of two or more keys distinguishes keys you press
simultaneously.
A pointing hand introduces a supplementary note.
An exclamation point inside an inverted triangle introduces a cautionarynote.

A lightning bolt inside an inverted triangle introduces a warning.

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Introduction to the Resistivity Option

1.1

Introduction
This chapter contains the following information:•

1.2

Section 1.2 presents an overview of the
PPMS Resistivity option.

•

Section 1.3 discusses the Resistivity
option software.

Overview of the Resistivity Option
The Resistivity option for the Physical Property Measurement System (PPMS) adds a configurable
resistance bridge board, called the user bridge board, to the Model 6000 PPMS Controller. None of thefour channels on the user bridge board are dedicated to a specific system operation, so all four channels
are available to perform four-wire resistance measurements on the PPMS. The Resistivity option canreport resistance as well as resistivity, conductance, and conductivity.
Samples for four-wire resistance measurements may be mounted on standard PPMS sample pucks (seefigure 1-2) or on Resistivity sample pucks, which are included with the Resistivity option. Resistivity
sample pucks have four contacts⎯one positive and one negative contact for current and voltage⎯foreach user bridge board channel to which a sample may be conventionally wired (figure 1-1). Up tothree samples may be mounted on a Resistivity puck, so the Resistivity option may measure up to threesamples at one time. Section 3.2 discusses in detail how you mount a sample on a Resistivity puck.

Figure 1-1. Interface on Resistivity Sample Puck

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PPMS Resistivity Option User’s Manual

1-1Section 1.3
Resistivity Option Software

1.2.1

Chapter 1
Introduction to the Resistivity Option

Advantage of Four-Wire Resistance Measurements
Using four wires to attach a sample to a sample puck greatly
reduces the contribution of the leads and joints to the resistancemeasurement. In a four-wire resistance measurement, current ispassed through a sample via two current leads, and two separate
voltage leads measure the potential difference across the sample(figure 1-2). The voltmeter has a very high impedance, so thevoltage leads draw very little current. In theory, a perfect voltmeterdraws no current whatsoever. Therefore, by using the four-wiremethod, it is possible to know, to a high degree of certainty, boththe current and the voltage drop across the sample and thus
calculate the resistance with Ohm’s law.

1.3

Figure 1-2. Example of fourwire resistance measurement with sample mounted
on standard PPMS sample
puck.

Resistivity Option Software
The Resistivity option software is automatically installed when the PPMS MultiVu software application is installed on the control PC, and the Resistivity software is fully integrated into PPMS MultiVu,
so PPMS MultiVu commands can be used to automate Resistivity system operation. However, before
the Resistivity option can be used, the Resistivity software must be activated within PPMS MultiVu.
Only one measurement option may be active at a time in PPMS MultiVu, so you might have to deactivate another measurement option before you can activate the Resistivity option. Refer to section 1.3.1.

1.3.1

Activating the Resistivity Software
1.

Select the UtilitieshActivate Option menu command in PPMS MultiVu. The Option Manager
dialog box opens. The dialog box lists all options that are available on your PPMS and indicates
whether each option is active.

2.

Select Resistivity in the Available Options panel, and then select Activate.

Figure 1-3. Option Manager Dialog Box

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PPMS Resistivity Option User’s Manual

Quantum DesignChapter 1
Introduction to the Resistivity Option

Section 1.3
Resistivity Option Software

Note that only one measurement option may be active at a time. An error message pops up if you
attempt to activate a second measurement option. If you need to deactivate an option, select it in
the Active Options panel that is in the Option Manager dialog box, and then select Deactivate.
As soon as you activate the Resistivity option, the Resistivity control center opens and the Measuremenu items and measurement sequence commands that are specific to the Resistivity option appear
in the PPMS MultiVu interface.

1.3.2

Resistivity Control Center
The Resistivity control center makes basic system operations, such as installing samples, selecting or
creating data files, and setting up and running immediate-mode resistance measurements, more naturaland convenient. Automated routines initiated with control center commands prompt you to complete
the necessary actions to install samples or create data files. Clearly labeled data fields indicate whethera sample is installed in the PPMS sample chamber or identify which measurement data file⎯if any⎯isselected to store Resistivity measurement data. Using the control center to perform all normal system
operations is encouraged.
The Resistivity control center opens as soon as the Resistivity option is activated. The control center
may be minimized, but will not close until the option is deactivated.

Figure 1-4. Resistivity Control Center

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User Bridge Board Operation

2.1

Introduction
This chapter contains the following information:

2.2•

Section 2.2 discusses the functionality of
the user bridge board.

•

Section 2.3 explains how to change theuser bridge board settings.

•

Section 2.4 describes the operation of theuser bridge board.

Function of the User Bridge Board
The user bridge board, which is the primary hardware component of the PPMS Resistivity option, isa nondedicated, configurable resistance bridge board. The user bridge board is installed behind andaccessed through the “P1−User Bridge” port on the Model 6000 PPMS Controller. An electrical cableconnects the “P1−User Bridge” port to the gray-ringed Lemo connector on the PPMS probe head andthus connects the user bridge board to the sample installed in the PPMS sample chamber. Table 2-1
identifies the electrical connections for the Resistivity option. Appendix A in the Physical Property
Measurement System: Hardware Manual identifies all electrical connections used in a standard PPMS.
The user bridge board has several essential elements, as shown in figure 2-1 on page 2-3. A 12-bit(11-bit + sign) digital-to-analog converter (DAC) adjusts the excitation current up to ± 5 mA. The
current range and channel selection are performed internally. A 20-bit delta-sigma A/D converter
reads the voltage output of the variable gain stage. The bridge board’s A/D converter contains 50-Hz
and 60-Hz notch filters to reject line noise. In addition, a set of 0.01% bulk metal foil resistors isused internally as calibration resistors.
In January 1996, a new feature was added to the user bridge board. The negative current leads foreach channel, which were previously tied directly to a common ground, were switched in and out of
the measurement circuit like the rest of the leads. This modification allows multiple channels to beconnected to the same sample without shorting out the excitation signal. User bridge boards assembled
prior to 1996 do not have this capability.
In addition to the user bridge board, all PPMS units include another resistance bridge board, called thesystem bridge board, that is installed behind the “P2−System Bridge” port on the Model 6000 PPMS
Controller. The operation of the system bridge board and user bridge board is nearly identical, but thesystem bridge board is essentially nonconfigurable. Three of its four channels are dedicated to system
thermometry, and the fourth channel is reserved for other PPMS options. Consequently, the user
bridge board must be installed to take four-wire resistance measurements.

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PPMS Resistivity Option User’s Manual2-1Section 2.2
Function of the User Bridge Board

Chapter 2User Bridge Board Operation

Table 2-1. Sample Connections with User Bridge Cable Connected
Sample Puck

Gray Lemo Connector

P1−User Bridge PortThe sample connector is at the bottom of the sample chamber. The gray Lemo connector ison the probe head. Pins 1 and 2 on the gray Lemo connector are connected to wires that
extend into the annulus. These wires are not used for any function, but provide a site forsystem expansion. The “P1−User Bridge” “D” connector is on the Model 6000.
SAMPLE
PUCK

2-2

SAMPLECONNECTOR

GRAY LEMOCONNECTOR

P1−USER BRIDGE“D” CONNECTOR

USER BRIDGE BOARD
FUNCTION

1

Cur Driver 1+ (unused)

14

Cur Driver 1− (unused)2

Cur Driver 2+ (unused)15

Cur Driver 2− (unused)

3

3

3

5

Channel 1 I+

4

4

4

18

Channel 1 I−

5

5

5

6

Channel 1 V+

6

6

6

19

Channel 1 V−

7

7

7

7

Channel 2 I+

8

8

8

20

Channel 2 I−

9

9

9

8

Channel 2 V+

10

10

10

21

Channel 2 V−

11

11

11

9

Channel 3 I+

12

12

12

22

Channel 3 I−

13

13

13

10

Channel 3 V+

14

14

14

23

Channel 3 V−

11

Channel 4 I+

24

Channel 4 I−

12Channel 4 V+

25

Channel 4 V−

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Quantum DesignChapter 2User Bridge Board Operation

Section 2.2
Function of the User Bridge Board

Figure 2-1. Block Diagram of Bridge Board

2.2.1

Limits and Resolution
The user bridge board automatically adjusts theexcitation current of its active channels, but you
can specify the maximum allowable current,
power, and voltage for each channel (see table2-2). The excitation current is limited by the
specified maximum current, voltage, or power⎯
whichever parameter setting limits the excitation
current to a lower value.

Table 2-2. Current, Power, and Voltage Limits
PARAMETERVALUES

Current Limit± 0.01−5000 μA

Power Limit

0.001−1000 μW

Voltage Limit

1−95 mVThe nominal resolution of the user bridge board is determined by the resolution of the A/D converterand by the maximum applicable current. Accordingly, nominal resolution on the most sensitive range
is 3.81 nV/5.00 mA = 0.762 μΩ. In practice, environmental and internal noise sources usually limit
measurement precision to around 20 nV, or 4 μΩ with a 5-mA excitation. Measurement resolution
also depends on the internal gain setting and the excitation current, which can be affected by theresistance being measured and by the specified limits for current, power, and voltage.
The maximum measurable resistance is computed from the maximum potential drop that can bemeasured and from the minimum useful excitation current, which is determined by the user bridge’s
DAC resolution. The nominal maximum measurable resistance is thus 95 mV/2.44 nA = 38.9 MΩ.
However, such a measurement would require an excitation current very near the DAC resolution.
In practice, user bridge board error increases drastically above approximately 4 MΩ. Errors in excess
of 1% can be anticipated when measuring resistances greater than 4 MΩ. The expected error increasesto 5−10% around 9 MΩ.

NOTEQuantum Design

The parameter ranges in this section represent the broadest limits.
Current limitations set by the user-specified current, power, or voltage
limit can alter these values.

PPMS Resistivity Option User’s Manual2-3Section 2.2
Function of the User Bridge Board

2.2.2

Chapter 2User Bridge Board Operation

Internal Excitation Current Range Selection
The excitation current range selection for the user bridge board
is performed internally. However, it is useful to understandthe range selection process. Table 2-3 lists the four excitation
current ranges and the corresponding step sizes.

Table 2-3. Current Ranges
MAXIMUM
CURRENTSTEP
SIZE

5.0 mA

2.44 μA

The bridge board uses the range resulting in the smallest step
size while still providing the necessary current. For display
purposes, the excitation current is rounded to the nearest step
value.

0.5 mA

244.00 nA

50.0 μA

24.40 nA

Step size is calculated by

5.0 μA

2.44 nA

Step Size =Max Current
211

because the excitation DAC is 11 bits (bit 12 designates the current’s sign).

2.2.3

Calibration Modes
Each active channel on the user bridge board can operate in the fast, standard, or high-resolution
calibration mode. The letter “F,” “S,” or “H” is displayed on the Model 6000 front panel to indicate
the mode to which each channel is set. Standard mode is the default calibration mode.
Table 2-4. Function and Suggested Use of Calibration Modes
MODE

DEFINITION

USAGE

Fast

Last measured current and voltage are read to
calculate resistance. Then resistance is reported
without adjusting reading.

• For resistance measurementsthat are part of control loop
requiring quick feedback.
• To take fastest measurements.
• To view noise in signals.

Standard

Last measured current and voltage are read to
calculate resistance. Then adjustment factor isused to recalculate and report resistance based on
calibration resistor reading.

• To compensate for hardware
linearity errors, drift, andoffset errors.

Hi-ResMultiple standard mode readings are averaged tomaintain uniform precision throughout dynamic
range of instrument.

• To take high-precision
measurements.

2.2.3.1

FAST MODE

In fast mode, the user bridge board reads the last measured current and voltage to directly calculate thesample resistance and then reports the resistance as quickly as possible without adjusting the reading.
Fast mode generates the quickest but least accurate measurements and often produces duplicate measurements. Fast mode is useful when resistance measurements are part of a control loop that requires
quick feedback.

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Quantum DesignChapter 2User Bridge Board Operation

2.2.3.2

Section 2.2
Function of the User Bridge Board

STANDARD MODE

In standard mode, the user bridge board reads the last measured current and voltage to measure thesample resistance⎯just as in fast mode⎯but then applies the identical current to an appropriate
calibration resistor and measures the potential drop across the resistor with the same gain in orderto obtain an adjustment factor. The user bridge board then uses this adjustment factor to recalculate
and report the sample resistance. By utilizing calibration resistors whenever possible, standard mode
compensates for hardware linearity errors, drift, and offset errors. However, consulting a calibration
resistor to complete most readings means that the user bridge channels update more slowly.
If the user bridge settings prohibit use of a calibration resistor, the measured values are not adjusted
when the resistance is reported. This situation might arise, for example, when the sample resistanceis either too small or too large to be used in conjunction with a calibration resistor without adjusting
the gain setting. If the uppercase “S,” which denotes the standard mode setting on the Model 6000
front panel display, changes to a lowercase “s,” the reported value was not adjusted and is therefore
equivalent to a reading taken in fast mode.
When operating in standard mode, the user bridge stores any adjustment factors used and reuses themfor resistance calculations whenever identical measurement conditions occur on any channel within thenext minute. This eliminates repetitive measurement of the calibration resistors. These adjustment
factors are updated after one minute and are erased when an abort is executed, when a *CAL? GPIB
command is requested, or when the power is turned off.

2.2.3.3

HIGH-RESOLUTION MODE

In high-resolution mode, the user bridge board averages multiple standard mode readings in order tomaintain uniform precision throughout the range of readings. High-resolution mode helps eliminate
noise from the readings and generates the most accurate but slowest resistance measurements. If theuser bridge settings prohibit use of a calibration resistor, unadjusted values are averaged. The uppercase “H,” which denotes the high-resolution mode setting on the Model 6000 front panel display,changes to a lowercase “h” to indicate that unadjusted values are averaged.
The number of standard mode readings averaged to yield the reported resistance in high-resolution
mode varies from 2 to 16 and depends on the divergence of the measured resistance from a base valueof 32.767 Ω. The further the resistance is from the base value, the more standard mode readings areaveraged to obtain the value reported. The number of readings averaged can be defined as
⎧
⎫
R
⎛
⎞
⎪ log⎜⎟⎪⎝⎠⎪
32.767Ω⎪+ 2 ⎬ ; 2 mΩ ≤ R ≤ 0.5 MΩ
N = Int ⎨
log 2
⎪
⎪
⎪⎭
⎪
⎩

N = 16; R < 2 mΩ or R > 0.5 MΩ
where R is the sample resistance. For resistances between 16.4 Ω and 65.5 Ω, only two standard modereadings are averaged. Resistances greater than about 0.5 MΩ or less than 2 mΩ require 16 readings,
as seen in figure 2-2. For small resistances, this averaging helps eliminate noise due to a small voltage
readback, and for large resistances it helps eliminate noise due to the low applied current. A measurement that averages 16 readings takes (7.5 Hz)-1 × 16 = 2.13 seconds. Such considerations can beimportant when writing a sequence file that involves data acquisition.

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PPMS Resistivity Option User’s Manual2-5Section 2.2
Function of the User Bridge Board

Chapter 2User Bridge Board Operation

Figure 2-2. The number of measurements averaged in high-resolution mode varies from 2 to
16 and depends on how far from the base value of 32.767 Ω the resistance lies. Non-integers
on the y-axis are rounded down in this graph.

When operating in high-resolution mode, the user bridge stores any adjustment factors used and reuses
them for resistance calculations whenever identical measurement conditions occur on any channel
within the next minute. This eliminates repetitive measurement of the calibration resistors. These
adjustment factors are updated after one minute and are erased when an abort is executed, when a*CAL? GPIB command is requested, or when the power is turned off.

2.2.4

Drive Modes
Each active channel on the user bridge board can operate in the AC drive mode or the DC drive mode.
AC mode is the default drive mode.
In AC mode, the user bridge board applies a DC excitation to the sample and reads the potential drop
across the sample. Then the user bridge board reverses the current and reads the potential drop again.
The user bridge averages the absolute value of the positive and negative voltage readings. The AC
excitation, which is a square-wave excitation, is synchronized to the AC line frequency of 50 or 60 Hz
in order to reject AC line noise. Operation in AC mode eliminates errors from DC offset voltages andproduces the most accurate readings. A “±” symbol appearing on the Model 6000 front panel display
designates AC mode.
In DC mode, the user bridge board averages two consecutive voltage readings that have the identicalpolarity. DC mode produces less accurate voltage readings than AC mode, but is a useful mode ofoperation when reversing polarity would significantly affect the sample. Due to the averaging in DC
mode, the effective measurement rate is also 7.5 or 8.3 Hz.

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Quantum DesignChapter 2User Bridge Board Operation

Section 2.2
Function of the User Bridge Board

Both AC and DC measurements are synchronized with the power line frequency. If you are working
in a 50-Hz environment instead of a 60-Hz environment, the user bridge board measures at 8.33 Hz
rather than 7.5 Hz. Measurement rates are also synchronized if the power line frequency is between
45 and 70 Hz.

2.2.5

Internal Voltage Gain Control
The user bridge board performs voltage gain control internally. Because the gain affects measurement
resolution, an understanding of the gain control is useful.
All voltage readings are first multiplied by a factor of 25. Automatic gain control further adjusts thegain according to the measurement conditions. The gain is decreased when the A/D converter reads
a voltage greater than or equal to 90% of full scale. The gain is increased when the A/D converter
reads a voltage less than 9.5% of full scale. If the measured voltage falls in a zone between two gain
settings, or below 9.5% of full scale on the highest setting, the gain is not adjusted.
The A/D resolution is determined by the following equation. Like the excitation DAC, the 20-bit A/Dconverter uses one bit to designate sign.
A / D Resolution =Full Scale
219

Table 2-5 summarizes the gain settings.
Table 2-5. Voltage Gain Settings
FULL
SCALE

MAXIMUM
VOLTAGEMINIMUM
VOLTAGEA/DRESOLUTION

×1

100.0 mV

92.0 mV

9.50 mV

190.70 nV

×10

10.0 mV

9.0 mV

0.95 mV

19.07 nV×25

4.0 mV

3.6 mV

0.38 mV

7.63 nV×50

2.0 mV

1.8 mV⎯

3.81 nV

GAIN

2.2.6

A/D Converter Calibration
Like other A/D converters in the Model 6000, the user bridge board’s A/D converter undergoes selfcalibration upon power-up. A/D converter calibration can be invoked at any time with a *CAL?
remote GPIB command, and calibration automatically occurs after the abort command is received.
Requesting a calibration temporarily interrupts the flow of data and the Model 6000’s control of otherdevices for approximately 0.5 second. For highest data integrity, a calibration should be performed
before running each experiment that requires precision data. Requesting a calibration affects all PPMS
A/D converters and can theoretically introduce data offsets if performed between measurements.

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PPMS Resistivity Option User’s Manual2-7Section 2.3
Changing the User Bridge Board Settings

2.3

Chapter 2User Bridge Board Operation

Changing User Bridge Board Settings
The Resistivity software includes multiple ways to access dialog boxes that can be used to change thecurrent user bridge board channel settings. The Resistivity control center and the Resistivity and Scan
Excitation immediate-mode measurement commands can directly open the Bridge Channels dialog
box. The Resistivity and Scan Excitation sequence mode measurement commands open dialog boxes
that include a Bridge Configuration tab.
The Bridge Channels dialog box (figure 2-3) shows the parameter settings for all four channels on theuser bridge and indicates whether each channel is active. If a channel is active, the Bridge Channels
dialog displays the current and resistance the user bridge is measuring across that channel. An active
channel is always running and passing current through the sample, regardless of whether a measurement is being performed. Parameter settings for any active channel may be changed immediately byentering or selecting the new values and then selecting the Set button. Table 2-6 lists all user-definable
parameters and identifies the acceptable parameter ranges.
The Bridge Configuration tab (figure 2-4) used to define Resistivity sequence commands also shows
the parameter settings for all four user bridge channels. However, the Bridge Configuration tab
indicates a channel is active only if the tab was previously used to activate the channel, and like all
sequence mode dialog boxes, the Bridge Configuration tab does not display status information.
Parameter settings for any channel activated in the Bridge Configuration tab may be changed in thetab, but the new values take effect only when the sequence command is read during a sequence run.
If the tab is used simply to activate or deactivate a channel, the state of the channel changes only
when the sequence command is read during the sequence run.

CAUTIONNOTE

An approach algorithm allows the initial excitation to exceed the specified
power and voltage limits for one-fifteenth of a second when the sample
resistance is greater than 1 kΩ. For this reason, it is important to estimate
the sample resistance before taking measurements, and for delicate samples
expected to have resistances greater than 1 kΩ, only a current limit that will
not exceed the samples’ expected power or voltage limit should be specified
when first activating a channel.

The excitation current of an active user bridge channel is limited by the
specified maximum excitation current, voltage limit, or power limit⎯
whichever parameter limits the excitation current to a lower value.

Table 2-6. User Bridge Board Parameters
PARAMETER

2-8

FUNCTION DEFINED BY PARAMETERVALUES

Bridge Channel

Selected channel on user bridge board.

1−4

Current Limit

Maximum excitation current for user bridge channel.

± 0.01−5000 μA

Power Limit

Maximum power for user bridge channel.

0.001−1000 μW

Voltage Limit

Maximum voltage for user bridge channel.

1−95 mV

Calibration Mode

Mode of measuring resistance of sample.

• Standard • Hi-Res• FastDrive Mode

Mode of excitation current applied to sample duringresistance measurement.

• AC

PPMS Resistivity Option User’s Manual• DC

Quantum DesignChapter 2User Bridge Board Operation

Section 2.3
Changing the User Bridge Board Settings

While you work with the Resistivity option, you will find using the shortcut commands that accessthe user bridge parameter dialog boxes directly from the control center or the measurement dialog
boxes very convenient. You may also use standard PPMS MultiVu commands to change user bridge
settings. The InstrumenthBridge Channels menu option opens the Bridge Channels dialog box.
The Bridge Setup sequence command changes user bridge settings within a running sequence. These
two PPMS MultiVu commands function only if a user bridge board is installed in the Model 6000.
Refer to the Physical Property Measurement System: PPMS MultiVu Application User’s Manual fora detailed discussion of all PPMS MultiVu commands and operations.

2.3.1

Using the Bridge Channels Dialog Box to Change Bridge Settings
1.

Select the Bridge Setup button in the Resistivity control center or in the Resistivity Quick
Measure or Scan Excitation Quick Measure dialog box. The Bridge Channels dialog box
opens.
The Resistivity software gives you the option to review or change user bridge settings at any
time. Selecting Bridge Setup in the measurement dialog boxes lets you change user bridge
settings while you are defining a measurement.
You may close the Resistivity Quick Measure or Scan Excitation Quick Measure dialog box
and keep the Bridge Channels dialog box open.

Figure 2-3. Bridge Channels Dialog Box

2.

Verify that the user bridge channel or channels whose parameter settings you want to change
are activated. Activate channels as necessary by clicking on the appropriate Channel On checkboxes so that a check mark appears in the check boxes. In figure 2-3, all four channels areactivated.
If you want to deactivate a channel, click once on the appropriate Channel On check box so thatthe check mark disappears.

3.

Set the maximum excitation current for each channel as necessary. Specifying a current limitof zero for any channel deactivates the channel. Table 2-6 and the Bridge Channels dialog box
identify the acceptable parameter ranges.
Notice that as soon as you change a parameter value for any channel, the channel’s Set button in
the Bridge Channels dialog box is enabled.

4.

Set the power limit for each channel as necessary. Specifying a power limit of zero for any
channel deactivates the channel.

5.

Set the voltage limit for each channel as necessary.

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PPMS Resistivity Option User’s Manual2-9Section 2.3
Changing the User Bridge Board Settings

2.3.2

Chapter 2User Bridge Board Operation

6.

Select the calibration mode the channel uses to measure sample resistance. The standard, fast,and high-resolution modes are available. Section 2.2.3 discusses the calibration modes in detail.
Table 2-4 suggests possible uses for each mode.

7.

Select the drive mode the channel uses during the resistance measurement. The AC and DC
drive modes are available. You are advised to use AC mode unless reversing polarity would
significantly affect the sample. Section 2.2.4 discusses the drive modes in detail.

8.

Select the enabled Set button for each channel in order to put the changes you have made into
effect. Changes to all other controls, including deactivating the Channel On check box, areinitiated only when you select Set.

9.

Select Close if you want to close the Bridge Channels dialog box.

Using the Bridge Configuration Tab to Change Bridge Settings
1.

Select the Bridge Configuration tab in the Resistivity or Scan Excitation dialog box. These
dialog boxes open only when the Resistivity or Scan Excitation sequence mode command isselected. Refer to sections 3.3.1.2 and 3.3.2.2 for information on sequence mode measurements.

Figure 2-4. Bridge Configuration Tab in Resistivity Dialog Box

2.

Use the Channel Set pull-down menu to activate the user bridge channel or channels whoseparameter settings you want to change. The text boxes and menus are enabled only when thecorresponding channel is activated.
The No Action option in the Channel Set pull-down menu prevents the state of a channel frombeing altered. The Off option deactivates the channel.

2-10

3.

Set the maximum excitation current for each channel as necessary. Specifying a current limitof zero for any channel deactivates the channel. Table 2-6 identifies the acceptable parameter
ranges.

4.

Set the power limit for each channel as necessary. Specifying a power limit of zero for any
channel deactivates the channel.

5.

Set the voltage limit for each channel as necessary.

6.

Select the calibration mode the channel uses to measure sample resistance. The standard, fast,and high-resolution modes are available. Section 2.2.3 discusses the calibration modes in detail.
Table 2-4 suggests possible uses for each mode.

PPMS Resistivity Option User’s Manual

Quantum DesignChapter 2User Bridge Board Operation

2.3.3

Section 2.4
Description of User Bridge Board Operation

7.

Select the drive mode the channel uses during the resistance measurement. The AC and DC
drive modes are available. You are advised to use AC mode unless reversing polarity would
significantly affect the sample. Section 2.2.4 discusses the drive modes in detail.

8.

Select the other tab or tabs in the dialog box and finish defining the measurement, if necessary.
Refer to sections 3.3.1.2 and 3.3.2.2.

9.

Select OK. The Resistivity or Scan Excitation command is added to the selected sequence file.
The new parameter settings go into effect when the command is read while the sequence runs.

Using the Model 6000 to Change Bridge Settings
You may also use the Model 6000 Setup Bridge Channel screen to change user bridge board settings.
To open the Setup Bridge Channel screen, you select the STATUS-BRIDGE screen and then selectsetup, or you enter the CONTROL menu and select 3. Immediate Operationsh06: Bridge. In the
Setup Bridge Channel screen, you press incr and decr to choose a bridge channel. Then you adjust
the current limit, power limit, voltage limit, calibration mode, and drive mode as necessary. Once thesettings are correct, press EXEC <Alt+Enter> to execute them.
The Model 6000 STATUS-BRIDGE screen normally displays the status⎯including resistance,
excitation current, calibration mode, and drive mode⎯of each user bridge channel. However, you
can configure the Model 6000 to show the status of the system bridge board channels and calibration
channels. To do this, enter the CONFIG menu and select 5. Software. Then select 3. Diagnostics
and change the Bridge Display Channel setting to the appropriate display. The standard setting
displays the four user bridge channels. Once this display is reconfigured, it becomes possible tochange system bridge settings simply by selecting setup from the STATUS-BRIDGE screen.
Note, though, that because these channels are used for PPMS temperature control, changing their
settings is not recommended.

2.4

Description of User Bridge Board Operation
After any new user bridge board channel settings are executed, excitation current is applied to eachactive channel, beginning with the lowest numbered channel. If a channel was operating before the
new configuration was executed, the user bridge assumes that the resistance has not changed in orderto predict the measurement parameters I and V and set the initial excitation current. The initial
excitation current is usually the specified current limit. If this current would cause the power to exceed
the specified power limit with a 1-kΩ resistance, the user bridge uses a 1-kΩ initial resistance estimate
for the first cycle of an approach algorithm. Accordingly, a settling time of a few seconds may berequired to reach a stable excitation current. This can be another important consideration when writing
sequence files.
At equilibrium, the excitation current equals the current limit setting unless the power limit setting or
voltage limit setting is reached. It is important to understand the range of possible excitation currents
and potential drops across the sample. You choose the maximum allowable current, voltage, andpower through the sample, so measurement parameters are confined to the dark lines in the graph infigure 2-5. When the power limit is set greater than 460 μW, only the current and voltage limit
settings should affect the measurement parameters.

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2-11Section 2.4
Description of User Bridge Board Operation

Chapter 2User Bridge Board Operation

The voltage drop across the sample is read twice⎯with the same polarity excitation each time for DC
mode, and with opposite polarities for AC mode⎯and the resistance is reported according to one of
the three calibration modes. Enabled channels are scanned sequentially and then necessary calibration
channels are read. In standard mode, the resistance is not reported until the appropriate calibration
resistor has been measured (if this is possible). When a channel is in high-resolution mode, otherchannels continue to operate as usual, but a resistance is reported for only the high-resolution channel
after an appropriate number of readings has been recorded and averaged.
The user bridge board has one current source and voltage detector. Consequently, measurements do
not actually occur simultaneously, although the measurements occur so close to each other you reallywill not notice that they are not simultaneous. On a normal PPMS configured for measurements on
three user bridge channels, the first channel measured is 1, and the last channel measured is 3.
An active user bridge board channel is always running and passing current through the sample,
regardless of whether a measurement is being performed.

Allowable Measurement Parameters
100
92

Absolute Voltage Limit

Vmax
80

Possible
Measurement
Parameters

40

V=Pmax/I

20

0

i
es
lR
a
c
pi
Ty

0

1

Actual Measurement
Parameters

rve
Cu
ce
n
sta

2

3

Absolute Current Limit

V (mV)

60

4 Imax5

I (mA)
Figure 2-5. The allowed measurement parameters V and I are constrained by the userspecified voltage limit (Vmax), current limit (Imax), and power (Pmax). This plot shows Vmax = 82
mV, Imax = 4.2 mA, and Pmax = 0.2 mW.

2-12

PPMS Resistivity Option User’s Manual

Quantum Design

C

H

A

P

T

E

R

3

Four-Wire Resistance Measurements

3.1

Introduction
This chapter contains the following information:

3.2•

Section 3.2 explains how to mountsamples on Resistivity sample pucks.

•

Section 3.3 explains how to take fourwire resistance measurements.

•

Section 3.4 discusses the function of
Resistivity data files.

Sample-Mounting Procedures
The interface on the Resistivity puck has three groups of four labeled contact pads corresponding tochannels 1 through 3 on the user bridge board. Each group of contacts has one positive contact and
one negative contact for both current and voltage (figure 3-1). Up to three samples may be mounted
on a conventional Resistivity puck at any given time.
To mount a sample on a Resistivity puck, you position the sample near the center of the puck and use
the standard four-wire resistivity measurement setup to connect the sample to channel 1, 2, or 3 on theuser bridge. The soft, gold-plated puck contacts allow leads to be soldered or wire bonded to the user
bridge channels. After you mount the sample, you verify that the sample is making good contact withthe puck. Each sample is associated with only one user bridge channel, and this association is created
when you connect the sample to the puck wires read by that channel.

Figure 3-1. Resistivity sample puck with three samples mounted for four-wire resistancemeasurements.

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3-1Section 3.3
Taking Four-Wire Resistance Measurements

Chapter 3
Four-Wire Resistance Measurements

The Resistivity puck does not include contacts for user bridge channel 4 because channel 4 is notprewired for sample measurements. The 12 pins at the bottom of the PPMS sample chamber allow
three samples to be measured; four pins are required to measure one sample. Consequently, user
bridge channels 1 through 3 normally take measurements.
The Resistivity option may also be used with standard PPMS sample pucks. When you use thestandard sample puck, refer to table 2-1 to determine the correct wiring.

3.3

Taking Four-Wire Resistance Measurements
Resistance can be measured once, or it can automatically be measured with a number of excitation
currents in a given excitation current range. The Resistivity command takes one resistance measurement. The Scan Excitation command takes measurements throughout a specified excitation range.
Resistivity and Scan Excitation can be executed immediately or included in a PPMS MultiVusequence file.

CAUTION

An approach algorithm allows the initial excitation to exceed the specified
power and voltage limits for one-fifteenth of a second when the sample
resistance is greater than 1 kΩ. For this reason, it is important to estimate
the sample resistance before taking measurements, and for delicate samples
expected to have resistances greater than 1 kΩ, only a current limit that will
not exceed the samples’ expected power or voltage limit should be specified
when first activating a channel.
Before you measure resistance, you must (1) mount the sample on a puck and wire the sample to a user
bridge channel; (2) insert the sample into the sample chamber by selecting the Install/Remove buttonin the Resistivity control center and following the pop-up instructions; and (3) select or create a new
Resistivity data file, if necessary. Section 3.2 explains how you mount samples on Resistivity pucks.
Section 3.4.1 explains how you create a data file. Section 3.4.2 explains how you select a data file.
For all normal system operations⎯installing samples, selecting
data files, and taking immediate-mode measurements⎯you areencouraged to use the Resistivity control center. The automated routines in the control center help ensure that youcomplete the necessary procedures when you install samples
or create data files. The examples of measurements in thischapter illustrate use of the control center.

NOTE

3-2

Each sample is associated with one user bridgeboard channel. The sample’s association with a
specific channel is identified in the data file header
and cannot be changed in PPMS MultiVu. If youchange the samples on a puck, insert a new puck,or wire a sample to some other channel, you must
create a new data file to ensure that the integrityof the stored data is maintained.

PPMS Resistivity Option User’s Manual

Figure 3-2. Resistivity Control
CenterQuantum DesignChapter 3
Four-Wire Resistance Measurements

3.3.1

Section 3.3
Taking Four-Wire Resistance Measurements

Taking Single-Point Resistance Measurements
The Resistivity command, which takes one resistance measurement at the current system conditions,can be executed immediately from the Resistivity control center or the PPMS MultiVu Measure menu
or it can be included in a sequence.

3.3.1.1

TAKING MEASUREMENTS IN IMMEDIATE MODE

After you insert the sample into the sample chamber and select the data file (see section 3.3), you candefine and then run the measurement. Complete the following steps:
1.

Select the Measure button in the Resistivity control center or select the Resistivity option in the
Measure menu. The Resistivity Quick Measure dialog box opens. Items in the Control panelon the left side of the dialog box designate measurement conditions that should be set prior torunning the measurement. Items in the Results panel on the right side of the dialog box display
the results of the last single-point resistance measurement that was run in immediate mode.

Figure 3-3. Resistivity Quick Measure Dialog Box

2.

Select the Channel check boxes representing the user bridge channels you want to read. Any
number of channels may be read. If you select channels to which no sample is wired, a value ofzero is reported when the measurement is complete.

3.

Enter, in the Readings text box, the number of readings you want the system to take and averagefor one measurement. The readings are averaged regardless of the calibration mode, so if thechannel uses high-resolution mode (see section 2.2.3.3), the operations specific to that modeare performed first, before the Resistivity software averages the readings.

4.

Select the Bridge Setup button if you want to review or change user bridge settings. A channelmust be active to be measured. Section 2.3 explains how you change user bridge settings.

5.

Select Measure. The measurement begins. The Measure button reads Cancel during the measurement. You select Cancel to abort the measurement.
When the measurement is complete, the Resistivity Quick Measure dialog box displays themeasurement results as well as the average temperature, magnetic field, and sample position usedduring the measurement. Resistivity and excitation are reported, in the measurement units thatwere specified when the data file was created, for the measured channels. Values of zero excitation and zero resistivity are reported for those channels to which no sample is wired.

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PPMS Resistivity Option User’s Manual3-3Section 3.3
Taking Four-Wire Resistance Measurements

Chapter 3
Four-Wire Resistance Measurements

6.

Select the Save button in the Resistivity Quick Measure dialog if you want to save the measurement results to the specified data file. You must select Save in order to save the data. The Save
button is disabled after you select it, and it remains disabled until another single-point resistancemeasurement runs. The button is also disabled if a data file has not been selected.

7.

Select Close if you want to close the Resistivity Quick Measure dialog box.

If you saved the measurement data, you may find it useful to examine the data. Clicking on the View
button in the Resistivity control center opens the graph view of the selected data file. Once the graphview is open, you may select many different graph formats to plot the data, or you may select various
other data-viewing formats. The Physical Property Measurement System: PPMS MultiVu Application
User’s Manual discusses data-viewing formats and graph formats in detail.

3.3.1.2

TAKING MEASUREMENTS IN SEQUENCE MODE

After you insert the sample into the sample chamber and select the data file (see section 3.3), you canrun a sequence that includes the Resistivity command. A Resistivity data file must be selected in orderto run a sequence that includes the Resistivity or Scan Excitation command.
Complete the following steps to take a resistance measurement in sequence mode. You should refer tothe Physical Property Measurement System: PPMS MultiVu Application User’s Manual for a detailed
discussion of sequence operation.
1.

Select the New Sequence File button in the PPMS MultiVu tool bar. A new sequence file iscreated. The sequence command bar also opens.

2.

Select the Resistivity command in the Measurement Commands group that is in the sequencecommand bar. The Resistivity dialog box opens and displays the Bridge Configuration tab.

Figure 3-4. Bridge Configuration Tab in Resistivity Dialog Box

3.

Use the Channel Set pull-down menu in the Bridge Configuration tab to activate the user
bridge channels you want to read. Any number of channels may be read. You may use the No
Action option to prevent the channel state from being altered when the command is executed.

4.

Change the settings of the active user bridge channels as necessary. Section 2.3 explains how
you change user bridge settings.
When you use the Resistivity sequence command to activate user bridge channels, the resistivity
and excitation read off the activated channels are saved to the data file, and the data items for theactivated channels are automatically selected in the Data Fields tab (see figure 3-5). When auser bridge channel is deactivated⎯that is, set to Off⎯no data can be collected for that channel.

3-4PPMS Resistivity Option User’s Manual

Quantum DesignChapter 3
Four-Wire Resistance Measurements

5.

Section 3.3
Taking Four-Wire Resistance Measurements

Use the Data Fields tab to select the system data items you want to save to the data file. Bydefault, the general system status, temperature, magnetic field, and sample position are selected
to be saved. The resistivity and excitation read off the active channels are also saved to the file.

Figure 3-5. Data Fields Tab in Resistivity Dialog Box

6.

Enter, in the Reading Count text box, the number of readings you want the system to take andaverage for one measurement. The readings are averaged regardless of the calibration mode,so if the channel uses high-resolution mode (see section 2.2.3.3), the operations specific to thatmode are performed first, before the Resistivity software averages the readings.

7.

Select OK to add the Resistivity command to the sequence.

8.

Select the Save Sequence File button in the PPMS MultiVu tool bar, type a file name for yoursequence, and then select Save in the pop-up dialog box.

9.

Select the Run Sequence button in the PPMS MultiVu tool bar. You saved your new sequenceand selected a data file, so the sequence should run immediately. Status messages in the PPMS
MultiVu interface indicate that a sequence is running. The commands in the sequence determine
the length of time the sequence runs. The Resistivity command you included in the sequence is
executed when it is read during the sequence run.

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3-5Section 3.3
Taking Four-Wire Resistance Measurements

3.3.2

Chapter 3
Four-Wire Resistance Measurements

Taking Multiple Resistance Measurements
The Scan Excitation command, which takes resistance measurements throughout a specified excitation range, can be executed immediately from the PPMS MultiVu Measure menu or it can be included
in a sequence. Resistance measurements taken with Scan Excitation are actually taken one at a time,
although the measurements may be read so rapidly they appear to be taken simultaneously.

3.3.2.1

TAKING MEASUREMENTS IN IMMEDIATE MODE

After you insert the sample into the sample chamber and select the data file (see section 3.3), you candefine and then run the measurement. Complete the following steps:
1.

Select MeasurehScan Excitation. The
Scan Excitation Quick Measure dialog
box opens. Items in the Control panel on
the left side of the dialog box designate measurement conditions that should be set prior
to running the measurement. Items in the
System panel on the right side of the dialog
box indicate what the values of key systemparameters were during the last multiplepoint resistance measurement run in
immediate mode.

2.

Select the Channel option representing theuser bridge channel you want to read.

3.

Use the Initial text box to specify thestarting current in the excitation range.
Notice that when you change the excitation
range, the value of Delta, which is theexcitation step size, is adjusted.

Figure 3-6. Scan Excitation Quick Measure
Dialog Box

4.

Use the Final text box to specify the final current in the excitation range.

5.

Change the value of Delta, if necessary. If you change Delta, the Steps value is adjusted.

6.

Use the Steps text box to specify the number of different excitation currents at which measurements are read in the excitation range. Specifying the number of steps is not mandatory. If youchange the number of steps, the Delta value is adjusted.

7.

Use the Spacing pull-down menu to select the mode of spacing the steps. Linear mode, which isthe default, evenly spaces the steps. Logarithmic mode logarithmically spaces the steps. Powermode separates the steps by i2.

8.

Enter, in the Readings text box, the number of readings you want the system to take and average
at each step in the excitation range. The readings are averaged regardless of the calibrationmode, so if the channel uses high-resolution mode (see section 2.2.3.3), the operations specificto that mode are performed first, before the Resistivity software averages the readings.

9.

Select the Bridge Setup button if you want to review or change user bridge settings. A channelmust be active to be measured. Section 2.3 explains how you change user bridge settings.

10. Select Measure. The measurement begins. The Measure button reads Cancel during the measurement. You select Cancel to abort the measurement.
As soon as the measurement is complete, the Scan Excitation Quick Measure dialog box
displays the average temperature, magnetic field, and sample position used during the measurement, as well as the number of readings taken and the elapsed time of the measurement. The
actual number of readings taken during the measurement is shown in the Actual Readings panel.

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Quantum DesignChapter 3
Four-Wire Resistance Measurements

Section 3.3
Taking Four-Wire Resistance Measurements

11. Select the View button in the Scan Excitation Quick Measure dialog box if you want to open
the qd_resistivity_temporary.dat file and see a plot of the measurement. View
opens the file only when a Resistivity data file is selected to store data and a multiple-point
resistance measurement has just been run in immediate mode.
The qd_resistivity_temporary.dat file is overwritten each time another multiplepoint resistance measurement runs in immediate mode.
12. Select the Save button in the Scan Excitation Quick Measure dialog if you want to save themeasurement results to the specified data file. You must select Save in order to save the data.
The Save button is disabled after you select it and remains disabled until another multiple-point
resistance measurement runs. The button is also disabled if a data file has not been not selected.
13. Select Close if you want to close the Scan Excitation Quick Measure dialog box.

3.3.2.2

TAKING MEASUREMENTS IN SEQUENCE MODE

After you insert the sample into the sample chamber and select the data file (see section 3.3), you canrun a sequence that includes the Scan Excitation command. A Resistivity data file must be selected inorder to run a sequence that includes the Resistivity or Scan Excitation command.
The Scan Excitation sequence command functions similarly to other PPMS MultiVu scan commands.
When the system reads Scan Excitation in a running sequence, it takes measurements, on all active
user bridge channels, throughout the entire excitation range before executing the next command in thesequence. Scan Excitation thus simplifies the process of scanning through an excitation range, andby reducing the number of commands in a sequence, Scan Excitation helps prevent the sequence filefrom getting too large. However, Scan Excitation, unlike other scan commands, creates a one-line
control loop into which no additional commands may be inserted. Refer to the Physical Property
Measurement System: PPMS MultiVu Application User’s Manual for a detailed discussion of scancommands and control loop operation.
Complete the following steps to take multiple resistance measurements in sequence mode. You shouldrefer to the Physical Property Measurement System: PPMS MultiVu Application User’s Manual for a
detailed discussion of sequence operation.
1.

Select the New Sequence File button in the PPMS MultiVu tool bar. A new sequence file iscreated. The sequence command bar also opens.

2.

Select the Scan Excitation command in the Measurement Commands group that is in thesequence command bar. The Scan Excitation dialog box opens and displays the Scan Setup tab.

Figure 3-7. Scan Setup Tab in Scan Excitation Dialog Box

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Taking Four-Wire Resistance Measurements

Chapter 3
Four-Wire Resistance Measurements

3.

Use the Scan Setup tab to define the excitation range and the mode of spacing the steps within
the excitation range. See section 3.3.2.1 for an explanation of the Scan Excitation parameters.

4.

Use the Channel Set pull-down menu in the Bridge Configuration tab to activate the user
bridge channels you want to read. Any number of channels may be read. You may use the No
Action option to prevent the channel state from being altered when the command is executed.

5.

Change the settings of the active user bridge channels as necessary. Section 2.3 explains how
you change user bridge settings.
When you use the Scan Excitation sequence command to activate user bridge channels, theresistivity and excitation read off the activated channels are saved to the data file, and the data
items for the activated channels are automatically selected in the Data Fields tab (see figure 3-5).
When a user bridge channel is deactivated⎯that is, set to Off⎯no data can be collected for thatchannel.

6.

Use the Data Fields tab to select the system data items you want to save to the data file. Bydefault, the general system status, temperature, magnetic field, and sample position are selected
to be saved. The resistivity and excitation read off the active channels are also saved to the file.

7.

Enter, in the Reading Count text box, the number of readings you want the system to take andaverage at each step in the excitation range. The readings are averaged regardless of the calibration mode, so if the channel uses high-resolution mode (see section 2.2.3.3), the operations
specific to that mode are performed first, before the Resistivity software averages the readings.

8.

Select OK to add the Scan Excitation command to the sequence.

9.

Select the Save Sequence File button in the PPMS MultiVu tool bar, type a file name for yoursequence, and then select Save in the pop-up dialog box.

10. Select the Run Sequence button in the PPMS MultiVu tool bar. You saved your new sequenceand selected a data file, so the sequence should run immediately. Status messages in the PPMS
MultiVu interface indicate that a sequence is running. The commands in the sequence determine
the length of time the sequence runs. The Scan Excitation command you included in thesequence is executed when it is read during the sequence run.

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Four-Wire Resistance Measurements

3.4

Section 3.4
Resistivity Data Files

Resistivity Data Files
Resistivity measurement data files store measurement results and other relevant parameters read by
the Model 6000 PPMS Controller during resistance measurements. The Resistivity software creates
Resistivity measurement data files and lets only Resistivity measurement data files be selected to store
data from Resistivity measurements. Like any PPMS MultiVu measurement data file, Resistivity
measurement data files have a .dat file extension.
By default, the Resistivity software records the following data for every measurement: the resistivity
and excitation read off each measured user bridge board channel; the general PPMS status code; andthe average system temperature, magnetic field, and sample position from the measurement. The two
Resistivity measurement sequence commands allow you to select which PPMS system data items you
want to save to the data file.
The header of each Resistivity data file includes file and sample property information that is definedat the time the data file is created. When you create a new file, the Resistivity software prompts you
to define the sample properties for the sample or samples whose measurement data will be saved to thefile. Information written to the data file header cannot subsequently be changed in PPMS MultiVu.
Subsequently changing samples without changing the data files can destroy the validity of the data in
the files.
Each sample is associated with one user bridge channel. The sample’s
association with a specific channel is identified in the data file header andcannot be changed in PPMS MultiVu. If you change the samples on a puck,insert a new puck, or wire a sample to some other channel, you must create
a new data file to ensure that the integrity of the stored data is maintained.

NOTE

The Datafile panel in the Resistivity control center (see figure 3-2) identifies which Resistivity
measurement data file is selected to store the Resistivity measurement data, and also maps the filelocation. The panel is blank if a data file has not been selected.
Selecting the View button in the control center opens the graph view of the currently selected
Resistivity data file. The Physical Property Measurement System: PPMS MultiVu Application User’s
Manual discusses your options for plotting and viewing data.

3.4.1

Creating a Resistivity Data File
1.

Select the Browse button in the Resistivity control center. The Select a Data File dialog box
opens. The dialog box lists all existing data files.

2.

Select the drive and directory where the new data file will reside, if necessary. The default
directory to which PPMS MultiVu writes data files is C:\QdPpms\Data.

3.

Use the File name text box in the Select a Data File dialog box to enter the name of the newdata file. Creating a name that helps identify the file as a Resistivity data file is useful. If you
enter the name of an existing file, that file will be overwritten.

4.

Select Open. The File and Sample Properties dialog box opens (figure 3-8), and all data entry
fields in the dialog box are enabled.

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3-9Section 3.4
Resistivity Data Files

Chapter 3
Four-Wire Resistance Measurements

Figure 3-8. File and Sample Properties Dialog Box

5.

Use the Data File Title text box in the File and Sample Properties dialog to specify a title forthe graph view of the data file, if you like. Specifying a title for the graph view is not mandatory.

6.

Enter, in the Sample Description text boxes representing the user bridge channel or channels
to which the installed sample or samples are connected, the following information:(a)

The name or a description of each sample.

(b)

The area, in mm2, of each sample. Use “1” if you are uncertain what the area of thesample is. A value of 1 will not affect the data.

(c)

The length, in mm, of each sample. Use “1” if you are uncertain what the length of thesample is. A value of 1 will not affect the data.

The information you enter in the File and Sample Properties dialog box is saved to the data fileheader. Enter the information carefully; it cannot be subsequently changed in PPMS MultiVu.
7.

Select the units in which you want the measurement results reported for each channel to whicha sample is connected. The units determine the specific type of data saved for that channel.
In addition to the resistivity, the data file also stores the resistance for each measurement.

8.

Select OK. The data file is created, and its name and file location are displayed in the Datafile
panel in the Resistivity control center.

Notice that if you select the Samples button in the Resistivity control center after you create the data
file, all data entry fields in the File and Sample Properties dialog box are disabled.

3.4.2

Selecting a Resistivity Data File
1.

Select the Browse button in the Resistivity control center. The Select a Data File dialog box
opens. The dialog box lists all existing data files.

2.

Double-click on the name of a Resistivity data file. A warning message pops up if you try to
select a file that is incompatible with the Resistivity option.
As soon as you select a Resistivity data file, the File and Sample Properties dialog box opens
and displays the information stored in the data file header. All data entry fields in the dialog box
are disabled.

3-10

3.

Review the information in the File and Sample Properties dialog box to determine whether you
have selected the correct data file for your sample. If the file stores data for some other sample orfor some other sample-wiring arrangement, return to step 2 and select another data file.

4.

Select OK to close the File and Sample Properties dialog box and to prompt the Resistivity
software to store all new measurement data in the selected data file.

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Quantum DesignChapter 3
Four-Wire Resistance Measurements

3.4.3

Section 3.4
Resistivity Data Files

Adding a Comment to a Resistivity Data File
You can append a comment containing any number of characters to the selected Resistivity measurement data file. Because the comment is appended to only the selected data file, you should first verify
that the file to which you want to append the comment is selected.
In immediate mode, you append a comment to a data file by selecting the MeasurehAdd Datafile
Comment menu option, entering the comment in the pop-up dialog box, and then selecting OK.
In sequence mode, you select the Datafile Comment measurement sequence command, enter thecomment, and then select OK. You may add only a comment to a data file; you may not insert ablank line into a data file.

Figure 3-9. Datafile Comment Dialog Box for Immediate Mode

3.4.4

Changing Resistivity Data Files during a Sequence Run
The Resistivity option includes the Change Datafile sequence command. When the Change Datafilecommand is executed, it prompts the system to start saving Resistivity measurement data and theselected system parameter data to the new data file specified by the command. You can use Change
Datafile to select an existing data file or to create a new data file.
Complete the following steps to change data files during a sequence run:1.

Position the highlight bar in the sequence editor so that the highlight bar marks the location
where you want to insert the Change Datafile command. New commands are inserted
immediately above the highlight bar. Refer to the Physical Property Measurement System:
PPMS MultiVu Application User’s Manual for detailed information about sequence operation.

2.

Select the Change Datafile command in the Measurement Commands group that is in thesequence command bar. The Change Datafile Sequence dialog box opens and displays theDatafile tab.

3.

Select Browse. The Select a Data File dialog box opens. The dialog box lists all existing data
files.

4.

Select or create a data file as necessary. Refer to sections 3.4.1 and 3.4.2. As soon as you selector create a file, you see the Datafile tab in the Change Datafile Sequence dialog box again. The
tab shows the file location and name of the data file you have just selected.

5.

If you are selecting a data file, use the Sample tab in the Change Datafile Sequence dialog box
to determine whether you have selected an appropriate data file for your sample. If the file stores
data for some other sample or for some other sample-wiring arrangement, select another file.

6.

Select OK to add the Change Datafile command to the sequence file.

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4

Operation with the Helium-3 System

4.1

Introduction
This chapter contains the following information:•

4.2

Section 4.2 presents an overview ofResistivity operation with the Helium-3
system.

•Section 4.3 describes how to takeResistivity measurements when using
the Helium-3 system.

Overview of Resistivity Operation with the Helium-3
SystemThe Resistivity option may be used with the PPMS Helium-3 Refrigerator System insert (Model
P825). Use of the Helium-3 insert allows resistance measurements to be performed to below 0.4 K.
Although samples are mounted differently when the Helium-3 system is being used, the operationof the Helium-3 system is otherwise designed to be as transparent as possible.
The Helium-3 option uses bridge board channel 3 for reading the Helium-3 system thermometer.
Because the thermometer excitation power must be kept very low below 1 K, the enhanced bridgeboard (part number 3076-050) must be used. As of July 1999, the enhanced bridge board ships
standard with all Resistivity options. The new enhanced bridge board has been designed with a
precision-balanced current source to aid precise readings of large resistances.
To set up the system for resistance measurements, the standard user bridge cable (part number 3084003) is connected in the usual way; that is, between the gray-ringed Lemo connector on the PPMS
probe head and the “P1−User Bridge” port on the Model 6000 PPMS Controller. Because channel 3
is used for thermometry, only channels 1 and 2 are available for measurements.

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4-1Section 4.3
Resistivity Measurements with the Helium-3 System

4.3

Chapter 4
Operation with the Helium-3 System

Resistivity Measurements with the Helium-3 System
Please refer to the Physical Property Measurement System: Helium-3 Refrigerator System User’s
Manual for complete instructions on handling and operating the PPMS Helium-3 system.

4.3.1

Measurement Setup

4.3.1.1

PREPARE FOR THE MEASUREMENT
Avoid stressing the shaft of the Helium-3 refrigerator probe in any way
while you are inserting the refrigerator probe into or removing it fromthe PPMS sample chamber. The material out of which the probe shaft
is constructed is thin and fragile and can easily bend or dent.

CAUTION

1.

Remove the Helium-3 refrigerator probe from the sample chamber. Refer to the Physical
Property Measurement System: Helium-3 Refrigerator System User’s Manual for detailed
instructions.

2.

Quit the Helium-3 software application if the application is running.

3.

Install the user bridge cable (part number 3084-003) by plugging the connectors on the cable into
the ports indicated by the cable labels.
•

Plug the 14-pin gray Lemo connector into the gray, color-coded port on the probe head.

•

Plug the 25-pin connector labeled “P1 User Bridge” into the “P1−User Bridge” port on therear of the Model 6000.

Figure 4-1. User Bridge Cable

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Quantum DesignChapter 4
Operation with the Helium-3 System

4.3.1.2
1.

Section 4.3
Resistivity Measurements with the Helium-3 System

INSTALL THE SAMPLE

Mount the sample on a Helium-3 sample mount (part number 4092-610).
Note that at temperatures below 1 K, intimate thermal contact between the sample and the copper
holder is very important to reduce temperature errors. A thin film of Apiezon N Grease works
well to aid thermal contact. Apiezon N Grease is supplied with the Model P825 Helium-3 insert.

2.

Refer to figure 4-2 below to wire the sample to the stage. The plug-in sample mount is clearlylabeled for mounting two samples.

Figure 4-2. Helium-3 sample puck with two samples mounted for four-wire resistancemeasurements.

3.

Attach the plug-in sample stage to the Helium-3 refrigerator probe. Refer to the Physical
Property Measurement System: Helium-3 Refrigerator System User’s Manual for detailed
instructions.

4.

Insert the Helium-3 refrigerator probe into the sample chamber. Refer to the Physical Property
Measurement System: Helium-3 Refrigerator System User’s Manual for detailed instructions.

4.3.1.3

START UP THE SOFTWARE

1.

Start up PPMS MultiVu if the application is not running.

2.

Activate the Helium-3 option in PPMS MultiVu. Do the following: (a) select Utilitiesh
Activate Option, (b) click on Helium3 under the Available Options heading, and then(c) select the Activate button.

3.

Activate the Resistivity option in PPMS MultiVu. Do the following: (a) select Utilitiesh
Activate Option, (b) click on Resistivity under the Available Options heading, and then(c) select the Activate button.
Both the Helium-3 software and Resistivity software must be running before you can initiate
a measurement.

4.

Quantum Design

Initiate a Helium-3 system test by using PPMS MultiVu or the Model 6000 front panel to set an
initial temperature (for example, 300 K). The Helium-3 temperature control is activated on thefirst Temperature Set command. The software checks out the Helium-3 system, downloads any
necessary configuration data to the Model 6000 console, and begins controlling temperature.

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4-3Section 4.3
Resistivity Measurements with the Helium-3 System

4.3.2

Chapter 4
Operation with the Helium-3 System

Performing Measurements
Once the Helium-3 refrigerator probe is inserted in the sample chamber and the Helium-3 andResistivity software applications are running, you may take resistance measurements at temperatures
as low as 0.4 K. You take measurements and write sequences according to the usual procedures
described in chapter 3. However, there are a few additional considerations for resistance measurements with the Helium-3 system. These considerations are described below.

4.3.2.1

RESERVED CHANNEL 3

Channel 3 on the user bridge board is used exclusively for thermometer readback with the Helium-3
system. You should never attempt to modify the settings for channel 3.
For channel 3, you must always select No Action for the Channel Set
parameter in the Resistivity sequence measurement dialog box and theScan Excitation sequence measurement dialog box.

NOTE

4.3.2.2

EXCITATION LEVELS

The sample mounts provided for mounting samples are constructed of high-conductivity copper toprovide good thermal anchoring. However, at temperatures below about 1 K, it is normally very
difficult to achieve good thermal contact, even within the sample itself. That is, if the excitation
current is too high, significant self-heating of the sample can result in substantial temperature errors
where the relevant portions of the sample are warmer than the Helium-3 thermometer reports. Again,
this is not necessarily due to poor contact of the sample to the sample holder; it may be due to poor
thermal conductance of the sample itself. The best way to detect this effect is to repeat measurements
using different bridge-board excitation levels. It is also generally recommended that you use thesmallest possible excitation that still gives an adequate signal-to-noise ratio.

4.3.2.3

UNUSED BRIDGE CHANNELS

Due to the extremely low excitation currents used for reading the thermometer on channel 3, there canbe significant cross-talk from the other bridge channels under certain conditions. In the worst case,this can produce instabilities in the temperature control.
The worst case cross-talk appears when unused bridge channels are not explicitly turned off. In thiscase, the current drive multiplexer can create unwanted voltage spikes when switching from an open
load to a neighboring channel. Therefore, always turn off unused bridge channels.

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Operation with the Horizontal Rotator

5.1

Introduction
This chapter contains the following information:•

5.2

Section 5.2 presents an overview ofResistivity operation with the Horizontal
Rotator.

•Section 5.3 describes how to takeResistivity measurements when using
the Horizontal Rotator.

Overview of Resistivity Operation with the
Horizontal Rotator
The Resistivity option may be used with the PPMS Horizontal Rotator option (Model P310). Useof the Horizontal Rotator allows the sample to be rotated around an axis perpendicular to the magnetic
field of a longitudinal PPMS magnet.
The Horizontal Rotator option uses bridge board channel 1 for reading the thermometer on the rotator.
Consequently, once channel 1 is configured, its settings must not be changed. Only channels 2 and 3
are available for resistance measurements.
The standard user bridge cable (part number 3084-003) is connected to both the gray-ringed Lemo
connector on the PPMS probe head and the “P1−User Bridge” port on the Model 6000 PPMS Controller when the Resistivity option is used with the Horizontal Rotator. Figure 4-1 illustrates theuser bridge cable.

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5-1Section 5.3
Resistivity Measurements with the Horizontal Rotator

5.3

Chapter 5
Operation with the Horizontal Rotator

Resistivity Measurements with the Horizontal
RotatorPlease refer to the Physical Property Measurement System: Horizontal Rotator Option User’s Manualfor complete instructions on handling and operating the PPMS Horizontal Rotator.

5.3.1

Measurement Setup

5.3.1.1
1.

Install the user bridge cable (see figure 4-1) by plugging the connectors on the cable into theports indicated by the cable labels.
•

Plug the 14-pin gray Lemo connector into the gray, color-coded port on the probe head.

•

Plug the 25-pin connector labeled “P1 User Bridge” into the “P1−User Bridge” port on therear of the Model 6000.

5.3.1.2

INSTALL THE SAMPLE

1.

Mount the sample on a resistance bridge sample holder
board (part number 3084-371).

2.

Refer to figure 5-1 to wire the sample to the sample holder
board. The sample holder board is clearly labeled for
mounting two samples.

3.

Attach the sample holder board to the rotator transfer case.
Refer to the Physical Property Measurement System:
Horizontal Rotator Option User’s Manual for detailed
instructions.
The Horizontal Rotator probe is delicate and mustbe handled with care. Use caution so that you do
not dent or bend the stainless steel tube on theoutside of the probe. Be extremely careful whenplacing the probe on a flat surface, such as a table,
because the probe may easily roll off.

CAUTION

4.

5-2

PREPARE FOR THE MEASUREMENT

Figure 5-1. Resistance bridge
sample holder board with two
samples mounted for four-wireresistance measurements.

Insert the Horizontal Rotator probe into the sample chamber. Refer to the Physical Property
Measurement System: Horizontal Rotator Option User’s Manual for detailed instructions.

PPMS Resistivity Option User’s Manual

Quantum DesignChapter 5
Operation with the Horizontal Rotator

5.3.1.3

START UP THE SOFTWARE

1.

Start up PPMS MultiVu if the application is not running.

2.

Activate the Resistivity option in PPMS MultiVu. Do the following: (a) select Utilitiesh
Activate Option, (b) click on Resistivity under the Available Options heading, and then(c) select the Activate button.

5.3.1.4

5.3.2

Section 5.3
Resistivity Measurements with the Horizontal Rotator

CONFIGURE THE ROTATOR

1.

Download the appropriate configuration file for the rotator in order to set up the rotator
thermometry and configure the rotator motor. Refer to the Physical Property Measurement
System: Horizontal Rotator Option User’s Manual for detailed instructions.

2.

Engage the rotator motor and check for the proper position calibration. Refer to the Physical
Property Measurement System: Horizontal Rotator Option User’s Manual for detailed
instructions.

Performing Measurements
Once the Horizontal Rotator probe is inserted in the sample chamber and the Resistivity software
application is running, you may take resistance measurements as you would normally. Refer tochapter 3.

5.3.3

Turning Off UserTemp
Configuring the Horizontal Rotator by transmitting the configuration files to the Model 6000 ROM
also turns on UserTemp so that the rotator thermometer is used for temperature control. When you
complete your experiments with the Horizontal Rotator and remove the Horizontal Rotator probe fromthe sample chamber, you should turn off this thermometer. Complete the following steps:
1.

Open Monitor QD-6000 in the PPMS 32-bit Tools folder, or select UtilitieshSend GPIB
Commands in the PPMS MultiVu interface.

2.

Type USERTEMP 0.

3.

Press <Enter> to execute this command.

If you do not turn off UserTemp, the resistance read off user bridge channel 1 is used to control thetemperature in the sample chamber. If UserTemp remains on, but no user thermometer is installed⎯that is, the Horizontal Rotator probe is removed from the PPMS⎯the temperature control defaults
back to the system thermometers, but returns to user bridge channel 1 whenever a resistance isperceived there. If the resistance is not that of the calibrated rotator thermometer, the temperature
controller appears broken, so be sure to turn off UserTemp when you are not using the Horizontal
Rotator or another customized calibrated thermometer.

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Installation

A.1

Introduction
This appendix contains the following information:•

A.2

Section A.2 explains how to install theuser bridge board in the Model 6000.

Installing the User Bridge Board
The user bridge board that is part of the PPMS Resistivity option is generally installed at the Quantum
Design factory. The board can, however, be easily installed in the field. These installation instructions
explain how to install the user bridge board in the Model 6000 PPMS Controller.
The user bridge board installation kit includes the following items:

A.2.1

;

One user bridge board (part number 3076-050);

Four split-ring lock washers and 4/40 hex nuts to secure user bridge board to motherboard posts;

Two jack sockets to secure 25-pin “D” shell connector to Model 6000 rear panel;

One 9 1/3-inch, 16-wire ribbon cable

Remove the Model 6000 Cover
1.

CAUTION

Quantum Design

Take all necessary precautions to protect the user bridge board against static electricity or otherelectrical damage.
Static discharge can damage components on the user bridge board and othercomponents inside the Model 6000. Before you touch the user bridge board
or any other component inside the Model 6000, ground yourself by touching
the metal back or metal side panel of the Model 6000 case. In addition, limit
your movement during installation and whenever you handle the user bridgeboard; movement increases the possibility of static discharge.

PPMS Resistivity Option User’s Manual

A-1

Section A.2
Installing the User Bridge Board

A.2.2

Appendix A
Installation2.

Set the system magnetic field to zero and wait for the field to reach zero.

3.

Select CTRLh1. Interactive Controlh8. Shutdown Mode from the Model 6000 front panel.
The PPMS enters shutdown mode.

4.

Use the switch on the front panel of the Model 6000 to turn off the Model 6000. Do not turn off
the vacuum pump or any other electronics in the PPMS electronics cabinet.

5.

Clear the top of the PPMS console cabinet, and then remove the top cover of the console cabinet
by lifting it up and off the console.

6.

Remove the top cover from the Model 6000 as follows:•

If only the two rear top cover screws (see “A” in figure A-1) secure the top cover, remove
these screws, and then remove the top cover.

•If the two rear top cover screws (see “A” in figure A-1) and the two front top cover screws(see “B” in figure A-1) secure the top cover, do the following:(a)Unscrew the two rack mount screws that attach the Model 6000 to the console cabinet
rack.

(b)

Carefully slide the Model 6000 forward and out of the console approximately 2 inches(5.13 cm). Make certain that you support the full weight of the Model 6000.

(c)

Remove the two front top cover screws (see “B” in figure A-1).

(d)Carefully slide the Model 6000 back into the console cabinet.

(e)

Screw in the two rack mount screws to attach the Model 6000 mounting brackets tothe console cabinet rack.

(f)

Remove the two rear top cover screws (see “A” in figure A-1).

(g)

Remove the Model 6000 top cover.

Install the User Bridge Board
Do not drop any components inside the Model 6000. If any components
are dropped inside the Model 6000, they must be retrieved before power
is restored, or they may cause serious, irreparable damage.

CAUTION

Do not scrape back-plane components or traces while you install theuser bridge board.
CAUTION

Before you install the user bridge board, refer to figure A-1 and note the location of the board in the
Model 6000. When you face the Model 6000 front panel, the user bridge board is at the right rear sideof the controller and is immediately adjacent to the system bridge board (see “D” in figure A-1). The
user bridge board sits on four posts (see “C” in figure A-1).
Complete the following steps to install the user bridge board in the Model 6000:
1.

A-2

Place the user bridge board in the Model 6000.

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Appendix A
Installation

Section A.2
Installing the User Bridge Board

The 25-pin “D” shell connector fits into the “P1−User Bridge” port located on the Model 6000
rear panel. The four holes in the board fit over the four posts secured on the motherboard.
2.

Secure the connector (“P1−User Bridge”) to the rear panel by inserting the two jack sockets (see“E” in figure A-1) through the connector holes, starting from the outer side of the rear panel.

3.

Secure the user bridge board to the motherboard posts by (a) placing each washer on a post, (b)placing each nut on a post, and then (c) tightening each nut.

4.

Connect the four-wire ribbon cable from the system bridge board to the socket labeled J5“DRIVER” (see “F” in figure A-1) on the user bridge board.

5.

Connect the 16-wire ribbon cable as follows. (a) Connect one end of the cable to the motherboard socket labeled J13 “USER BRIDGE” (see “G” in figure A-1). (b) Connect the other end of
the cable to the user bridge board socket labeled J1 “CONTROL” (see “H” in figure A-1).

6.

Reinstall the top cover on the Model 6000 by securing it with only the two rear screws (see “A”
in figure A-1).

7.

Put the top cover back on the console cabinet.

8.

Press the power button to turn on the Model 6000.

The system is now ready for normal use.

Figure A-1. Model 6000 PPMS Controller with Cover Removed

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References
Quantum Design. 1998. Physical Property Measurement System: Hardware Manual.
⎯⎯⎯. 1999. Physical Property Measurement System: Helium-3 Refrigerator System User’s Manual.
⎯⎯⎯. 1998. Physical Property Measurement System: Horizontal Rotator Option User’s Manual.
⎯⎯⎯. 1998. Physical Property Measurement System: PPMS MultiVu Application User’s Manual.

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PPMS Resistivity Option User’s Manual

References-1

Index

AC modeapplying excitation current to sample, 2-6. See also
User bridge board: Operation
as default drive mode, 2-6
recommended use of, 2-10, 2-11
synchronized with power line frequency, 2-7
as user bridge board parameter, 2-6, 2-8
A/D converter, on user bridge board, calibrating, 2-7
DC modeapplying excitation current to sample, 2-6. See also
User bridge board: Operationsynchronized with power line frequency, 2-7
as user bridge board parameter, 2-6, 2-8
Calibration modes, as user bridge board parameter, 2-4,
2-8. See also Fast mode; High-resolution mode;Standard mode
Current limit, for user bridge board, 2-3, 2-8
Drive modes, 2-6−2-7, 2-8
Enhanced bridge board, 4-1
Excitation current ranges, 2-4
Fast mode
calculating sample resistance in, 2-4
suggested usage, 2-4
as user bridge board parameter, 2-4, 2-8
Four-wire resistance measurements
advantage of, 1-2
extending temperature range of. See Helium-3
Refrigerator System option
rotating samples for. See Horizontal Rotator option
saving data from. See Resistivity data files
taking multiple
in immediate mode, 3-2, 3-6−3-7
in sequence mode, 3-2, 3-7−3-8
taking single point
in immediate mode, 3-2, 3-3−3-4
in sequence mode, 3-2, 3-4−3-5
user bridge board channels available for, 3-1, 3-2
wiring sample for. See Helium-3 sample mount;
PPMS sample puck; Resistance bridge sample
holder board; Resistivity sample puck

Helium-3 refrigerator probe, proper handling of, 4-2

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Helium-3 Refrigerator System option
extending temperature range, 4-1, 4-4
and possible cross-talk, 4-4
reserving user bridge board channel 3, 4-1, 4-4
taking four-wire resistance measurements when
installed, 4-2−4-4
user bridge board channels available with, 4-1
Helium-3 sample mount, wiring sample to, 4-3
High-resolution mode. See also Standard mode
calculating sample resistance in, 2-4, 2-5−2-6. See also
User bridge board: Operationsuggested usage, 2-4
as user bridge board parameter, 2-4, 2-8
Horizontal Rotator option
and function of UserTemp, 5-3
reserving user bridge board channel 1, 5-1
rotating samples, 5-1
taking four-wire resistance measurements when
installed, 5-2−5-3
user bridge board channels available with, 5-1
Horizontal Rotator probe, proper handling of, 5-2
Measurements. See Four-wire resistance measurements
Model 6000 PPMS Controllerchanging user bridge board settings with, 2-11
connections for P1−User Bridge port, 2-2
housing user bridge board, 1-1, 2-1. See also User
bridge board: Installing
illustration of, with cover removed, A-3
removing cover from, A-1−A-2Multiple resistance measurements, taking
in immediate mode, 3-2, 3-6−3-7
in sequence mode, 3-2, 3-7−3-8Nominal resolution, of user bridge board, determining, 2-3
Power limit, for user bridge board, 2-3, 2-8
PPMS measurement option, deactivating, 1-3
PPMS MultiVu application
automating Resistivity operation, 1-2
commands changing user bridge board settings, 2-9
PPMS sample puck
sample mounted on, illustration of, 1-2
using for four-wire resistance measurements, 1-1, 3-2

qd_resistivity_temporary.dat file, 3-7

PPMS Resistivity Option User’s ManualIndex-1

IndexResistance bridge board. See System bridge board; User
bridge board
Resistance bridge sample holder board, wiring sample to,
5-2
Resistivity command. See Single-point resistancemeasurement
Resistivity control center
opening with Resistivity option activation, 1-3
simplifying system operation, 1-3, 3-2
Resistivity data files
adding comment to, 3-11
changing during sequence run, 3-11
creating, 3-9−3-10
data stored in, 3-9
header in, and inability to change information written
to, 3-2, 3-9, 3-10
opening graph view of, 3-4, 3-9
required for sequence measurements, 3-4, 3-7
saving immediate-mode data to, 3-4, 3-7
saving sequence mode data to, 3-4−3-5, 3-8, 3-9
selecting, 3-10
Resistivity option
adding user bridge board to system, 1-1. See also User
bridge board
electrical connections, 2-2
measurement types reported by, 1-1
operation with Helium-3 Refrigerator System. See
Helium-3 Refrigerator System option
operation with Horizontal Rotator. See Horizontal
Rotator option
sample pucks used with, 1-1. See also PPMS sample
puck; Resistivity sample puck
Resistivity option software. See also Resistivity control
center; Resistivity data files
activating, 1-2−1-3
default data recorded by, 3-9
Resistivity sample puckinterface, description of, 1-1, 3-1
as platform for up to three samples, 1-1, 3-1, 3-2
samples mounted on, illustration of, 3-1
wiring sample to, 1-1, 3-1−3-2
Sampleand association with one user bridge board channel,
3-1, 3-2, 3-9
wiring for four-wire resistance measurement. See
Helium-3 sample mount; PPMS sample puck;
Resistance bridge sample holder board; Resistivity
sample puck
Sample resistance, estimating before measurement, 2-8, 3-2
Scan Excitation commandin immediate mode, using, 3-6−3-7
in sequence mode, function of, 3-7
Single-point resistance measurement, taking
in immediate mode, 3-2, 3-3−3-4
in sequence mode, 3-2, 3-4−3-5

calculating sample resistance in, 2-4, 2-5. See also
User bridge board: Operation
as default calibration mode, 2-4
suggested usage, 2-4
as user bridge board parameter, 2-4, 2-8Standard sample puck. See PPMS sample puck
System bridge board, 2-1
User bridge board
adjusting excitation current, 2-1, 2-3, 2-4, 2-11
block diagram, 2-3
calibration modes, 2-4, 2-8. See also Fast mode;
High-resolution mode; Standard modechannels. See User bridge board channels
drive modes, 2-6−2-7, 2-8
electrical connections, 2-2
enabling four-wire resistance measurements, 1-1, 2-1.
See also Four-wire resistance measurements
installing, A-1−A-3
internal voltage gain control, 2-1, 2-7
location in Model 6000 PPMS Controller, illustrationof, A-3
as main component of Resistivity option, 1-1, 2-1
operation, description of, 2-11−2-12. See also User
bridge board channels: Changing settingsparameterschanging. See User bridge board channels:
Changing settings
list of, 2-8. See also AC mode; DC mode; Fast
mode; High-resolution mode; Standard mode
User bridge board channels
changing settings forin immediate mode, 2-8, 2-9−2-10
with Model 6000 PPMS Controller, 2-11
in sequence mode, 2-8, 2-9, 2-10−2-11
number of available, 1-1
parameters, list of, 2-8. See also AC mode; DC mode;
Fast mode; High-resolution mode; Standard mode
User bridge cableillustration of, 4-2
used with Helium-3 Refrigerator System, 4-1, 4-2
used with Horizontal Rotator, 5-1, 5-2
UserTemp, turning off, 5-3
Voltage limit, for user bridge board, 2-3, 2-8
Voltage gain settings, for user bridge board, 2-7

Standard mode. See also Fast mode

Index-2

PPMS Resistivity Option User’s Manual

Quantum Design