Physical Property
Measurement System
Hardware ManualPart Number 1070-150, B5

Quantum Design6325 Lusk Boulevard
San Diego, CA 92121
USA
Technical support
Fax(858) 481-4400(800) 289-6996(858) 481-7410

Sixth edition of manual completed February 2008.

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Safety Instructions
No operator-serviceable parts
are inside. Refer servicing toqualified personnel.

For continued protection against fire
hazard, replace fuses only with same typeand rating of fuses for selected line
voltage.

Observe the following safety guidelines when you use your system:○

To avoid damaging the system, verify that the system power requirements match the alternating current(AC) power available at your location. If the system has not been configured for the correct power
available at your location, contact your local service representative before you proceed with the systeminstallation.

○

To prevent electrical shock, verify that the equipment is properly grounded with three-wire grounded
plugs.

○

To prevent electrical shock, unplug the system before you install it, adjust it, or service it.

○

Do not spill food or liquids on the system or its cables.

○

Refer to the section titled “Safety Precautions” before you install or operate this system. Direct contact
with cryogenic liquids, materials recently removed from cryogenic liquids, or exposure to the boil-off gas,can freeze skin or eyes almost instantly, causing serious injuries similar to frostbite or burns.

○

Wear protective gear, including clothing, insulated gloves, and safety eye protection, when you handle
cryogenic liquids.

○

Transfer liquid helium only in areas that have adequate ventilation and a supply of fresh air. Helium gas
can displace the air in a confined space or room, resulting in asphyxiation, dizziness, unconsciousness, ordeath.

○

Keep this system away from radiators and heat sources. Provide adequate ventilation to allow for coolingaround the cabinet and computer equipment.

○

Refer to the manuals for the supplied computer and monitor for additional safety warnings and notices
before you operate the system.

Regulatory Information○

This apparatus has been tested to the requirements of the EMC Directive 89/336/EEC.

○This apparatus is defined as ISM Group 1, Class A and B equipment per EN 50011:1991 (industrial andlight industrial environment limits of radio frequency emission).

○

This apparatus has been tested to the requirement of the Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC.

○

See the EU Declaration of Conformity for additional regulatory information regarding your PPMS.

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Table of Contents
PREFACE
Contents and Conventions .................................................................................................. xiii
P.1
P.2
P.3
P.4

Introduction............................................................................................................................ xiii
Scope of the Manual .............................................................................................................. xiii
Contents of the Manual .......................................................................................................... xiii
Conventions in the Manual .................................................................................................... xiv

CHAPTER 1
Introduction and System Setup .......................................................................................... 1-1
1.1 Introduction............................................................................................................................ 1-1
1.2 Overview of the PPMS .......................................................................................................... 1-1
1.3 Overview of System Hardware .............................................................................................. 1-2
1.4 Safety Precautions.................................................................................................................. 1-3
1.4.1 Cryogens ........................................................................................................................ 1-4
1.4.2 Magnets .......................................................................................................................... 1-5
1.4.3 Electricity ....................................................................................................................... 1-6
1.5 Environmental Considerations and PPMS Setup ................................................................... 1-7
1.5.1 Magnetic-Field Considerations ...................................................................................... 1-7
1.5.2 Physical Dimensions ...................................................................................................... 1-8
1.5.3 Local Altitude and Humidity.......................................................................................... 1-8
1.6 Contacting Quantum Design .................................................................................................. 1-9

CHAPTER 2
Hardware.............................................................................................................................. 2-1
2.1 Introduction............................................................................................................................ 2-1
2.2 Dewar ..................................................................................................................................... 2-1
2.2.1.1 Standard Dewar......................................................................................................... 2-2
2.2.1.2 Nitrogen-Jacketed Dewar.......................................................................................... 2-2
2.2.1.3 High-Capacity Nitrogen-Jacketed Dewar ................................................................. 2-3
2.3 Probe ...................................................................................................................................... 2-4
2.3.1 Sample Chamber ............................................................................................................ 2-5
2.3.2 Impedance Assembly ..................................................................................................... 2-5
2.3.3 Baffled Rods................................................................................................................... 2-5
2.3.4 Probe Head ..................................................................................................................... 2-5
2.3.5 Optional Magnet............................................................................................................. 2-6
2.4 Top-Plate Assembly ............................................................................................................... 2-6

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2.5 Probe-Lifting Assembly......................................................................................................... 2-8
2.6 Model 6000 PPMS Controller ............................................................................................... 2-8
2.6.1.1 Model 6000 Front Panel ........................................................................................... 2-8
2.6.1.2 Model 6000 Rear Panel............................................................................................. 2-9
2.7 Optional Magnet Controller................................................................................................... 2-9
2.7.1 Model 6700 Magnet Controller...................................................................................... 2-9
2.7.1.1 Model 6700 Magnet Controller Front Panel ........................................................... 2-10
2.7.1.2 Model 6700 Magnet Controller Rear Panel ............................................................ 2-10
2.7.2 Model 3120 Magnet Power Supply.............................................................................. 2-10
2.8 Electronics Cabinet .............................................................................................................. 2-10
2.9 Vacuum Pump...................................................................................................................... 2-11
2.10 Sample Puck and Assorted Tools ........................................................................................ 2-11
2.10.1 Puck-Insertion Tool...................................................................................................... 2-12
2.10.2 Puck-Adjustment Tool ................................................................................................. 2-12
2.10.3 Puck-Wiring Test Station............................................................................................. 2-13

CHAPTER 3
Theory of Operation ............................................................................................................ 3-1
3.1 Introduction............................................................................................................................ 3-1
3.2 PPMS System Block Diagram ............................................................................................... 3-1
3.3 Temperature Control.............................................................................................................. 3-2
3.3.1 Temperature-Control Modes.......................................................................................... 3-2
3.3.1.1 High-Temperature Control........................................................................................ 3-4
3.3.1.2 Continuous Low-Temperature Control..................................................................... 3-4
3.3.1.3 Pot-Fill Mode Temperature Control ......................................................................... 3-4
3.3.1.4 Selecting the Low-Temperature Control Mode ........................................................ 3-5
3.3.2 Temperature-Approach Modes ...................................................................................... 3-6
3.4 Atmospheric Control.............................................................................................................. 3-6
3.5 Magnetic-Field Control.......................................................................................................... 3-7
3.5.1 Control Mechanisms ...................................................................................................... 3-8
3.5.2 Magnetic-Field Approach Modes .................................................................................. 3-9
3.6 Helium-Level Metering ......................................................................................................... 3-9
3.7 Model 6000 Flexibility ........................................................................................................ 3-10
3.8 Example Measurement......................................................................................................... 3-11
3.9 Experimental Considerations ............................................................................................... 3-12

CHAPTER 4
System Operation................................................................................................................. 4-1
4.1 Introduction............................................................................................................................ 4-1
4.2 General Guidelines ................................................................................................................ 4-1
4.2.1 Handling the Probe......................................................................................................... 4-1
4.2.2 Powering the System Off and On................................................................................... 4-2
4.2.2.1 Power Loss................................................................................................................ 4-2
4.2.2.2 Power Off Sequence ................................................................................................. 4-3
4.2.2.3 Power On Sequence .................................................................................................. 4-4
4.2.3 Shutdown Mode ............................................................................................................. 4-4
4.2.4 Monitoring the Helium Level......................................................................................... 4-5

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4.2.4.1 Helium Levels: Using a Magnet ............................................................................... 4-5
4.2.4.2 Helium Levels: Not Using a Magnet ........................................................................ 4-5
4.2.5 Monitoring the Nitrogen Level ...................................................................................... 4-6
4.3 Setting the Low-Temperature Control Mode ......................................................................... 4-6
4.3.1 MultiVu .......................................................................................................................... 4-7
4.3.1.1 Verify Option and Control Mode.............................................................................. 4-7
4.3.1.2 Change Low-Temperature Control Mode................................................................. 4-8
4.3.2 Mon6000 ........................................................................................................................ 4-9
4.4 Sample Mounting................................................................................................................. 4-10
4.4.1 Guidelines for Mounting Samples................................................................................ 4-10
4.4.2 Mounting a Sample on a Sample Puck......................................................................... 4-10
4.5 Sample Puck Installation and Removal................................................................................ 4-12
4.5.1 Installing a Sample Puck .............................................................................................. 4-12
4.5.2 Removing a Sample Puck ............................................................................................ 4-14
4.5.3 Closing an Empty Sample Chamber ............................................................................ 4-15
4.6 System Customization.......................................................................................................... 4-16
4.6.1 Making Alternate Connections to the Sample Leads ................................................... 4-16
4.6.2 Using Other Electronic Devices ................................................................................... 4-17
4.6.3 Modifying the Gas and Vacuum System...................................................................... 4-17
4.7 Routine Maintenance Procedures......................................................................................... 4-18
4.7.1 Puck Adjustment .......................................................................................................... 4-18
4.7.2 Refilling a Cold Dewar ................................................................................................ 4-19
4.7.2.1 Transferring Liquid Nitrogen.................................................................................. 4-19
4.7.2.2 Transferring Liquid Helium .................................................................................... 4-21
4.7.3 Servicing the Vacuum-Pump Assembly....................................................................... 4-23
4.7.3.1 Checking the Oil in the Pump ................................................................................. 4-25
4.7.3.2 Adding Oil and Draining the Oil-Mist Container ................................................... 4-26
4.7.4 Using the Probe-Lifting Assembly............................................................................... 4-27
4.7.5 Inspecting O-Rings....................................................................................................... 4-28

APPENDIX A
Connections, Ports, and Pinouts........................................................................................ A-1
A.1 Introduction........................................................................................................................... A-1
A.2 System Connections.............................................................................................................. A-1
A.3 Model 6000 Rear Panel Ports................................................................................................ A-2
A.3.1 P1−User Bridge Port ..................................................................................................... A-2
A.3.2 P2−System Bridge Port ................................................................................................. A-3
A.3.3 P3−Option Port.............................................................................................................. A-3
A.3.4 P4−IEEE488 Port .......................................................................................................... A-3
A.3.5 P5−RS232 Port.............................................................................................................. A-3
A.3.6 P6−Dewar Port .............................................................................................................. A-3
A.3.7 P7−Magnet Port............................................................................................................. A-4
A.3.8 P8−Auxiliary Port ......................................................................................................... A-4
A.3.8.1 Three 0 V/−24 V Auxiliary Signal Drives ............................................................... A-4
A.3.8.2 Constant +15 V and −15 V Outputs......................................................................... A-4
A.3.8.3 Two Sense Lines ...................................................................................................... A-4
A.3.8.4 Two Analog Signal Inputs ....................................................................................... A-5
A.3.9 P9−Pressure Port ........................................................................................................... A-5

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A.3.10 A1, A2, A3, and A4 Ports ............................................................................................. A-5
A.3.11 P10−Motor Port............................................................................................................. A-6
A.3.12 P11−External Port ......................................................................................................... A-6
A.3.13 Annulus Port ................................................................................................................. A-7
A.3.14 Pump Port...................................................................................................................... A-7
A.3.15 System Vacuum Port..................................................................................................... A-7
A.3.16 Sample Pump-Out Port ................................................................................................. A-7
A.3.17 Sample-Space Port ........................................................................................................ A-7
A.3.18 Sample Vent-Up Port .................................................................................................... A-7
A.3.19 Gas Source Port............................................................................................................. A-8
A.3.20 Dewar Port .................................................................................................................... A-8
A.3.21 Syst 5A Fuse ................................................................................................................. A-8
A.3.22 Aux 2A Fuse ................................................................................................................. A-8
A.3.23 Quench Heater Fuse ...................................................................................................... A-8
A.3.24 Power Receptacle .......................................................................................................... A-8
A.4 Probe-Head Ports .................................................................................................................. A-9
A.4.1 Helium-Fill Ports........................................................................................................... A-9
A.4.2 Sample-Chamber Access Port....................................................................................... A-9
A.4.3 Sample-Chamber Pressure-Relief Valve....................................................................... A-9
A.4.4 Smaller Metal Hose Connector ................................................................................... A-10
A.4.5 Larger Metal Hose Connector..................................................................................... A-10
A.4.6 Hose Nipple................................................................................................................. A-10
A.4.7 Ultra Fitting................................................................................................................. A-10
A.4.8 Magnet Connector (TCM or Red Lemo Connector)................................................... A-10
A.4.9 Black Lemo Connector ............................................................................................... A-11
A.4.10 Blue Lemo Connector ................................................................................................. A-11
A.4.11 Gray Lemo Connector................................................................................................. A-11
A.5 Pinout Tables ...................................................................................................................... A-11
A.5.1 Sample Connections.................................................................................................... A-12
A.5.2 System Bridge Connections ........................................................................................ A-13
A.5.3 Communication Port Connections (GPIB).................................................................. A-14
A.5.4 Communication Port Connections (RS-232) .............................................................. A-15
A.5.5 Dewar Connections ..................................................................................................... A-16
A.5.6 Magnet Connections (Model 6700 to Model 6000) .................................................... A-17
A.5.7 Magnet Connections (Probe to Controller) ................................................................. A-18
A.5.8 Expansion Connections (Auxiliary)............................................................................ A-19
A.5.9 Expansion Connections (Pressure Gauge) .................................................................. A-20
A.5.10 Expansion Connections (Motor) ................................................................................. A-21
A.5.11 Expansion Connections (External).............................................................................. A-22
A.6 Replacement Fuse Values ................................................................................................... A-23

APPENDIX B
Filling Warm Dewars ..........................................................................................................B-1
B.1 Introduction............................................................................................................................B-1
B.2 Helium and Nitrogen Transfers into Warm Dewars ..............................................................B-1
B.2.1 Nitrogen-Jacketed Dewars .............................................................................................B-2
B.2.2 Standard Dewars ............................................................................................................B-2
B.2.3 Materials.........................................................................................................................B-2
B.3 Warm Fill: Nitrogen-Jacketed Dewars ..................................................................................B-3

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B.3.1 Simultaneous Nitrogen and Helium Transfer................................................................ B-3
B.3.2 Sequential Nitrogen and Helium Transfers ................................................................... B-7
B.4 Warm Fill: Standard Dewars............................................................................................... B-12

APPENDIX C
Vacuum-Pump Assembly Maintenance.................................................................................. C-1
C.1
C.2
C.3
C.4

Introduction..................................................................................................................................C-1
Vacuum-Pump Assembly ............................................................................................................C-1
Pump Versions .............................................................................................................................C-2
Changing the Pump Oil and Oil-Mist Cartridge ..........................................................................C-3
C.4.1.1 Prepare PPMS for Service........................................................................................ C-3
C.4.1.2 Drain Pump Oil ........................................................................................................ C-4
C.4.1.3 Drain (Replace) Oil-Mist Filter Cartridge................................................................ C-4
C.4.1.4 Fill and Re-Install Pump .......................................................................................... C-4
C.5 Servicing the Foreline Trap..........................................................................................................C-5
C.5.1.1 Prepare PPMS for Service........................................................................................ C-5
C.5.1.2 Remove Alumina Canister and Examine the Pellets................................................ C-5
C.5.1.3 Reassemble the Canister, Trap, and Pump............................................................... C-6
C.6 PPMS Vacuum-Pump Assembly Service Record........................................................................C-7

REFERENCES ..........................................................................................................References-1
INDEX .................................................................................................................................Index-1

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Contents
Table of Figures

FiguresFigure 1-1.
Figure 1-2.
Figure 2-1.
Figure 2-2.
Figure 2-3.

Components of the base PPMS and approximate
dimensions (measurements are rounded)............................................................ 1-2
Pressure-relief valves and rupture disk on PPMS dewar and probe head ................. 1-4

Figure 2-11.
Figure 2-12.
Figure 2-13.
Figure 2-14.

Top view and cross-section of a standard dewar....................................................... 2-2
Top view and cross-section of a nitrogen-jacketed dewar ....................................... 2-3
Top view and cross-section of a high-capacity
nitrogen-jacketed dewar (dimensions are in inches)........................................... 2-3
Major components of the PPMS probe ..................................................................... 2-4
Cross-section of top-plate assembly.......................................................................... 2-7
Probe-lifting assembly .............................................................................................. 2-8
Front panel of Model 6000 PPMS Controller ........................................................... 2-8
Front panel of the Model 6700 Magnet Controller ................................................... 2-9
PPMS electronics cabinet........................................................................................ 2-10
An oil-mist direct-drive pump used to control pressure
and temperature in the PPMS ........................................................................... 2-11
Top and bottom views of a sample puck................................................................. 2-11
Sample insertion tool with lever in engaged position ............................................. 2-12
Puck-adjustment tool............................................................................................... 2-13
Puck-wiring test station........................................................................................... 2-13

Figure 3-1.
Figure 3-2.
Figure 3-3.
Figure 3-4.
Figure 3-5.
Figure 3-6.

PPMS block diagram................................................................................................. 3-1
Cross-sections of the PPMS probe and its temperature-control components............ 3-3
Gas and vacuum control in the PPMS....................................................................... 3-6
Changing the field in the magnet .............................................................................. 3-8
Schematic of helium-level meter............................................................................. 3-10
Leads attached for four-terminal resistance measurement ...................................... 3-11

Figure 4-1.
Figure 4-2.
Figure 4-3.
Figure 4-4.
Figure 4-5.
Figure 4-6.
Figure 4-7.
Figure 4-8.
Figure 4-9.
Figure 4-10.
Figure 4-11.
Figure 4-12.
Figure 4-13.
Figure 4-14.
Figure 4-15.

PPMS Field dialog .................................................................................................... 4-3
Helium levels relative to probe and 9-T magnet ....................................................... 4-5
Opening the Send GPIB Command utility in MultiVu ............................................. 4-7
Using the Send GPIB Command dialog to verify control mode............................... 4-7
Switching from pot-fill mode to CLTC..................................................................... 4-8
Verifying that CLTC is the low-temperature control mode ...................................... 4-8
Checking the low-temperature control mode using the Mon6000 dialog ................. 4-9
Switching low-temperature control modes using the Mon6000 dialog..................... 4-9
Sample mounted on puck ........................................................................................ 4-11
Intermediate sample leads ....................................................................................... 4-11
Checking for proper electrical connection of the sample........................................ 4-12
Handle of puck-insertion (puck-extraction) tool, disengaged and engaged ............ 4-12
Inserting the puck into the cylinder of puck-insertion tool ..................................... 4-12
Custom adapter for making connections to the sample leads ................................. 4-16
Puck-adjustment tool............................................................................................... 4-18

Figure 2-4.
Figure 2-5.
Figure 2-6.
Figure 2-7.
Figure 2-8.
Figure 2-9.
Figure 2-10.

xPPMS Hardware Manual, 1070-150, Rev. B5
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Contents
Table of Figures

Figure 4-16.
Figure 4-17.
Figure 4-18.
Figure 4-19.
Figure 4-20.
Figure 4-21.
Figure 4-22.
Figure A-1.
Figure A-2.
Figure A-3.
Figure A-4.
Figure A-5.
Figure A-6.
Figure A-7.
Figure A-8.
Figure A-9.
Figure A-10.
Figure A-11.
Figure A-12.
Figure A-13.
Figure A-14.
Figure B-1.
Figure B-2.
Figure B-3.
Figure B-4.
Figure B-5.
Figure B-6.
Figure B-7.
Figure B-8.

Figure C-1.
Figure C-2.

Quantum Design

Preparing for a liquid nitrogen transfer................................................................... 4-19
Helium-transfer line arrangement with the short output extension
used for helium transfers into a cold dewar...................................................... 4-21
Arrangement for refilling a cold, nitrogen-jacketed dewar
with liquid helium............................................................................................ 4-22
Opening a helium-fill port on the head of a
PPMS probe (standard dewar shown) .............................................................. 4-22
Electronics cabinet with front panel open............................................................... 4-23
Vacuum (rotary vane) pumps used with the PPMS ................................................ 4-24
Probe-lifting assembly ............................................................................................ 4-27
Connections for PPMS hardware. ............................................................................ A-1
Ports on rear panel of Model 6000........................................................................... A-2
Ports on rear of PPMS probe head ........................................................................... A-9
Sample connections: a) Sample puck, b) Gray Lemo connectorc) P1–User bridge port..................................................................................... A-12
System bridge connections: a) Black Lemo connector,b) P2–System bridge port ................................................................................ A-13
GPIB communication port connections ................................................................. A-14
RS-232 communication port connections .............................................................. A-15
Dewar connections: a) Blue Lemo connector, b) P6-Dewar port .......................... A-16
Magnet connections: a) M1, b) P7-Magnet port .................................................... A-17
Magnet connections: a-1) TCM connector or a-2) Red Lemo connector
and b) Magnet controller ................................................................................. A-18
Auxiliary expansion connections ........................................................................... A-19
Pressure gauge expansion connections .................................................................. A-20
Motor expansion connections ................................................................................ A-21
External expansion connections............................................................................. A-22
Helium transfer line arrangement............................................................................. B-2
Arrangement for the simultaneous transfer of nitrogen and helium
into a warm nitrogen-jacketed dewar.. .............................................................. B-4
Temperature dialog and settings for helium transfer ............................................... B-4
Preparing for a liquid-nitrogen transfer.................................................................... B-5
Arrangement for sequential transfer of nitrogen and helium
into warm nitrogen-jacketed dewar, .................................................................. B-8
Inserting a helium backfill adapter........................................................................... B-8
Preparing for a liquid-nitrogen transfer.................................................................... B-8
Liquid-helium transfer arrangement for transferring
helium into a warm non-jacketed dewar.......................................................... B-12
PPMS electronics cabinet with front panel opened.................................................. C-1
Versions of the PPMS vacuum pump ...................................................................... C-2

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Table of Tables

TablesTable 1-1.
Table 1-2.

Possible effects of the PPMS magnet, based ona system with a 9-T longitudinal magnet ........................................................... 1-7
Approximate physical dimensions of the PPMS dewars
and the electronics cabinet ................................................................................. 1-8

Table 3-1.

Characteristics of low-temperature control modes ................................................... 3-5

Table 4-1.
Table 4-2.
Table 4-3.
Table 4-4.

Status codes for temperature-control modes............................................................. 4-8
Commands to shut down the PPMS and set the temperature-control modes ........... 4-9
Status codes for the Model 6000 digital inputs and outputs ................................... 4-17
Types of vacuum pumps used on the PPMS and their characteristics.................... 4-25

Table A-1.
Table A-2.
Table A-3.
Table A-4.
Table A-5.
Table A-6.
Table A-7.
Table A-8.
Table A-9.
Table A-10.
Table A-11.
Table A-12.
Table A-13.

Sample connections ............................................................................................... A-12
System bridge connections .................................................................................... A-13
Communication port connections (GPIB) ............................................................. A-14
Communication port connections (RS-232) .......................................................... A-15
Dewar connections................................................................................................. A-16
Magnet connections (Model 6700 to Model 6000)................................................ A-17
Magnet connections (probe to controller).............................................................. A-18
Expansion connections (auxiliary)......................................................................... A-19
Expansion connections (pressure gauge) ............................................................... A-20
Expansion connections (motor) ............................................................................. A-21
Expansion connections (external) .......................................................................... A-22
Replacement fuse values for 100−120 VAC systems ............................................ A-23
Replacement fuse values for 200−240 VAC systems ............................................ A-23

Table C-1.
Table C-2.

Maintenance schedule for PPMS rotary-vane pumps ...............................................C-2
Characteristics of vacuum pumps used on the PPMS...............................................C-3

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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 contains the information that you will need to use the Physical Property
Measurement System (PPMS), including materials on its basic functionality and the hardwarethat is unique to it. This manual does not cover the PPMS MultiVu software, which is the
Windows-based application that runs the PPMS. For detailed information about PPMS MultiVu,
refer to the Physical Property Measurement System: PPMS MultiVu Application User’s Manual.
The PPMS has a variety of measurement options as well as alternate set ups, so some of themanual materials might not be relevant to your equipment. For example, this manual explains
how to use nitrogen-jacketed PPMS dewars. If your PPMS uses a standard dewar (i.e., one
without a nitrogen jacket), you can ignore instructions that concern only liquid nitrogen. Also,
this manual includes material about systems that have a magnet. If your system does not include
a magnet, you can ignore those sections. All other PPMS functions are identical for systems withor without magnets.

P.3

Contents of the Manual○

Chapter 1 introduces the PPMS, including safety considerations and system setup, andexplains how to contact Quantum Design.

○

Chapter 2 describes and illustrates the main PPMS hardware components.

○

Chapter 3 describes how the PPMS operates and gives an example of a measurement.

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Section P.4
Conventions in the Manual

P.4

Preface
Contents and Conventions○

Chapter 4 explains how to use and customize the PPMS and describes routine maintenanceprocedures such as refilling a cold dewar with helium.

○

Appendix A describes and illustrates the PPMS electrical ports.

○

Appendix B explains how to transfer helium and nitrogen to fill warm (empty) standard
dewars and nitrogen-jacketed dewars.

○

Appendix C provides maintenance instructions for the vacuum-pump assembly.

Conventions in the Manual
File menu

Bold text identifies the names of menus, dialogs, options, buttons, and panels
used in the PPMS MultiVu software.

File >> OpenThe >> symbol indicates that you select multiple, nested software options.

STATUS

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

.dat

The Courier font indicates file and directory names and computer code.

<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 indicates keys that youpress simultaneously.

Important

Text is set off in this manner to signal essential information that is directly
related to the completion of a task.

Note

Text is set off in this manner to signal supplementary information about thecurrent task; the information may primarily apply in special circumstances.

CAUTION!
Text is set off in this manner to signal conditions that could result in loss of
information or damage to equipment.

WARNING!
Text is set off in this manner to signal conditions that could
result in bodily harm, loss of life, or irreparable damage toequipment.

WARNING!
Text is set off in this manner to signal electrical hazards that
could result in bodily harm or loss of life.

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1.1

Introduction
This chapter contains the following information:

1.2○

Section 1.2 presents an overview of thefunction of the PPMS.

○

Section 1.5 describes environmental
factors to consider in setting up the system.

○

Section 1.3 presents an overview of the
PPMS hardware.

○

Section 1.6 explains how to contact
Quantum Design’s service centers.

○

Section 1.4 covers important safety
guidelines.

Overview of the PPMSThe Physical Property Measurement System (PPMS) provides a flexible, automated workstationthat can perform a variety of experiments requiring precise thermal control. You can use the
PPMS to execute magnetic, electro-transport, or thermo-electric measurements, or you can
modify the system in order to perform your own laboratory experiment. The unique open
architecture of the PPMS allows you to fully configure the basic PPMS platform or to use the
PPMS with different PPMS measurement options, such as the AC Measurement System option,
Heat Capacity option, or Ultra-Low Field option. All PPMS options, like the PPMS platform, arefully automated.
Control of the PPMS sample environment includes magnetic fields up to ±16 T, depending on themagnet purchased, and a 1.9−400 K temperature range. Temperature is reported with a typicalaccuracy of ± 0.5%. Temperature can be varied with full sweep capability and slew rates from0.01 K/min up to 12 K/min. Temperature stability is ≤ 0.2% for temperatures ≤ 10 K and ≤
0.02% for temperatures > 10 K.
Please familiarize yourself with the information in this manual, which is designed to help you
operate and maintain the basic PPMS platform. It is important that you understand the basic
PPMS platform before you perform PPMS experiments or use PPMS options.
For information about PPMS MultiVu, which is the Windows-based software application that
controls operation of the PPMS and its options, refer to the Physical Property Measurement
System: PPMS MultiVu Application User’s Manual.

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Section 1.3
Overview of System Hardware

1.3

Chapter 1
Introduction and System Setup

Overview of System Hardware
Figure 1-1 illustrates a base PPMS and the approximate dimensions of each component. Note thatthe actual dimensions and layout of your PPMS will reflect the system that you purchase (e.g.,
options, type of dewar) and your laboratory. Dimensions of the electronics cabinet and thevarious dewars are listed in Table 1-2.
The base system includes the following hardware components, which are described in Chapter 2.
○
○
○
○
○

dewar
probe
top-plate assemblyprobe-lifting assembly
electronics cabinet

○
○
○
○
○

Model 6000 PPMS Controller
vacuum pumppumping lines
connection cables
power cords

Figure 1-1. Components of the base PPMS and approximate dimensions (measurements are rounded1)

1

The inch to cm equivalences are approximate, because both measures were rounded after inches had been converted tocentimeters.

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Quantum DesignChapter 1
Introduction and System Setup

Section 1.4
Safety Precautions

Most systems also include a personal computer, a sample puck kit, and a helium-transfer kit. You
can order other options to expand the capabilities of the base system, including a magnet andeither the Model 6700 Magnet Controller or the Model 3120 Magnet Power Supply. The PPMS
can be equipped with a 1-T, 7-T, 9-T, 14-T, or 16-T longitudinal magnet or a 7-T transverse
magnet.
With the exception of 14-T and 16-T longitudinal systems and 7-T transverse systems, PPMS
units can operate with one of three different types of dewars: the standard, nitrogen-jacketed, or
high-capacity nitrogen-jacketed dewar. Two nitrogen fill ports located on top of the nitrogenjacketed dewar distinguish it from the standard (non-nitrogen-jacketed) dewar. Figure 1-2
illustrates the nitrogen fill ports, and Figures 2-1–2-3 illustrate these three dewars. A liquidnitrogen transfer adapter is included with all nitrogen-jacketed dewars.
The probe is the component that is inserted into the dewar. If the system has a longitudinalmagnet, the magnet is attached to the probe, as illustrated in Figure 2-4. Any system with amagnet also includes the Model 6700 Magnet Controller or the Model 3120 Magnet Power
Supply.
Please save the original packing crates for your system so that you can ship components back to
Quantum Design for installation of an option, upgrading, or repair.

1.4

Safety Precautions
WARNING!
The PPMS superconducting magnets produce extremely strong threedimensional magnetic fields that can be dangerous and the PPMS uses
cryogenic liquids for temperature control. Critical PPMS-related safety
precautions include those for using superconducting magnets, for using
cryogenic materials (liquids and gases), and for using electrical equipment, as
is reviewed below.

Above all, Quantum Design and its staff ask that you use standard safe laboratory procedures.
 Use common sense.
 Pay attention to the system’s state and your surroundings.
 If the behavior of the system appears unusual, something might be wrong with it. If so, takeappropriate action.
 Supervise inexperienced users and train them in general electrical safety procedures.
The PPMS has safety features to prevent accidents from causing injury or serious equipment
damage. If you use the equipment in a manner that is not specified by Quantum Design, theprotection afforded by the equipment could be impaired.

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Section 1.4
SafetyPrecautions

1.4.1

Chapter 1
Introduction and System Setup

Cryogens
WARNING!
Always wear protective clothing and ensure that the room has good
ventilation when you work with cryogenic materials such as liquid helium andliquid nitrogen. This will protect you against cryogenic material hazards: (1)they can expand explosively when exposed to room temperature; (2) they
can cause serious burns.

 Always wear protective clothing, including thermal gloves, eye protection, and covered
shoes, when you work with liquid helium, liquid nitrogen, or other cryogens. Avoid loose
clothing or loose fitting gloves that could collect cryogenic liquids next to the skin. The
extreme cold of liquid and gaseous cryogens can cause serious burns and has the potential tocause loss of limbs. Surfaces that have been exposed to these cryogens are extremely coldand should not be allowed to contact skin.
 Work with cryogenic materials in well-ventilated areas only. In the event a helium container
ruptures or there is a helium spill, vent the room immediately and evacuate all personnel. In
a poorly ventilated area, helium can displace the air, leading to asphyxiation. Because helium
rises, well-vented rooms with high ceilings are generally safest.

WARNING!
Do not remove, disable, or otherwise tamper with the dewar rupture disk or thepressure-relief valves. Any type of modification can lead to dangerous
operating conditions.

When liquid helium or nitrogen boils and expands in a sealed container such as the PPMS dewar,
it can cause large pressure buildups. Explosions can occur if this pressure is not relieved. The
PPMS dewar and probe contain pressure-relief valves and rupture disks to allow gaseous
cryogens to escape before dangerous pressures are reached. Figure 1-2 illustrates these safety
features.

Figure 1-2. Pressure-relief valves and rupture disk on PPMS dewar and probe head

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Quantum DesignChapter 1
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Section 1.4
Safety Precautions

WARNING!
If a dewar ruptures or cryogenic materials spill, vent the room immediately
and evacuate all personnel.

Only perform cryogen transfers when you are in a well-ventilated room. Cryogens expand to
hundreds of times their liquid volume when they boil, which occurs well below room
temperature. A relatively small volume of liquid nitrogen or helium can displace all the air in aroom during a spill. Nitrogen and helium are colorless and odorless, and the only symptoms of
insufficient oxygen are dizziness and unconsciousness, followed by death.

1.4.2

Magnets
WARNING!
All magnet-safety precautions must take into account the strong threedimensional fields produced by the superconducting magnets.


People wearing a pacemaker or other electrical medical device must stayat least 16.5 ft. (5 m)2 from the PPMS dewar.
Ferromagnetic objects must be kept at least 16.5 ft. (5 m) from the PPMS
dewar.
Magnetic fields must be at zero (0) before you disconnect the magnet
controller from the probe head.
Helium levels must be at least 60% to use a magnet to full field.

 Never disconnect a charged magnet from the magnet control electronics (Model 6700 or
Model 3120), and never disconnect any other system connections while a magnet ischarged. The superconducting PPMS magnets can trap magnetic flux, so it would bepossible to leave a charged magnet that is completely disconnected from the rest of thesystem. Under such circumstances, you have no means to discharge the magnet directly.
Several different cables have connections for magnet control. In the event that you must
disconnect the probe from the magnet controller, verify that the magnet has been driven tozero field before you disconnect any cables, with the exception of the sample-chamberconnection. The sample chamber connection⎯that is, the cable from the gray Lemo
connector that is on the PPMS probe head⎯is the only cable that you can safely disconnect
while the magnet is charged. You must leave all other connections intact.
 The safety guidelines given here are generalized to a 9-T longitudinal magnet. Verify thatany person wearing a pacemaker or other electrical or mechanical medical device stays atleast 16.5 ft. (5 m) from the PPMS dewar. This distance applies to people located in adjacentrooms and on floors above and below the equipment, because the magnets produce three2

At the current time (August 2004), 5 m should be a large enough distance to protect wearers of metallic implants ormedical devices from most magnetic fields produced by Quantum Design magnets. However, the safe distance from newer
magnets (in development) could be greater. Hence, personnel who work with and around the superconducting magnets
should review thoroughly documentation for new equipment.

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Section 1.4
SafetyPrecautions

Chapter 1
Introduction and System Setup

dimensional fields. The magnetic fields produced by the PPMS can be dangerous or fatal toanyone who is wearing a pacemaker or other electrical medical device. This information
should be posted in the laboratory where the PPMS is operated and adjacent areas so thatpeople wearing such devices are aware of the presence of large magnetic fields.
Important: The automated control system can turn on the magnet while the system isunattended. Furthermore, the three-dimensional magnetic field of the PPMS will penetrate
nearby walls, the ceiling, and the floor. Therefore, your safety considerations should include suchadjacent spaces. Also, note that transverse magnets produce substantially stronger fields aroundthe dewar than longitudinal magnets do.
 The superconducting magnets supplied with PPMS units all produce strong fields that are
not completely confined to the system unless it has some type of magnetic shielding. For
example, PPMS superconducting magnets can disturb computer monitors, affect electron
microscopes, erase credit cards, attract ferromagnetic tools, and so on. Table 1-1 summarizes
some of these effects.
 Quantum Design recommends that you measure the magnetic field around the PPMS anddraw a line showing where the measured field drops below 5 G. It is your responsibility todetermine the location of this line, because it varies from system to system. This line istypically about 3−10 ft. (1−3 m) from the edge of the dewar. Do not bring heavy
ferromagnetic objects, such as gas cylinders and large tools, within this region when themagnet is charged. Gas cylinders in the laboratory should be secured to the walls and only
informed personnel should be allowed to use large tools in the presence of the PPMS. It is
possible to cause injury to personnel and damage to PPMS equipment by allowing heavy
objects to be attracted to the PPMS.
 Keep the helium level above the superconducting magnet. There is high potential fordamage, such as an uncontrolled magnet quench, when the superconducting magnet is notcompletely covered by helium. See Sections 3.5 and 4.2.4 for more information.

1.4.3

Electricity
WARNING!
The PPMS console, personal computer, and vacuum pump are all powered bystandard 120 VAC or 240 VAC power lines. These voltages are potentiallylethal, so you should exercise appropriate care before opening any of theelectronics units, including turning off the equipment and disconnecting it fromits power source.

 Turn off and unplug all electronic equipment before removing any of its covers.
 Keep electrical cords in good working condition, and replace frayed and damaged cords.
 Keep liquids away from the workstations.
Safe operation of the PPMS requires the appropriate electrical power input. The input power
requirements for the PPMS are the following:

1-6○

50−60 Hz, 100−120 VAC at 15 A○

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1.5

Section 1.5
Environmental Considerations and PPMS Setup

Environmental Considerations and PPMS Setup
You must consider a number of environmental constraints when you install the PPMS in alaboratory, including the effects of magnetic fields generated by the superconducting magnet; thephysical dimensions of the equipment; vertical clearance above the dewar; and the local altitudeand humidity.
The PPMS is intended for indoor use at altitudes less than about 6000 ft. (1829 m). If you will be
operating the system at altitudes above our specifications, please discuss it with your Quantum
Design representative. The PPMS should be operated in an ambient temperature between 5 °C
and 40 °C, with a maximum relative humidity of 80% at 40 °C.
Important: The electrical safety features of the PPMS might be impaired if it is operated outsidethese environmental considerations.

1.5.1

Magnetic-Field Considerations
Before you install the PPMS, consider how the three-dimensional field generated by thesuperconducting magnet will affect nearby people and objects. For example, measuring out froma 9-T longitudinal magnet at full field, we obtained the surrounding radial distances at which
various field strengths occur. These results are shown in Table 1-1 according to their effects on
people and objects, including those located above and below the magnet. This list is notcomprehensive, so you should consider all the equipment in your laboratory that might beaffected by magnetic fields. Also, remember that a PPMS with a stronger magnet (e.g., 14 T or
16 T) will produce effects at significantly smaller distances than those listed.

Table 1-1. Possible effects of the PPMS magnet, based on a system with a 9-T longitudinal magnet
ITEM

EFFECTFIELD
REQUIRED(Oe)

APPROXIMATE RADIALDISTANCE FROM THE
DEWARElectron microscope

Disturbance1

85.0 in.
(216 cm)

Color and monochrome computer monitors(CRT type, unshielded)

Disturbance

1–5

50.0–59.8 in.
(127–152 cm)

Credit cards, bank cards, etc.

Erasure1040.2 in.
(102 cm)

Watches and micromechanical devices

Disturbance10

40.2 in.
(102 cm)

Pacemaker (lowest known field)

Disturbance17

33.1 in.
(84 cm)Magnetic tapes

Erasure20

31.1 in.
(79 cm)Transformers and amplifiers

Saturation50

22.8 in.
(58 cm)Floppy disks

Erasure350

11.8 in.
(30 cm)aa

The magnetic fields are three-dimensional, so their effects will extend above and below the magnet as well as around it.

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Section 1.5
Environmental Considerations and PPMS Setup

1.5.2

Chapter 1
Introduction and System Setup

Physical Dimensions
When you are deciding where you will locate the PPMS, consider the constraints below as wellas the dewar and cabinet dimensions, which are listed in Table 1-2. Note that these measurements
are approximate.
○

Empty space is needed around the PPMS to allow regular transfers of helium and nitrogenand for a transfer vessel (usually a large portable dewar), which must be brought near the
PPMS dewar.

○

Vertical clearance of about 6 ft. (1.8 m)3 is needed above the dewar so that you can easily
insert and extract the probe. These dimensions are suitable for inserting and removing theprobe for all configurations4 of the PPMS dewar, including the VSM and systems that have a
14-T magnet (which requires a crane).

○

Vertical clearance of about 3.3 ft. (1 m) is needed above the dewar for the sample-insertion
tool and the helium-transfer line.

Table 1-2. Approximate physical dimensions of the PPMS dewars and the electronics cabinet
HARDWARE

PHYSICAL DIMENSIONSStandard dewar (nonitrogen jacket)

45 in. high × 19 in. diameter(114 cma high × 48 cm diameter)

Nitrogen-jacketed dewar

46 in. high × 21 in. diameter(116 cm high × 53 cm diameter)

High-capacity (nitrogenjacketed) dewar

46 in. high × 28 in. diameter(116 cm high × 71 cm diameter)

EverCool dewar(w/o cold head)

45 in. high × 22 in. diameter(114 cm high × 55 cm diameter)

Electronics cabinet

22 in. wide × 24 in. deep × 45 in. high(56 cm wide × 61 cm deep × 114 cm high)a

The inch to cm equivalences are approximate, because both measures were rounded after inches had
been converted to centimeters.

1.5.3

Local Altitude and Humidity
The altitude and humidity of the laboratory can affect the performance of the PPMS.
The PPMS is designed to operate at altitudes below about 6000 ft. (1829 m). You can operate the
PPMS at altitudes of 6000 ft. (1829 m) and above, but it is not an optimal environment. To
control the sample temperature in the PPMS at temperatures that are below the boiling point of
helium, the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the dewar must be monitored. If
you are at a high altitude where atmospheric pressure drops significantly below 760 torr (1 atm),
you might notice some problems with temperature control or some sluggishness during lowtemperature operation.

3

A room with a ceiling about 10 ft. (3 m) high should provide enough vertical clearance to insert and remove the probe,
depending on your setup.
4
These dimensions are correct as of August, 2004.

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Section 1.6
Contacting Quantum Design

The PPMS is best suited for dry environments and it should be operated with the humidity lessthan 90%. Ice naturally forms when water in the air condenses and then freezes on cold surfaces,and serious system problems can be caused when even the smallest piece of ice forms inside thePPMS. As humidity increases, it is easier for water to enter the system. Eventually this will causetemperature-control problems. The PPMS does not have an airlock chamber, so the sample
chamber should be warmed to room temperature and vented continuously with a clean, dry gas
whenever the chamber is opened to the atmosphere. The system is designed so that you can warmand vent the sample chamber by pushing a few buttons.

1.6

Contacting Quantum Design
If you have questions or problems related to your QD equipment, please contact your local QD
service representative at one of the offices listed below. When you call, please be able to give therepresentative a full description of the problem, including the circumstances involved and therecent history of your system.

United States
Quantum Design World Headquarters
6325 Lusk Boulevard
San Diego, CA 92121
Tel:
Fax:

1-858-481-4400
1-800-289-6996
1-858-481-7410

Email: service@qdusa.com
Web: http://www.qdusa.com
Service for Canada, Mexico, the U.S., and other countries not listed below

EuropeL.O.T.—Gmbh & Co KG
Im Tiefen See 58
D-64293 Darmstadt, Germany
Tel:
Fax:

49-6151-880631
49-6151-896667

Email: qd.euroservice@lot-oriel.de
Web: http://www.lot-oriel.com
Service for Austria, Belgium, Crete, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, Finland, France,
Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland,
Portugal, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, and Yugoslavia

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Contacting Quantum Design

Chapter 1
Introduction and System Setup

Japan
Quantum Design Japan
Sanpo Ikebukuro Building Annex
4-32-8 Ikebukuro
Toshima-ku, Tokyo
171-0014, Japan
Tel:
Fax:

81-3-5954-8570
81-3-5954-6570

Email: qdjapan@tkb.att.ne.jp
Web: http://www.qd-japan.com
Service for Japan

Korea
Quantum Design Korea
Kyungbin Building, Fourth Floor
517-18 Dogok-dong, Kangnam-gu
Seoul, 135-270, Korea
Tel:
Fax:

82-2-2057-2710
82-2-2057-2712

Web:

http://www.qdkorea.com

Service for Korea

People's Republic of China
Oxford Instruments Beijing Office
Room 714, Office Tower 3
Henderson CenterNo. 18 Jianguomennei Ave
Dongcheng District
Beijing 100005
P.R. China
Tel:
Fax:

8610-6518-8160/8161/8162
8610-6518-8155

Email: lambert@oxford-instruments.com.cn
Web: http://www.oxford-instruments.com.cn
Service for People's Republic of China

TaiwanOmega Scientific Taiwan Ltd.
5F-1, No. 415, Sec. 4
Hsin Yi Road
Taipei, Taiwan R.O.C.
Tel:
Fax:

886-2-8780-5228
886-2-8780-5225

Email: lonson.lin@omega-cana.com.tw
Service for Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore

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Hardware2.1

Introduction
This chapter contains the following information:

2.2○

Section 2.2 describes the dewar, including
its functions and the three main types.

○

Section 2.7 describes the optional Model
6700 Magnet Controller.

○

Section 2.3 describes the probe and its main
components.

○

Section 2.8 describes the electronics
cabinet.

○Section 2.4 describes the top-plateassembly.

○

Section 2.9 describes the vacuum pump.

○

Section 2.5 describes the probe-lifting
assembly.

○

Section 2.10 describes the sample puck
and the puck tools.

○

Section 2.6 describes the Model 6000
PPMS Controller.

Dewar
The dewar contains the liquid-helium bath in which the probe is immersed. Primarily constructedof aluminum, the outer layer of the dewar has reflective superinsulation to help minimize helium
consumption. The outer layer is evacuated through a valve on the top of the dewar (Figures 2-1,
2-2, and 2-3)—this evacuation valve must not be modified or altered.1 The dewar regions that areevacuated contain activated charcoal on cold surfaces to aid cryopumping.
Most PPMS units can operate with one of three different types of dewars: the standard dewar(Figure 2-1), the nitrogen-jacketed dewar (Figure 2-2), or the high-capacity nitrogen-jacketed
dewar (Figure 2-3). The exceptions include EverCool units and systems that have a 14-T or 16-T
longitudinal magnet or a 7-T transverse magnet. Instructions for filling warm (or empty) dewars
with nitrogen and helium are given in Appendix B, and instructions for refilling cold dewars withnitrogen and helium are given in Sections 4.7.2.
Note: Due to physical constraints, EverCool systems and systems with a 14-T or 16-T
longitudinal magnet or a 7-T transverse magnet have special dewars that are not discussed in thismanual. For more information about EverCool dewars, refer to the PPMS EverCool Dewar
Option User's Manual. Contact Customer Service at Quantum Design if you have questions about
the other dewars.

1

If you have any questions about this issue, please contact Customer Service at Quantum Design.

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Section 2.2
Dewar

Chapter 2
Hardware2.2.1.1 STANDARD DEWAR
Figure 2-1 illustrates a top view and a cross-section of a standard dewar. The standard dewar
contains a set of heat shields around the neck of the helium container and does not have anitrogen jacket. Otherwise, it is similar to but slightly smaller than the nitrogen-jacketed dewar.
Standard dewars have a 30 L liquid-helium capacity.

Figure 2-1. Top view and cross-section of a standard dewar, illustrating construction of dewars
without a nitrogen jacket (dimensions are in inches)

2.2.1.2 NITROGEN-JACKETED DEWAR
Nitrogen-jacketed dewars (Figure 2-2) consume significantly less liquid helium than dewars
without nitrogen jackets. Two liquid-nitrogen-fill ports give the top of the nitrogen-jacketed
dewar a distinctive appearance.
The operating efficiency of nitrogen-jacketed dewars is partly due to a layer of liquid nitrogensandwiched between the superinsulation and the liquid helium, which further insulates the heliumbath, as does the vacuum in the region between the liquid helium and the liquid nitrogen.
A liquid-nitrogen transfer adapter is included with all nitrogen-jacketed dewars. The transfer
adapter (Figure 2-2) is a short, L-shaped tube that fits on the end of most standard liquid-nitrogentransfer lines and facilitates the liquid-nitrogen fill procedure.
The standard nitrogen-jacketed dewar has a 30 L liquid-helium capacity and a 40 L liquidnitrogen capacity.

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Section 2.2
Dewar

Figure 2-2. Top view and cross-section of a nitrogen-jacketed dewar and a side view of a liquid
nitrogen transfer adapter (dimensions are in inches)

2.2.1.3 HIGH-CAPACITY NITROGEN-JACKETED DEWAR
High-capacity nitrogen-jacketed dewars are used solely with systems that have a 7-T or 9-T
longitudinal magnet. Figure 2-3 illustrates a top view and a cross-section of a high-capacity
nitrogen-jacketed dewar, which has a 87 L liquid-helium capacity and a 48 L liquid-nitrogencapacity.

Figure 2-3. Top view and cross-section of a high-capacity nitrogen-jacketed dewar (dimensions
are in inches)

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Section 2.3
Probe

2.3

Chapter 2
HardwareProbe
The probe (Figure 2-4) is immersed in the liquid-helium bath inside the dewar. A sophisticateddevice with delicate components, the probe incorporates the basic temperature-control hardware,
the superconducting magnet, the helium-level meter, the gas lines, the sample puck connectors,
and various electrical connections. You can prevent damage to the probe by following the probehandling instructions in Section 4.2.1.
The probe is composed of several concentric stainless steel tubes and other important elements.
Its outer layer isolates the sample chamber from the liquid-helium bath. Two concentric tubes,
separated by a sealed, evacuated region, prevent heat exchange between the sample chamber andthe helium bath. The vacuum space between the outer and inner vacuum tubes contains reflective
superinsulation to minimize radiative power loss into the helium bath. An aluminum heat shieldin the vacuum region directs heat to the neck of the dewar, where there is no liquid helium. A
metal bellows at the bottom of the probe prevents it from being damaged by differential thermal
expansion between the outer vacuum tube and the heat shield. A cap at the bottom of the probe
protects the bellows. The protective cap is not sealed, and liquid helium flows freely into it.
Major components of the probe are the sample chamber, impedance assembly, optional magnet,
baffled rods, and probe head, which are discussed in the following sections.

Figure 2-4. Major components of the PPMS probe

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2.3.1

Section 2.3
Probe

Sample Chamber
The sample chamber is inside the two vacuum tubes. The lower 3.9 in. (10 cm) of the sample
chamber is constructed of copper in order to provide a region of uniform temperature. The very
base of the sample chamber contains a 12-pin connector that contacts the bottom of an installedsample puck. Two thermometers and a heater are immediately below the sample puck connector.
Their proximity to the copper sample puck and mating connector helps them maintain close
thermal contact with the puck and sample during experiments. The wiring for the sample puckconnections, heaters, and thermometers runs up the outside of the sample chamber to the probehead. The pins from the sample puck connector are wired to the pins on the gray-ringed Lemo
connector on the probe head. Appendix A has a list of pinouts for the sample puck, sample puckconnector, and gray Lemo connector.
The region between the sample chamber and the inner vacuum tube is referred to as the coolingannulus. Helium is pulled through the impedance tube into the cooling annulus so that it canwarm and cool the sample chamber evenly.

2.3.2

Impedance Assembly
The impedance assembly enables and disables the flow of helium into the cooling annulus fromthe dewar. The assembly consists of a narrow tube (the impedance), a heater that warms the
impedance, and a thermometer that indicates when the impedance is warm. When the impedanceis warm, a bubble forms inside the tube, blocking the flow of liquid helium. Then when the
impedance heater is off, the liquid helium cools the impedance tube and flows into the coolingannulus, where it either vaporizes or fills the annulus, depending on the pressure inside theannulus. The cap at the bottom of the probe protects the impedance tube.
Newer probes (those manufactured since January 1998) are enabled for the Continuous LowTemperature Control (CLTC) option—they have a carefully tuned second impedance in parallelwith the primary impedance. Owners of earlier model probes can purchase the CLTC option bycontacting Quantum Design. See Sections 3.3 and 4.3 for more information on temperaturecontrol modes.

2.3.3

Baffled Rods
The rods that run the length of the probe contain electrical connections to the magnet and
impedance assembly. One of the rods contains the helium-level meter. Several baffles provide
support for the rods. The rods are delicate and cannot support the full weight of the probe.

2.3.4

Probe Head
The top part of the probe that protrudes out of the dewar is referred to as the "probe head." Theprobe head contains the two helium-fill ports and all the connection ports for attaching gas,
vacuum, and electrical lines from the Model 6000 PPMS Controller. Most of the ports andconnections are on the back of the probe head. Figures 2-4 and A-3 illustrate the probe head, andAppendix A discusses the ports and connections.
The probe head includes the access port into the sample chamber. A blank flange covers theaccess port unless certain PPMS options have been installed.

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Section 2.4
Top-Plate Assembly

2.3.5

Chapter 2
HardwareOptional Magnet
The PPMS can be purchased with a 1-T, 7-T, 9-T, 14-T, or 16-T longitudinal magnet or a 7-T
transverse magnet. The magnet is a superconducting solenoid composed of a niobium–titanium
alloy embedded in copper. It is on the outside of the probe, so it is always immersed in liquid
helium.
The magnet coil constitutes a closed superconducting circuit. The persistence switch is a small
heater on the magnet wire that drives a section of the magnet non-superconducting. The
persistence switch allows the magnet controller (either the Model 6700 or the Model 3120) to be
switched into the magnet circuit so that the magnetic field can be changed. When the heater isturned off, the entire magnet can superconduct, which eliminates the need for a current source
during constant field operation. This state is referred to as the Persistent mode of the magnet.
Section 3.5 discusses magnetic-field control in more detail.
For 1-T, 7-T, 9-T, 14-T, and 16-T longitudinal magnets, the magnetic field is centered 2.1 in. (5.4cm) above the surface of an installed sample puck, but the field uniformity varies. The 7-Ttransverse magnets are shipped with the center of the field 1.6 in. (4.0 cm) above the surface of an
installed puck.

2.4

Top-Plate Assembly
The top-plate assembly (Figure 2-5) consists of the components that seal the sample chamber: thetop plate; a centering ring, O-ring, and hinge clamp; the top-plate baffle assembly; and a threaded
adapter.
The top plate is a KF blank flange that closes the sample-chamber access port. A centering ringwith an O-ring around its diameter fits between the blank flange and the access port in order toseal the sample chamber. A hinge clamp holds the blank flange on top of the access port.
The top-plate baffle assembly is a set of baffles on a light G-10 rod that is attached to the bottomof the blank flange. The baffles confine thermal gradients to specific regions of the sample
chamber, aiding thermal control so that the system can achieve temperatures as low as 1.9 K. A
small threaded adapter at the end of the baffle rod allows you to attach other components to therod. Note that some PPMS options seal the sample chamber differently and do not use thecomponents shown in Figure 2-5.

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Section 2.4
Top-Plate Assembly

Figure 2-5. Cross-section of top-plate assembly

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Section 2.6
Model 6000 PPMS Controller

2.5

Chapter 2
Hardware

Probe-Lifting Assembly
The probe-lifting assembly (Figure 2-6) is used to
install and remove the probe. The assembly consists ofa U-bolt, a locking mechanism, and a plate. The platefits just underneath the sample-chamber access port,
which is located on the probe head (see Figures 2-4
and 2-5).
You typically will use the probe-lifting assembly in
conjunction with a hoist. You can tie or pass a rope
through both the U-bolt and a fixture in the ceiling sothat you can slowly raise and lower the probe. Whenthe probe-lifting assembly is not being used, remove itfrom the probe. Section 4.7.4 explains how to use theprobe-lifting assembly.

2.6

Figure 2-6. Probe-lifting assembly

Model 6000 PPMS Controller
The Model 6000 PPMS Controller (Figure 2-7) is an integrated user interface that houses theelectronics and the gas-control valves for the PPMS. The Model 6000 contains the CPU board,motherboard, and system bridgeboard. The CPU board is the system processor, the motherboard
controls system integration, and the system bridgeboard supplies temperature readings. Gas
valves and gas lines inside the Model 6000 are used to control temperature.
Refer to Sections 2.6.1.1 and 2.6.1.2 and Appendix A for more information on the Model 6000.
Refer to the Physical Property Measurement System Firmware Manual and the Physical Property
Measurement System Commands Manual for practical information about using the Model 6000.

STATUS

ESC

CTRL

FILES

ENTER
EXEC

CONFIG

DECR
FAST

ALT

INCR
FAST

7

8

9

4

5

6

1

2

3

0

.

+/−

LOCAL

REMOTE
ERROR

ABORT

POWER

SIGNAL CH.1

Figure 2-7. Front panel of Model 6000 PPMS Controller

2.6.1.1 MODEL 6000 FRONT PANEL
Figure 2-7 illustrates the front panel of the Model 6000, which has a power button, a display
screen, a contrast knob, a number pad, and a signal output (BNC connector), as well as menu
keys, arrow keys, and two status LEDs.
The status LEDs light up during remote control of the system and when an error is logged into thedata file.

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Section 2.7
Optional Magnet Controller

The signal output comes from an internal digital-to-analog converter. The signal output can belinked to any one of about 30 system parameters, including temperature, field, position, excitation
current, and resistance. The output has a −10 V to +10 V range, and values for the linked
parameter must be specified for both 0 V and +10 V. This analog output is linked in parallel tothe “A1” analog output port on the Model 6000 rear panel.

2.6.1.2 MODEL 6000 REAR PANEL
The rear panel of the Model 6000 has ports for all system connections, including necessary PPMS
connections, connections to optional Quantum Design hardware, and auxiliary connections that
accommodate interfacing with other devices. Appendix A discusses these ports in more detail.

2.7

Optional Magnet Controller
A PPMS with a magnet will also include a magnet controller: either the Model 6700 or the Model3120.
If you ever have a magnet-related question or encounter a problem when you are using a magnet,
contact Customer Service at Quantum Design.

2.7.1

Model 6700 Magnet Controller
CAUTION!
Do not alter or remove the connection from the Model 6700 to the “P7−Magnet” port on the
Model 6000. Altering or removing this connection could destroy the 24 V power supply in the
Model 6000 and/or Model 6700 and void the manufacture’s warranty.

The Model 6700 Magnet Controller (Figure 2-8) is a bipolar power supply that allows smootherramping through zero (0) field than traditional one-sided power supplies. As is discussed in
Section 3.5, the Model 6700 uses four different approach modes to control charging anddischarging of the magnet.

LOGIC POWER

DC ENABLE

ON−LINE

Figure 2-8. Front panel of the Model 6700 Magnet Controller

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Section 2.8
Electronics Cabinet

Chapter 2
Hardware2.7.1.1 MODEL 6700 MAGNET CONTROLLER FRONT PANEL
There are three LEDs on the front panel of the Model 6700: the “Logic Power” LED, which is lit
when the Model 6000 is powered on, and the “DC Enable” and “On-Line” LEDs, which are lit
whenever the system is deliberately charging or discharging the magnet.

2.7.1.2 MODEL 6700 MAGNET CONTROLLER REAR PANEL
The rear panel of the Model 6700 has a power switch that (indirectly) turns off the current to themagnet. Never turn off the power to the Model 6700 while the magnet is ramping.

CAUTION!
Never turn off the power to the Model 6700 while the magnet is ramping.

2.7.2

Model 3120 Magnet Power Supply
See Model 3120 Magnet Power Supply user’s manual for more information

2.8

Electronics Cabinet
The electronics cabinet (Figure 2-9) holds the Model 6000 and Model 6700 if present, thevacuum pump, and a power strip. It also has room for the additional hardware and electronics
needed with some PPMS options. Refer to Section 1.4.3 for electrical specifications for thecabinet.

Figure 2-9. PPMS electronics cabinet

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2.9

Section 2.10
Sample Puck and Assorted Tools

Vacuum Pump
A direct-drive pump operates continuously to control pressure in the sample chamber and to aid
thermal control. Valves in the Model 6000 regulate the vacuum and the gas-flow rates. Figure 210 shows one of the models of pumps used in the PPMS.
The pump is installed in the bottom of the electronics cabinet. It should have an oil-mist filter
attached to its exhaust line and a foreline trap on its input to protect the system fromcontamination. The oil-mist filter is located on an inside wall of the electronics cabinet.
The vacuum pump must be maintained to ensure optimal performance of your PPMS. Pump
operation and maintenance are covered in Section 4.7.3 and Appendix C.

Figure 2-10. An oil-mist direct-drive pump used to control pressure and temperature in the PPMS

2.10

Sample Puck and Assorted Tools
The sample puck (Figure 2-11) is a unique modular component that gives the PPMS great
flexibility. The puck holds the sample for many experiments that use the base PPMS platform andthat do not require motion of the sample. Some options, such as the AC Measurement System(ACMS) option and the horizontal rotator options, do not use the sample puck.

Figure 2-11. Top and bottom views of a sample puck

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Section 2.10
Sample Puck and Assorted Tools

Chapter 2
Hardware

The puck is a 0.91 in. (2.3 cm) diameter disk that is constructed of oxygen-free high-conductivity
copper that maintains high thermal uniformity. It has been gold-plated to prevent oxidation. The
system thermometers and heaters are located directly beneath the installed puck, so temperature
control is intimately related to the temperature of the sample. Options that use other samplemounting techniques often have an additional thermometer located near the sample.
The base of the puck contains 12 solder pads through which electrical leads establish contact withthe sample (you supply these leads). These solder pads are hard-wired to a set of 12 pins on thebase of the puck. When you install the puck, the 12 pins connect to the sample-puck connectors
located on the bottom of the sample chamber and then ultimately to the pins of the gray-ringed
Lemo connector on the probe head. The puck is keyed to ensure that the electrical connectorsalign properly.
The last solder pad (counting clockwise) is square instead of round. You will use this solder pad
as a reference point to help you wire sample leads to the proper solder pads. Refer to Section 4.4
for sample-mounting instructions.
Each PPMS option includes several pucks, so you can mount different samples on different
pucks. You also can configure each puck for a different type of experiment.

2.10.1

Puck-Insertion Tool
The puck-insertion tool2 is a long rod used for installing the puck in the sample space. The leverof the puck-insertion tool is engaged when it is lying flat across the handle, as is shown in Figure2-12. When the lever is engaged, the tool grips the puck by a groove in its outer rim.

Figure 2-12. Sample insertion tool with lever in engaged position

The puck-insertion procedure is described in Section 4.5. The procedure is easy and requires only
a few seconds after you have warmed the sample chamber to room temperature.

2.10.2

Puck-Adjustment Tool
The puck-adjustment tool (Figure 2-13) is used to adjust the tension in the fingers of the puck sothat the fingers maintain solid thermal contact with the 12-pin connector located at the bottom of
the sample chamber.
The puck-adjustment tool consists of two metal cylinders. In Figure 2-13, Cylinder 1 is the finger
spreader. Cylinder 2 is the finger contractor and the test cutout. The finger spreader and the finger
contractor adjust the tension of the chuck fingers. The test cutout, which has the same dimensions
as the cutout in the heater block, tests how well the chuck fingers will contact the heater block.

2

The puck-insertion tool is also called the puck-extraction tool or sample-insertion tool, depending on context.

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Section 2.10
Sample Puck and Assorted Tools

Figure 2-13. Puck-adjustment tool

You will use the puck-adjustment tool after you have inserted the sample puck into the sample
chamber approximately 10 times or whenever the puck fits loosely into the bottom of thechamber. Instructions for using the puck-adjustment tool are given in Section 4.7.1.

2.10.3Puck-Wiring Test Station
The puck-wiring test station3 (Figure 2-14) is used to verify the contact between a sample andpuck. The test station contains three sets of contacts, all wired in series: a Lemo connector
identical to the sample-chamber connector on the probe head, a puck connector, and 12 banana
jacks. PPMS measurement options (e.g., Heat Capacity) come with templates that allow you tolabel the banana plug functions when the standard cabling is being used for an option.

Figure 2-14. Puck-wiring test station

3

The puck-wiring test station is also referred to as the P150 sample-wiring test station.

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C

H

A

P

T

E

R

3

Theory of Operation

3.1

Introduction
This chapter contains the following information:
○
○
○
○

3.2

Section 3.2 illustrates the main PPMS
subsystems and their interactions.
Section 3.3 describes temperature control
and operational regimes.
Section 3.4 describes atmospheric control
and gas-line configuration.
Section 3.5 describes magnetic-field
control.

○○○○

Section 3.6 describes the helium-level
meter and monitoring helium levels.
Section 3.7 describes features of theModel 6000 that can be customized.
Section 3.8 presents an example of ameasurement.
Section 3.9 describes variables toconsider during a measurement.

PPMS System Block Diagram
Figure 3-1 illustrates how the temperature control, gas-flow control, magnetic-field control, andhelium-level metering subsystems are incorporated in the PPMS.

Figure 3-1. PPMS block diagram (eliminate in the picture reference to Model 6700)

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Section 3.3
Temperature Control

3.3

Chapter 3
Theory of Operation

Temperature Control
Figure 3-2 shows cross sections of the PPMS probe, including the components that control
temperature. The outer layer of the probe is an evacuated region filled with reflective
superinsulation. This layer is between the liquid-helium bath and cooling annulus, where it
minimizes thermal exchange between the sample chamber and the 4.2 K liquid-helium bath. It
contains an aluminum heat shield that directs heat to the neck of the probe rather than into thehelium bath, where it would increase the rate of helium consumption. Without this evacuatedregion, temperature control would be difficult or impossible and helium consumption would besignificantly higher.
The cooling annulus is the active region of temperature control. The continuously pumping
vacuum pump draws helium from the dewar through the impedance tube and into the coolingannulus. The helium vapor flows through the annulus at rates that are controlled by a flowcontrol valve in the Model 6000 PPMS Controller.
The sample chamber is also usually kept at a pressure of a few torr with helium gas so that thewalls of the sample space can maintain thermal contact with the sample. The sample chamber
has a top-plate baffle assembly that helps isolate the sample space at the bottom of the chamberfrom the heat radiated by room-temperature components at the top. This baffle assembly isrequired for the sample space to reach the lowest attainable temperatures.
Sample temperature is monitored by a platinum resistance thermometer and a negative
temperature coefficient (NTC) thermometer that are mounted directly beneath the electricalconnectors for the sample puck. The platinum thermometer reads temperatures ranging between
approximately 80 K and 400 K; the NTC thermometer reads temperatures ranging between
approximately 1.9 and 100 K. A weighted average of the two thermometer readings is used in
the crossover region between 80 K and 100 K. Another NTC thermometer, which is not shownin Figure 3-2, is mounted just above the sample space to monitor the temperature gradients inthe chamber.

3.3.1

Temperature-Control Modes
The PPMS offers three unique operational regimes for controlling temperature in the sample
space—one for high temperatures and two for low temperatures. The high-temperature regime isused for temperatures above the liquid-helium boiling point (4.2 K at 1 atm), which is the socalled “crossover temperature.” The low-temperature regimes, Continuous Low-Temperature
Control (CLTC) and pot-fill mode, are used to regulate temperatures below the crossover
temperature. Each low-temperature regime can be used to lower the sample-space temperature toabout 1.9 K, but their characteristics and advantages differ, as shown in Table 3-1.
Since January 1998, PPMS systems have included the high-temperature regime and both lowtemperature regimes, with CLTC shipped as the default mode. Before that time, the PPMS
included only the high-temperature regime and pot-fill mode, but owners of such systems can add
the CLTC option as a purchased upgrade.

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Theory of Operation

Section 3.3
Temperature Control

Figure 3-2. Cross-sections of the PPMS probe and its temperature-control components

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Section 3.3
Temperature Control

Chapter 3
Theory of Operation

3.3.1.1 HIGH-TEMPERATURE CONTROLAt temperatures above about 4.2 K, the system cools the sample space by drawing cold helium
vapor, at a variable rate, through the impedance tube into the cooling annulus and across theoutside of the sample chamber. Even when the sample space is not being cooled, the system
maintains a helium flow of about 100 cc/min through the cooling annulus.
A block heater is mounted at the base of the sample chamber (see Figure 3-2), where it heats the
sample to the desired temperature and warms the vapor in the cooling annulus, thus uniformly
warming the entire sample space. Thermal gradients in the sample space are further minimized bya neck heater, which is wrapped around the sample chamber and located just above the sample
space and near the neck thermometer.
The flow-control valve and the block and neck heaters use the sample temperature and necktemperature as feedback to obtain rapid thermal control. Maximum warming and cooling rates
are around 6 K/min.

3.3.1.2 CONTINUOUS LOW-TEMPERATURE CONTROLThe system uses the Continuous Low-Temperature Control (CLTC) option to regulate
temperatures below about 4.2 K by drawing cold helium gas through the carefully tuned CLTC
flow impedance that restricts the gas flow. Flow through the primary impedance is completely
turned off and the helium gas is drawn from the CLTC impedance through the annulus to cool
the sample space. The system heaters warm the gas and the sample space directly.
CLTC mode includes a precooling phase that begins when the temperature in the sample space isabout 11 K. The precooling minimizes thermal gradients in the sample chamber so that the unit
can indefinitely maintain temperatures below 4.2 K and ensures that the temperature of thechamber smoothly transitions through 4.2 K. The precooling method uses aggressive feedback on
multiple parameters. This might cause a temporary loss of temperature control, reflecting
processes that prevent liquid helium from collecting in the annulus while the neck is cooled.
However, the duration of each precooling process is heavily dependent on the thermal history of
the system.1

3.3.1.3 POT-FILL MODE TEMPERATURE CONTROLIn pot-fill mode, the system initiates a pot fill at about 4.2 K when it fills the cooling annulus
with a controlled amount of liquid helium and manipulates the boiling point of the helium. The
liquid helium is drawn through the primary impedance tube, with the impedance heater off. The
fill procedure is regulated by the pressure difference between the cooling annulus and the dewar.
When the annulus is almost full, which takes about 45 minutes, the impedance heater is turned
on, warming the impedance tube until the helium pressure inside the tube prevents liquid helium
from entering either end. This state is commonly called “on the pot.”
The system can use pot-fill mode to maintain temperatures of about 1.9 K for hours.2 The liquidhelium bath around the sample space provides a uniform, stable thermal environment. However,it can be difficult to maintain a temperature very close to the boiling point of the liquid helium
because the control mechanisms in the high-temperature and pot-fill modes are so different.
When the system is "on the pot," it controls temperature increases and decreases by opening andclosing the flow-control valve in the Model 6000 and by using the heaters. For cooling, the1

For example, a rapid change from room temperature to 2 K will cause wild temperature oscillations for some time, whilea slow change might require little-to-no precooling.
2
The length of time is impossible to estimate because it depends on the equipment and the experimental situation, but theminimum will probably be 3–4 hours.

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Section 3.3
Temperature Control

system opens the flow-control valve, which decreases the pressure above the liquid helium,
thereby lowering the boiling point of the helium. The temperature of the liquid helium in theannulus drops accordingly. For warming, the system closes the valve slightly, allowing thepressure in the annulus to increase, and subsequently raising the boiling point of the helium. The
heaters are used for short time periods to accelerate the warming process.
In the event you reset the temperature from below 4.2 K to above 4.2 K, it will take about 45
minutes to empty the cooling annulus. During this time, the system cannot control temperature in
the sample space.

3.3.1.4 SELECTING THE LOW-TEMPERATURE CONTROL MODE
CLTC is the default mode of low-temperature control in the PPMS, but you can use the modethat best meets your experimental needs. Table 3-1 summarizes the general characteristics andadvantages of each mode. Low-temperature control modes are changed by using the MultiVu
software application or the Mon 6000 utility, as explained in Chapter 4, "System Operation." For
more information on MultiVu and the Mon 6000 utility, see the Physical Property Measurement
MultiVu Application User's Manual and the Physical Property Measurement System Firmware
Manual, respectively.
Note: Because the two control modes are so different, sometimes you can use pot-fill mode tocool the chamber when CLTC mode is not bringing temperatures below 4.2 K. Rather thanstopping the experiment to investigate the cooling problem, you can switch to pot-fill mode andattempt to bring the unit to your target temperature. If the unit cools successfully when you use
pot fill, you might be able to complete the experiment before you fix the cooling problem.3
Table 3-1. Characteristics of low-temperature control modes
CONTROLMETHOD

CHARACTERISTICSADVANTAGESDISADVANTAGES

CTLC• Begins a precoolingphase at about 10 K

• Transitions through 4.2 K
helium boiling point smoothly• Reaches low
temperatures withoutcollecting liquid helium
around the sample
space• Attains stable temperaturesat (and near) 4.2 K helium
boiling point• Control of temperature might
be temporarily lost at
beginning of precoolingphase, depending on thermal
history• Increases temperature
quickly and smoothly• Control of temperature isrelatively less stable thanwith pot-fill mode

• Takes overtemperature control at
about 4.2 K• Maintains extremely uniform
thermal environment for the
sample space• Loses temperature control
when transitioning through
4.2 K helium boiling point• Fills cooling annulus
with liquid helium andmanipulates boilingpoint of helium• Maintains a very quiet
thermal environment for the
sample space• Control of temperature at(and near) 4.2 K helium
boiling point is relatively lessstable than with CTLC modePot-fill mode

• Provides best absolutetemperature accuracy andstability below 4.2 K helium
boiling point

3

CLTC cooling problems are most often from frozen contaminants blocking one of the impedance tubes. To clear the tube,
you must remove the entire PPMS probe from the liquid helium dewar.

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Section 3.4
Atmospheric Control

3.3.2

Chapter 3
Theory of Operation

Temperature-Approach Modes
You can set the PPMS to approach a temperature set point with the Fast Settle mode or the NoOvershoot mode. Fast Settle mode changes the temperature very rapidly, but it can undesirably
affect samples that show temperature hysteresis behavior. In Fast Settle mode, the temperaturecontrol hardware first overshoots or under-shoots the temperature set point in order to help
overcome thermal gradients in the sample chamber, then the hardware backtracks to the set point.
In No-Overshoot mode, the PPMS approaches the temperature set point slowly, from only one
direction, so it does not overshoot or undershoot the set point. Thermal equilibrium takes
considerably longer to achieve in No-Overshoot mode.

3.4

Atmospheric Control
The PPMS vacuum and gas lines accommodate thermal control and atmospheric control of thesample chamber. Figure 3-3 illustrates the vacuum and gas lines.

Figure 3-3. Gas and vacuum control in the PPMS

The flow-control valve and the differential pressure sensor are part of the PPMS temperaturecontrol system. The flow-control valve, which is between the pump and cooling annulus, adjusts
the rate at which helium vapor is drawn across the sample chamber. The differential pressure
sensor, which is between the annulus and dewar, monitors the pressure difference between theannulus and dewar in order to facilitate filling the annulus with helium for low-temperature
operation.

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Section 3.5
Magnetic-Field Control

All other system plumbing is used for atmospheric control. Under normal operation, the flush
valve opens the sample chamber to the pump. The vent valve allows helium gas into the sample
chamber during venting and purging procedures. A purging procedure vents the sample chamberwith clean gas and pumps it out through the flush valve, and then repeats the same process twomore times. When the chamber is sealed, both the vent valve and flush valve are closed. The ventand flush valves are never open at the same time. The system’s solid-state silicon pressure sensor
is located on the sample space line within the Model 6000, between the vent valve and flush
valve, as shown in Figure 3-3.
Gas-Line Configuration
The standard PPMS configuration does not provide a high or ultra-high vacuum environment. It
keeps the sample chamber at a few torr with gaseous helium vapor supplied by the dewar.
However, the gas lines can be configured in several different ways. For example, you can
substitute some other clean gas for the helium that vents the sample chamber and provides theseveral torr of pressure that maintains thermal uniformity within the sample space. The alternate
gas source should be connected to the “Sample Vent-Up” port that is on the rear of the Model
6000. When you use an alternate gas source, you should blank off the “Gas Source” port, which
provides helium from the dewar, so that the differential pressure sensor will still work.
Additional plumbing and gauges can also be inserted between the pump and flush valve.
If a high or ultra-high vacuum is required in the sample space, you can insert an alternate type of
vacuum pump into the system near the probe head, where larger throughputs can be achieved.
The efficiency of sample-space temperature control can be adversely affected by changing thepressure of gas within the sample chamber. However, rather than thermal control through heatexchange, some experiments require an adiabatic environment (e.g., heat capacity). Quantum
Design offers a High-Vacuum option for the PPMS for precisely such requirements.

3.5

Magnetic-Field Control
WARNING!
The helium level must be above the superconducting magnet (a helium level ofabout 60%) to take the magnet to full field. There is high potential for damage,such as an uncontrolled magnet quench, when the superconducting magnet is
not completely covered by helium. See Sections 1.4.2 and 4.2.4 for more
information.

Figure 3-4 illustrates how the current through the magnet coil is changed to charge or discharge
the magnet. The essential process is as follows:
1.

The Model 6700 Magnet or Model 3120 Controller matches the current in the magnet.

2.

A small portion of the superconducting magnet wire (the persistence switch) is heated byanother resistive wire.

3.

The heated persistence switch becomes non-superconducting, which switches the magnet
controller into the previously closed superconducting circuit.

4.

The magnet controller drives the magnet to the current that is necessary for the new field.

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Section 3.5
Magnetic-Field Control

Chapter 3
Theory of Operation

Figure 3-4. Changing the field in the magnet: To change the field in the magnet from H0(a) to Hf (f), the magnet power supply first matches the magnet current (b). Then thepersistent switch heater is turned on (c), switching the power supply into the circuit. The
current is driven to the new value (d) and the persistent switch heater is turned off (e).

The persistence switch heater is generally turned off after the field set point is reached, allowing
the entire magnet to superconduct again. The magnet is in Persistent mode when the persistenceswitch is superconducting. In Persistent mode, the current in the magnet does not dissipate, so
the power supply current can be turned off. The magnet can also be operated in Driven mode,
which retains the current source in the magnet circuit in order to drive the current. Field changes
can be made more quickly in Driven mode, but the resulting field is much noisier.

3.5.1

Control Mechanisms
For each PPMS, the field in the sample space is a known function of the current in the magnet.
Systems are individually calibrated to their own field-to-current ratio. To ensure that the proper
field exists in the magnet during magnet charging and discharging, the current from the power
supply is passed through one of two calibrated resistors magnet controller before the persistenceswitch heater is turned off. The two resistors are for high-power and low-power operation, andthe appropriate resistor is used for each current. The voltage drop across the resistor is directly
proportional to the current in the magnet and thus proportional to the field within the sample
space. The field is calculated from this potential drop and if the field is not within a certain rangeof the field set point, the magnet current is adjusted accordingly until the field is within theacceptable range. For 7-T and 9-T longitudinal magnets, the field must be within about 1.5 Oe of
the set point for set points above about 9500 Oe. For set points below 9500 Oe, the field must bewithin about 0.15 Oe of the set point before the persistence switch heater is turned off. For 14-T
magnets, the field must be within about 3 Oe of the set point for set points above about 15,000
Oe, and the field must be within about .3 Oe of the set point for set points below 15,000 Oe
before the persistence switch heater is turned off. The field that is reported is calculated from thedrop across the resistor. The temperature coefficient of the calibration resistors in the Model
6700 is nominally 30 ppm/°C, so variations in the temperature of the instrument might have verysmall effects on the reported field. Notice that the field reported by the PPMS is only that due tothe current through the magnet circuit—the reported field value does not account for any
background sources or remnant field in the magnet.

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Section 3.6
Helium-Level Metering

After the persistence switch heater is turned off, magnetic field relaxation, or flux creep, can still
occur. To minimize this effect, the PPMS offers a specific magnet-charging technique called
Oscillate mode, which is described in Section 3.5.

3.5.2

Magnetic-Field Approach Modes
The PPMS uses Oscillate mode, No-Overshoot mode, or Linear mode to approach a field set
point.
In Oscillate mode, the magnet controller allows the magnet to overshoot or undershoot the fieldset point by about 30%, if possible, and then narrows in on the set point in an oscillatory fashion,
under-shooting or overshooting the set point by 30% on each iteration. Oscillate mode canundesirably affect samples that show field hysteresis behavior. Oscillate mode is best used tohelp eliminate field relaxation. When charging to zero field, the Oscillate mode should be used
to keep the remnant field in the magnet as small as possible.
In No-Overshoot mode, the magnet is charged to 70% of the difference between the field set
point and the present field, and then the magnet slowly approaches the set point, from only one
direction, in continuous 70% increments until the magnet is close enough to the set point to drive
directly to it without overshooting it. The charging direction is never reversed when NoOvershoot mode is used, but field relaxation can occur. That is, after the magnet enters
Persistent mode, the actual field in the magnet can change slightly from the reported field. You
should use No-Overshoot mode with field-hysteretic samples.
Linear mode is the quickest charging mode. Linear mode fine-tunes the field after an initialattempt at charging the magnet directly to the field set point. Both field overshooting and field
relaxation are possible in Linear mode.
Important: When you set measurement parameters, do not confuse the No-Overshoottemperature-approach mode with the No-Overshoot magnet-charging approach mode.

3.6

Helium-Level Metering
The helium-level meter is inside one of the rods running the length of the probe. The meter isthus outside the sample chamber and vacuum tubes. The helium-level meter is a longsuperconducting wire configured for a four-wire resistance measurement. Because the portion ofsuperconductor that is not immersed in liquid helium is resistive, the resistance of the wire isdirectly proportional to the amount of liquid helium required to fill the tank. The value that the
PPMS reports is a percentage of full. For example, 100% indicates the dewar is full, 75%
indicates the dewar is three-quarters full, and so on. The helium-level meter does not extend all
the way to the bottom of the dewar, so 0% does not mean the dewar is dry, only that the meter iscompletely exposed. When the helium-level meter is completely exposed, the impedance tube
intake of the probe is not immersed in liquid helium, and temperature control will be lost or
inhibited.
Heat is generated by the metering process, so the helium-level meter is usually not on
continuously, but the helium level is automatically checked on an hourly basis. You should
monitor the helium continuously only during helium transfers. For more information about
continuous monitoring, refer to the “Helium Level” section in the Physical Property
Measurement System Commands Manual.

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Section 3.7
Model 6000 Flexibility

Chapter 3
Theory of Operation

Figure 3-5. Schematic of helium-level meter

3.7

Model 6000 Flexibility
The electrical inputs and outputs on the Model 6000 allow the PPMS to accommodate a wide
range of experiments and to be configured to fit many different needs. For example, you canmonitor the channels of the user bridge from the Model 6000 analog outputs or front panel orfrom the personal computer. Appendix A lists all Model 6000 inputs and outputs and explains theuses and capabilities of each port so that you can customize the system.
The voltages of the four Model 6000 analog outputs can be linked to 30 different sources withdesired gain settings. These analog outputs allow use of an oscilloscope, chart recorder, or
similar instrument. The “Link BNC to Parameter” section in the Physical Property Measurement
System Commands Manual explains how you configure the analog outputs.
The Model 6000 provides three −24 V auxiliary drives (relays); a low-current, 15 V powersource; two different types of digital TTL level inputs; two −10 V to +10 V analog inputs the
Model 6000 can digitize; and three optically isolated 5 V external select lines (TTL-level
outputs). Model 6000 units that have a user bridge board also have access to two current drivers
that provide up to 1 A or 20 W of power⎯whichever limit is reached first. You can configure
each input and output.
The Model 6000 also provides two communication ports (IEEE-488 and RS-232); a motor output
that includes connections for a 0/−24 V actuator, index, and limit switch; and a configurablepressure gauge input. Besides electrically configuring the system as necessary, you can also
configure the gas and vacuum lines as required, adding gas sources, gauges and pumps (seeSection 3.4). The complexity of the system allows several different ways to set up the same
experiment.
The automated sequence feature of the PPMS lets you automate the entire measurement process.
Any function the Model 6000 can perform, including controlling all PPMS hardware andrecording measurement values, can be accessed within a sequence file that runs automatically, so
you can perform an experiment without being present. Try exploring this feature. The “Sequence
Files” section in the Physical Property Measurement System Commands Manual discusses
measurement automation in detail. The Physical Property Measurement System: PPMS MultiVu
Application User’s Manual discusses how to use PPMS MultiVu sequence files and sequencecommands.

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Section 3.8
Example Measurement

If the Model 6000 does not have the specifications necessary for your experiment, you can stillmeasure a sample in the PPMS by using your own instruments. Appendix A lists the pinouts forthe sample puck, probe head Lemo connectors, and Model 6000 “D” connector so that you canmake the necessary electrical connections. You can attach a current source and voltmeter to thesample to perform four-wire resistivity measurements. By attaching the sample leads to thesample in a slightly different configuration, you can make Hall coefficient measurements. You
can use other instruments to measure other sample characteristics. You can even interface GPIBcapable instruments with the Model 6000 and a PC in order to facilitate automated data collection
from other instruments. With some planning, you can set up the PPMS to automatically perform
all types of different experiments. If you have questions about how to customize the PPMS to fit
your specific application, contact a Quantum Design representative. Quantum Design offers avariety of options designed specifically to help meet the needs of your experiments.

3.8

Example Measurement
The PPMS can be configured for four-terminal resistance, Hall effect, magneto-resistance,
critical current, critical field, critical temperature, DC magnetization, AC susceptibility, heat
capacity, and thermal conductivity measurements⎯to name some of its more common uses.
Quantum Design is continually developing PPMS options that standardize frequently mademeasurements, making them easier to perform and more accurate. You use each option in
conjunction with the PPMS in a different manner.
One of the most common measurements made with the
PPMS is resistivity. Quantum Design offers more than one
resistivity option for the PPMS. This section describes a
resistance measurement to illustrate how you can use thePPMS.
To perform four-terminal resistance measurements, youmount a sample on a puck and attach four leads to thesample. An example is shown in Figure 3-6; you can use
other geometrical arrangements of the leads.

Figure 3-6. Leads attached forfour-terminal resistancemeasurement

Solder each lead to an appropriate solder pad on the base of the puck. This allows the hardware
to make electrical contact with the sample. In the Model P400 Resistivity option, the hardwarethat makes electrical contact with the sample is the user bridge board in the Model 6000, and thesolder pads you use are #3, #4, #5, and #6 (see Appendix A). To perform simultaneous
measurements on another sample, the other sample would be mounted to the same puck and its
leads would be soldered to pads #7, #8, #9, and #10. Take care that you electrically isolate eachsample and each sample lead. The puck is conductive, so the leads must be insulated and samples
must be mounted with an electric, but not thermal, insulator underneath them. Most PPMS
options also allow you to use special pucks that have labeled solder pads prewired to the surfaceof the puck for easier sample mounting. Some options, such as the ACMS option or the
Horizontal or Vertical Rotator option, use different sample holders.
You will insert the puck into the sample chamber by using the procedures explained in Section
4.5. During the measurement the hardware will pass a current through the sample via two leads,
using the other two leads to measure the electric potential drop across the sample. Because theinput impedance of the voltmeter is very high, both the current and the potential drop can be
known to a high degree of accuracy. Ohm’s law gives the resistance. The user bridge board
operates in several different modes to accommodate a variety of requirements and still allow a

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Section 3.9
Experimental Considerations

Chapter 3
Theory of Operationhigh degree of measurement sensitivity. The resistance that the bridge board measures is reported
in the Status−Bridge screen on the front panel of the Model 6000.
To perform different types of measurements, different hardware is used, but the basic premise of
the system remains the same. The sample sits within the thermally, magnetically controlledenvironment of the sample space while electrical wiring to the base of the chamber allows
connection to current sources, voltmeters, ammeters, and the like. The Model 6000 frequently
contains all such necessary equipment.
You can manipulate various measurement parameters, including the measured resistance, appliedcurrent, sample temperature, applied magnetic field, time, select line status, and so on. These
values can be placed into a data buffer in the Model 6000, linked to one of the Model 6000
analog outputs, or uploaded into a data file on a personal computer. The PPMS software cangraph the data file as the data is recorded. You can export data files to another format in order to
use them with data manipulation applications, such as spreadsheets or professional graphing
programs. If you are using the PPMS as a temperature and field control platform, you canmeasure sample resistance as a function of temperature and magnetic field. Entire resistancecurves can be plotted and the critical temperature can be determined for superconducting
samples.
For the example given above, you could set the PPMS to measure the sample resistance at 20
different temperatures and then increase the applied magnetic field by 0.25 T and repeat theresistance measurements at all 20 temperatures. This type of measurement can be facilitated byusing sequences.
When you use a sequence file, the PPMS becomes fully automated. It can automatically performtemperature changes, field changes, applied current changes, and resistance measurements. It can
automatically control all PPMS hardware and thus place the system in Shutdown mode when theexperiment is complete. The Model 6000 can control numerous other operations. Refer to the
Physical Property Measurement System Commands Manual and the Physical Property
Measurement System: PPMS MultiVu Application User’s Manual for further information
regarding sequence commands. The main point of illustration here is that the above resistanceexperiment can be performed entirely automatically. You can automate other experiments in asimilar manner.

3.9

Experimental Considerations
Although the PPMS is extremely flexible, you must consider certain limitations when you design
an experiment. One of the first constraints to consider is the size of the sample. The diameter ofthe sample puck is 2.3 cm, with a set of notches around its perimeter in which the electrical leads
seat. The maximum sample height is 5.0 cm. While the superconducting PPMS magnets have ahigh field homogeneity, the uniformity of the field over the sample is greater for small samples.
Similarly, although the PPMS provides very precise temperature control, the effect of thermal
gradients on the sample is less for small samples. Recall that temperature control in the PPMS isusually based on the temperature of the sample puck. Settling times, before the sample is at thesame temperature as the puck, also could be longer for large samples
The PPMS is ideally suited for measurements of bulk solid samples and thin film samples.
Powdered, aqueous, and liquid samples can be accommodated with a variety of techniques, but
you should use caution with such techniques, because the PPMS is very difficult to clean in theevent such a sample is lost within it. The use of sealed sample holders requires additional
caution, because they tend to burst when the sample chamber is evacuated. Before introducing asealed sample holder into the PPMS, you should verify that it will not break when it is subjected
to an external pressure of only a few torr, as it will be inside the PPMS sample chamber.

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Section 3.9
Experimental Considerations

When you mount a sample, it is important to secure it with a method that will withstand theexperimental extremes. Be sure to determine the thermal, magnetic, and conductive properties ofthe bonding media before using it in an important experiment. The temperature range of the
PPMS is 1.9−400 K. The magnetic field available depends on the magnet that is purchased withthe system. Other properties of the bonding media and of any electrical leads could also be
important. For example, with thin film samples, the leads and bonding media must not chemicallyreact with the sample.
The sample puck is conductive, so when you use it as a mounting technique, verify that theelectrical leads are isolated and individually insulated. When using the sample puck you alsoneed to consider how the sample might interact with it—often, samples must not be in electricalcontact with the puck. Note that thermal contact with the puck is still desired in the latter cases.
You can use a substance such as sapphire to electrically isolate resistive samples from the puckand still allow good thermal contact. A thin layer of Kapton tape serves as a less expensive
substitute. For experiments that use other sample holders, you should consider the relevant
properties of the sample holder. For example, for DC magnetization measurements, you can use aclear plastic drinking straw as a sample holder because the straw fits within the sample chamber,is easy to use with option hardware, is not conductive, and has very low magnetic susceptibility.

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C

H

A

P

T

E

R

4

System Operation

4.1

Introduction
This chapter contains the following information:

4.2○

Section 4.2 presents general guidelines
for using the PPMS.

○

Section 4.5 explains how to install a puck
into the sample chamber and how to
remove it.

○

Section 4.3 describes how to change thelow-temperature control mode (pot fill or
CLTC).

○

Section 4.6 describes some of the ways the
PPMS can be customized.

○

Section 4.4 discusses sample-mounting
procedures.

○

Section 4.7 describes routine maintenanceprocedures such as refilling a cold dewar
and checking the oil in the vacuum pump.

General Guidelines
The PPMS is a precision laboratory instrument that is designed to be robust and adaptable.
However, it is complex, and some parts are fragile. This section provides guidelines for theappropriate use and maintenance of the system and its critical components. You can help prevent
damage to the system and ensure that it provides optimal measurements by reviewing thismaterial and following the guidelines.

4.2.1

Handling the ProbeWARNING!
Always remove the probe from the dewar very slowly⎯raise it about one inch per
minute. The probe could explode violently if you rapidly pull it from the dewar
when there is a leak in the vacuum space.

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Section 4.2
General Guidelines

Chapter 4
System Operation

Handle the probe with care; it is an intricate, delicate, and expensive piece of equipment. Always
use the plate just below the probe head (Figure 2-4) to support the probe. The long tubes that run
between the probe head and the magnet end of the probe are part of the equipment—they are not
structural supports, they cannot support the full weight of the probe, and they are easily
damaged. Always provide support at both the magnet end and the probe head when you lay theprobe in a horizontal position.
It is important to work slowly and carefully when you lower a probe into (or lift a probe out of) a
full or partially full dewar. To facilitate this process, Quantum Design includes a probe-lifting
assembly with the system (see Section 4.7.4). By gradually lowering the probe into the dewar,
you decrease the unnecessary helium boil-off caused by a warm probe. It also can avoid serious
damage to the equipment that could occur if a part of the probe froze or boiled because of
unexpected circumstances, such as a leak. In addition, you can watch for unusual behavior, suchas condensation or gas escaping from relief valves, when you slowly move a probe in and out of
liquid helium.
Keep the original packing crate and padding for the probe so that you can use it in the event you
ship the probe back to Quantum Design for modification, option installation, or repair.

4.2.2

Powering the System Off and On
Generally, the power to the PPMS hardware should be left on—including the power to the Model
6000, Model 6700, and vacuum pump—to maintain system safeguards, as explained in Section
4.2.2.1. In the event you must turn off the power to the system or any component, use thesequence in Section 4.2.2.2. Turn on the system or component as soon as possible, using thesequence in Section 4.2.2.3.
Important: Before you turn off the power to the Model 6000, verify that the system is in
Shutdown mode with the magnet in Persistent mode and the Field at zero (0) Oe. Also, leave themagnet leads and blue Lemo attached to the system.
If there is an unplanned power outage, we recommend that you turn off the power to allcomponents and the main system breaker, in that sequence, then pull the power plug from thewall. Leave the magnet leads and blue Lemo attached to the system. When the power returns,
turn on the system by using the sequence in Section 4.2.2.3.
You do not need to turn off the system if it will be idle, but you can conserve helium by putting itin Shutdown (standby) mode (Section 4.2.3).
Important: Shutdown mode does not turn off the system, it reduces the use of helium whileallowing the Model 6000 to monitor the status of the system.

4.2.2.1 POWER LOSS
During a power loss or when you power off the system, leave the magnet leads connected—theleads will allow any current in the magnet to safely drain away. Also, leave the blue Lemo
connected to the system.
Important: Do not disconnect the blue Lemo or the magnet leads while the power is off.
When the power to the Model 6000 is cycled off and back on, the Model 6000 retains certain
parameters, including all information stored in the sequence file and data buffer, the field in themagnet, and most of the user-configuration parameters. To support the nonvolatile RAM, theModel 6000 has a lithium battery that lasts about 10 years.

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Section 4.2
General Guidelines

When there is a power loss, the software will automatically place the PPMS in Shutdown(standby) mode, but the PPMS will lose the settings for any measurements (e.g., temperature,
field) that are in process at the time of the outage. Further, the system will stop sending output toany motor. Other types of information that will not be retained or restored include commands thatare being executed when the power is lost as well as any direct output from the Model 6000, suchas analog outputs, which return to 0 V. If a power outage occurs when you are using a sequence
to perform measurements, the sequence will stop running. When the power comes back on, youwill need to reset the measurement parameters and restart the measurement.
When the power to one or more components is turned off, the system cannot effectively monitor
its own status. For example, the Model 6000 assumes that all other components are present andfunctioning, even if a component has been powered off. If you turn off the power to the Model6000 for several hours while the flow-control valve is open, the pump will stay on, filling thecooling annulus with liquid helium. As a result, the system will require an unusually long time towarm to above 4.2 K when you turn on the Model 6000. We recommend that you use thesequence below to turn off the PPMS, and that you always place the PPMS in Shutdown mode
before you turn it off—these procedures will help bring the system to a stable, helium-conserving
state.

4.2.2.2 POWER OFF SEQUENCE
1.

2.

If the magnetic field is not in Persistent mode and atzero (0) Oe, reset it according to the sequence below:a.

Select Instrument >> Field (Figure 4-1).

b.

In the Field dialog box, set the Mode to
Persistent and the Set Point to zero (0) Oe.

c.

Click on the Set button.

d.

Leave the dialog box open so that you canmonitor the field until it is within 1000 Oe of zero(do not continue until the field is within 1000 Oe
of zero).

e.

In the Field dialog box, click on the Close button.

Figure 4-1. PPMS Field dialog

Bring the system to a stable state by putting it in Shutdown mode:●

To use the Model 6000, select CTRL >> Interactive Control >> 8. Shutdown Mode.

●

To use MultiVu, select Instrument >> Shutdown from the dropdown menus at the topof the MultiVu window.

3.

Deactivate any active option (Utilities >> Activate Option).

4.

Exit the MultiVu program and turn off the power to the computer.

5.

Disconnect the annulus line (the large pumping line) at the probe head. Open the annulus
connection enough to stop the flow, but leave it seated in the connector.

6.

Turn off the power to the individual PPMS components, including the vacuum pump.

7.

Turn off the main breaker on the back of the PPMS cabinet.

8.

Unplug the PPMS plug from the power source.

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General Guidelines

Chapter 4
System Operation

4.2.2.3 POWER ON SEQUENCE
1.

Plug in the PPMS power cord.

2.

Turn on the main breaker on the back of the PPMS cabinet.

3.

Turn on the power to the computer.

4.

Turn on the power to the individual PPMS components, including the vacuum pump.

5.

Start MultiVu.

6.

Set the temperature to 5 K (Instrument >> Temperature). When you set the temperature to
5 K, the equipment automatically opens the valves and starts pumping out the lines.

7.

Wait five minutes for the system to stabilize.

8.

Reconnect the annulus line at the probe head.

9.

Set a new temperature.

10. Activate an option.

4.2.3

Shutdown Mode
Shutdown (also known as standby) mode does not turn off the system, but it does help conserve
helium resources while allowing the Model 6000 to monitor the status of the system. Place the
PPMS in Shutdown mode whenever it will be idle and you want to conserve helium.
When the temperature-control hardware is in Shutdown mode, the software adjusts the flowcontrol valve to maintain approximately 100 cc/min. of flow through the cooling annulus, turns
off the system heaters, and lowers the power to the impedance heater. Note that with theseadjustments, the PPMS does not remain at a steady temperature.
Important: The magnet must be in Persistent mode and the Field must be at zero (0) Oe before
you place the system in Shutdown mode (see Step 1 in Section 4.2.2.2).
When you initiate the Shutdown mode, the software automatically places temperature control instandby mode and seals the sample chamber. These settings will be displayed in the front panelof the Model 6000 and in the Status bar at the bottom of the MultiVu window.
•

To put the system in Shutdown mode using the Model 6000, select CTRL >> Interactive
Control >> 8. Shutdown Mode.

•To put the system in Shutdown mode using MultiVu, select Instrument >> Shutdown
from the dropdown menus at the top of the MultiVu window.

To end Shutdown mode, set a new temperature (in MultiVu, select Instrument >>Temperature).

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4.2.4

Section 4.2
General Guidelines

Monitoring the Helium Level
The helium level in the dewar must be regularly
monitored, especially if you are using magnets—thehelium level must be above about 60% to chargemagnets to high fields. If you do not have or are notusing a magnet, you can let the helium level drop to
approximately 30% before refilling the dewar, as
explained below. Section 4.7.2.2 has instructions forrefilling a cold PPMS dewar with liquid helium.
In many cases, you can safely transfer helium into
the PPMS dewar while a sequence is running. Do
not add helium to the dewar if you are ramping themagnet or if the temperature is below 5 K.

4.2.4.1 HELIUM LEVELS: USING A
MAGNET

Figure 4-2. Helium levels relative to probe and9-T magnet

The PPMS is not like a car—although you can drivea car until the fuel gauge reads nearly empty, thePPMS could be seriously damaged if you operate the magnet when it is not immersed in liquid
helium: When a charged superconducting magnet is not completely immersed in liquid helium,
there could be an uncontrolled magnet quench, warming the magnet so that it loses its
superconducting properties and gives off large amounts of energy in the form of resistive heat.

Figure 4-2 shows approximate helium levels relative to a 9-T PPMS magnet (the exact locationof the top of the magnet varies from magnet to magnet). To ensure that the magnet remains
immersed, you should perform a helium transfer whenever the helium-level meter reads below
about 60%. As explained in the next section, the helium level does not change at a consistentrate. In the event you plan to let the helium level drop below 60%, verify that the magnet does
not have a persistent field.

WARNING!
Keep the helium level above the superconducting magnet (a helium level of60%). There is high potential for damage, such as an uncontrolled magnet
quench, when the superconducting magnet is not completely covered by helium.
See Sections 1.4.2 and 3.5 for further information.

4.2.4.2 HELIUM LEVELS: NOT USING A MAGNET
When you are not using a magnet during measurements, we recommend that you begin carefully
monitoring the helium level when it reaches 30%. Maintaining the helium level at 30% or above
will help prevent serious temperature-control problems (see below). Although typical static
helium boil-off rates are usually less than 5–7 liters per day, the actual rate of PPMS helium
consumption varies, depending on ambient conditions and how the system is being used. For
example, when the helium level reaches 30%, it begins decreasing faster than when it is above
30%—the shape of the dewar interior and the nature of the helium-level meter mean that theabsolute boil-off rate does not translate into a constant percentage drop in the helium-level meter.
Levels appear to drop faster when the dewar is full or almost empty because the helium container
is narrower at the top and bottom.

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Section 4.3
Setting the Low-Temperature Control Mode

Chapter 4
System Operation

Carefully consider helium-consumption rates before you start a long experiment, especially when
the PPMS will be running an unsupervised automated sequence. If you are not using a magnet
during measurements, you can maintain temperature control with helium levels as low as 12%.
Below about 12%, the helium bath no longer covers the impedance tube and the system quickly
loses the ability to control temperature. Further, contaminants can enter the impedance and create
a blockage, which will cause additional problems. Because changes are so unpredictable by thetime the helium level reaches 12%, it is difficult to accurately monitor low helium levels. For
these reasons, we recommend maintaining the helium level around 30% at all times, except for
prolonged idle periods.

4.2.5

Monitoring the Nitrogen Level
The nitrogen in nitrogen-jacketed dewars serves a less crucial purpose than the helium, so it
could boil away almost completely without any repercussions other than more rapid consumptionof helium. However, to keep the helium well insulated, you should fill nitrogen jackets about
twice a week. Section 4.7.2.1 explains how to transfer liquid nitrogen into a cold PPMS dewar.
To determine if nitrogen remains in the jacket, look for ice on one of the pressure-relief valves.
You can check the nitrogen level by dipping a clean, frosted, metal rod into the jacket throughone of the nitrogen fill ports. To frost the rod, dip it in liquid nitrogen, then expose it to roomtemperature air.

4.3

Setting the Low-Temperature Control Mode
The Quantum Design PPMS offers two unique modes for controlling low temperatures in thesample chamber: Continuous Low-Temperature Control (CLTC) and pot-fill (these modes are
explained in Chapter 3). Since January 1998, the PPMS has included both modes, with CLTC
shipped as the default. Earlier model PPMS systems included only the pot-fill mode, but ownersof such systems can purchase the CLTC option.
If your PPMS has the capability for both low-temperature control modes, you can change from
CLTC to pot-fill mode (or vice versa) by using the MultiVu Utilities dropdown menu or the
Mon6000 utility, which is often located in C:\QDPPMS\Tools. Here we include instructions
for using both utilities. To determine if you have the CLTC option, follow the MultiVu
instructions in Section 4.3.1.1 through Step 3.

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4.3.1

Section 4.3
Setting the Low-Temperature Control Mode

MultiVu
As explained below, you will first verify the low-temperature control mode that is currently
active, then you will issue the command to switch to the other mode.

4.3.1.1 VERIFY OPTION AND CONTROL MODE
In MultiVu, you will use the Send GPIB Commands dialog to verify the mode that is being
used.
1.

Select Utilities >> Send GPIB Commands from the MultiVu dropdown menus (Figure 43).

Figure 4-3. Opening the Send GPIB Command utility in MultiVu

2.

The Send GPIB Commands dialog will open, as shown in Figure 4-4.

Figure 4-4. Using the Send GPIB Command dialog to verify control mode

In the Send GPIB Commands dialog, note the Send: text box at the top of the dialog, theResponse: area in the middle of the dialog, and the Send and Read button at the bottom of
the dialog. You will use these sections to verify the temperature-control mode.
3.

In the text box next to Send: type the following: clt? (just as is shown in Figure 4-4).
Then, click on the Send and Read button. In the Response: area, the utility will report two
numbers (e.g., "0,1" as shown in Figure 4-4).
The first number indicates the active temperature-control mode and the second indicates if
the CLTC option has been installed. For example, the first number in Figure 4-4 is "0,"indicating that the system is using pot-fill mode, and the second number is "1," indicatingthat the CLTC option has been installed. A "0,0" report would indicate that pot-mode isbeing used but there is no CLTC option, and a "1,1" report would indicate that low
temperatures are being controlled by the CLTC option. The status codes are summarized inTable 4-1.

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Section 4.3
Setting the Low-Temperature Control Mode

Chapter 4
System Operation

Table 4-1. Status codes for temperature-control modes
STATUSCODETEMPERATURECONTROL MODE

CLTC INSTALLED

0,0

Pot fillNo0,1

Pot fill

Yes

1,1

CLTC

Yes

4.3.1.2 CHANGE LOW-TEMPERATURE CONTROL MODE
To use MultiVu to change the low-temperature control mode, you will issue a command to shut
down the PPMS, along with a number specific to the control mode that you want to be activated.
The shutdown commands are summarized in Table 4-2.
The example below uses the commands that activate CLTC.
1.

In the Send: text box
type the following:
shutdown 2(just as is shown in
Figure 4-5).

2.

Click on the Send andRead button.
Figure 4-5. Switching from pot-fill mode to CLTC3.

To verify which temperature mode the system has activated, type clt? and click on the
Send and Read button again (Figure 4-6).

4. If the system has switched to CLTC, the Response area should now display "1,1" (Figure 46).

Figure 4-6. Verifying that CLTC is the low-temperature control mode

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Section 4.3
Setting the Low-Temperature Control Mode

Table 4-2. Commands to shut down the PPMS and set the temperature-control modes
COMMAND

4.3.2

ACTION

shutdown 0

Shut down the PPMS but do not change the temperature-control mode.

shutdown 1

Shut down the PPMS and set the temperature-control mode to pot fill.

shutdown 2

Shut down the PPMS and set the temperature-control mode to CLTC.

Mon6000
The Mon6000 dialog is set up somewhat differently than the Send GPIB Commands dialog in
MultiVu, but you will use the same commands that you use with MultiVu (Table 4-1) to verify orchange the low-temperature control mode. Note that you need to press the <Enter> key after you
enter each command into the Mon6000 dialog.
1.

Open the Mon6000 dialog:
a. Locate the Tools subdirectory of the QDPPMS directory (the QDPPMS directory might
be on your C: drive).
b.

2.

Locate the file named Mon6000.exe and double click on it to open it.

When the Mon6000 dialog opens (Figure 4-7), you will see separate text-entry panels titled"Command To Send" and "Response Received."

Figure 4-7. Checking the low-temperature control mode using the Mon6000 dialog

3.

Enter your temperature-mode verification command (i.e., clt?) into the Command To
Send panel and press the <Enter> key.
As shown in Figure 4-7, the Response Received panel will then display the active lowtemperature regime. You can see that the CLTC option is installed and it is being used,because the Response Received panel displays "1,1" just as it would in MultiVu.

4.

To shut down the PPMS and activate pot-fill mode, enter the shutdown command(shutdown 1), as is shown in Figure 4-8, and press the <Enter> key.

Figure 4-8. Switching low-temperature control modes using theMon6000 dialog

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Section 4.4
Sample Mounting

5.

Chapter 4
System Operation

You can verify that you have changed to pot-fill mode by typing "clt?" again in theCommand to Send panel.
The Response Received panel should display "0,1" if the system has changed to pot-fillmode successfully.

6.

4.4

To activate CLTC, type shutdown 2 in the Command to Send panel.

Sample Mounting
Several broad considerations affect the sample-mounting technique you will use, no matter what
type of sample holder you choose, including a sample puck and a plastic straw. These
considerations are the temperature range of the experiment and the electrical and magnetic
properties of the elements in the mounting arrangement.

4.4.1

Guidelines for Mounting Samples
The sample-mounting method that you use must withstand the temperature range of theexperiment. Not all glues and tapes stick well at low temperatures. Furthermore, differential
thermal expansion between elements of your arrangement could prevent it from functioning as
you intended.
The sample puck is conductive, so electrical leads will be shorted together if they contact thepuck anywhere other than at the solder pads. Often, samples must be electrically isolated fromthe puck so that the only electrical path is through the sample. Other sample holders, such as the
PPMS rotators, are made from dielectric material and do not short the signals when a sample
contacts them directly. If the PPMS will be used as a magnetometer, knowing the magnetic
moment of the sample holder is also important. To determine its effect on the sample
measurement, measure the magnetic moment of the sample holder without a sample.
In general, samples must be securely mounted to the sample holder so that their position willremain constant (or known, in some cases). Secure mounting also is important to help prevent
losing samples inside the sample chamber—it usually requires great effort to retrieve lost
samples and to clean the chamber.

4.4.2

Mounting a Sample on a Sample Puck
There are many methods to secure a sample to a puck. Leads are frequently soldered or welded tosamples, but the type of wires used and the method of contact vary by application. In addition,
tapes, conductive epoxies, greases, glues, and paints can be used. Conductive pads can be coatedonto semiconducting, thin film samples. Each method can have an array of thermal, electrical,
magnetic, and reactive properties.
If you will be using a puck as the sample holder, first consult Appendix A or the appropriate
option manual to determine the proper solder pads to use for electrical contact. Also, plan thegeometrical arrangement of the leads.

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Sample Mounting

It will be easier to solder leads to the solder pads if you remove the connector PC board from thebottom of the puck. To do so, remove the screw from the bottom of the puck. The base of thepuck is slotted so that the two components fit together properly when reattached.

Figure 4-9. Sample mounted on puck
Figure 4-10. Intermediate sample leads

Verify that the leads all pass through the notches on the edge of the puck, as shown in Figure 4-9.
Note that if the leads extend past the outer rim of the puck, it will be easy to damage them withthe puck-insertion tool during puck insertion. Also, you should use insulated electrical leads
because the puck is conductive.
In some cases it can prove useful to create an intermediate set of leads that contact the solder
pads but stop short of the sample, as illustrated in Figure 4-10. You can then treat the sample andanother set of leads⎯for example, in an oven or coating chamber⎯while isolating the puck fromthe treatment. When you have completed preparation of the sample and leads, you can securethem to the puck and attach the sample leads to the intermediate leads.
To prevent electrical signals from being shorted, you must separate the sample and the
conductive puck by a substance that has high resistivity compared to the sample. In many cases,
this substance can be a piece of tape. Take the phase characteristics of the insulating material into
consideration, because the material will not perform correctly if it conducts or superconducts inthe temperature range for your experiment. The thermal conductivity of an insulator also might
be important, depending on the nature of the experiment.
It is often important that the sample and puck are in good thermal contact, which ensures that thetemperature of the system thermometer accurately represents the temperature of the sample. If thesample is in poor thermal contact with the puck, heat conduction will occur through the leads andthrough helium gas, which is significantly slower than through the puck.
The surface of the puck can be machined to the desired geometric characteristics. To do this, you
first remove the screw from the bottom of the puck and take off the connector PC board so that it
will not be damaged during machine work. Work carefully so that you do not alter the edge ofthe puck, where the key and the groove for the puck-insertion tool are located. Also, you canremove the connector PC board from the bottom of the puck before you perform other puck
treatments, such as heat treatment.
If you want to verify proper electrical connection of the sample before you insert the puck into
the sample chamber, you can use a digital voltmeter or similar instrument after you have mounted
the sample. Using Figure 4-11 as an example, gently contact the gold-plated receptacles on thebottom of the puck with the meter probes.

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Section 4.5
Sample Puck Installation and Removal

Chapter 4
System Operation

Figure 4-11. Checking for proper electrical connection of the sample

You can use this technique to check for undesired shorts, poor connections, and so on, or you caninsert the puck into a P150 sample-wiring test station1 and use the numbered banana jacks for thesame purpose. Notice that the puck plugs into a plastic ring in the test station, so any shorts toground can only be measured by directly contacting the puck itself. However, when the puck is
plugged into the sample chamber, it contacts metal and is truly grounded. To ensure the validityof your data, verify that there are no shorts to the surface of the puck.

4.5

Sample Puck Installation and Removal

4.5.1

Installing a Sample Puck
After you have mounted the sample on the puck and soldered the leads to the appropriate solder
pads, you can insert the puck into the sample chamber by using the instructions below.
1.

Disengage the puck-insertion (puck-extraction) tool2 by flipping up the black switch locatedon top of the tool or by fully depressing the switch, as shown in Figure 4-12.

Figure 4-12. Handle of puck-insertion (puck-extraction) tool,
disengaged and engaged

2.

Insert the puck, with the sample facing upward, into thehollow cylinder at the bottom of the puck-insertion
tool. The sample will be inside the cylinder and theconnectors and solder pads will be outside the cylinder(see Figure 4-13).

3.

Rotate the puck to verify that it is properly seated inside
the hollow cylinder of the puck-insertion tool. The
puck should rotate smoothly.

Figure 4-13. Inserting the puck
into the cylinder of puck-insertion
tool

1

The P150 sample-wiring test station is also referred to as the puck-wiring test station.
The name of this tool varies by context—it might be called the puck-insertion tool, the puck-extraction tool, or the
sample-holder tool.
2

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Sample Puck Installation and Removal

4.

Engage the puck-insertion tool by flipping down the black switch located on top of thetool or by releasing the switch, if it is fully depressed, so that the switch lies flat acrossthe handle (see Figure 4-13). The tool should now be gripping the outer rim of the puck.

5.

Verify that the puck remains properly seated in the hollow cylinder of the puck-insertion
tool. The puck must be level and it must not rotate—otherwise it could come loose in thesample chamber or bend the pins at the bottom of the sample chamber. If the puck lodges
in the sample chamber, you might have to disassemble the probe to remove it.

CAUTION!
The puck-insertion tool (and puck) will be inserted into the sample chamber. Verify that thepuck is level within the cylinder of the puck-insertion tool and firmly attached to the tool so thatit cannot fall into the sample chamber. Also, hold the tool so that the bottom is level when you
insert it into the sample chamber. If the puck lodges in the sample chamber, you might have todisassemble the probe to remove it.

6.

Verify that the temperature of the sample chamber is at or above 298 K. The temperaturemust be at least 298 K when the chamber is opened to the atmosphere to prevent
cryopumping air into the chamber. If the temperature of the chamber is below 298 K, set it to298 K and wait until it reaches room temperature.
You can set the temperature by using the CTRL >> 3. Immediate Operations >> 1. Temp
menu in the Model 6000, by using the shortcut in the MultiVu Status bar, or by using
MultiVu.

CAUTION!
Always bring the sample chamber to room temperature before you open it to theatmosphere. This will prevent condensation and cryopumping of air constituents inside thechamber, which can cause probe malfunctions such as blocked valves and loss oftemperature control.

7.

Verify that the field in the magnet is less than 1 tesla. If the field is greater than that, set thefield to less than 1 tesla and wait for the magnet to reach the set point (select Instrument >>Field to open the MultiVu Field dialog box).

CAUTION!
Do not place the puck-insertion tool (or any other object) into the sample chamber when
there are high fields in the magnet, as the force on the insertion tool could overwhelm you
and cause you to damage the equipment.

8.

Vent the sample chamber with clean, dry gas. Venting helps keep the sample chamber free ofcontaminants from the air.
To vent the chamber, you can use the Model 6000 menu (CTRL >> 1. Interactive Control>> 5. Vent Continuous), or you can use the PPMS MultiVu application software(Instrument >> Chamber >> Vent Cont.).

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Section 4.5
Sample Puck Installation and Removal

9.

Chapter 4
System Operation

Open the hinge clamp and remove the KF blank flange from the sample-chamber access port(see Figure 2-5). If the blank flange is difficult to move because the internal pressure is low,
do not force it. Allow the pressure within the chamber to match the external pressure before
you open the sample chamber to atmosphere.

10. Remove the O-ring from the sample-chamber access port.
11. Gently lower the puck-insertion tool into the sample chamber with the puck-end first. Stop
when the sample puck touches the puck connectors at the bottom of the chamber. Do notforce the puck down farther after it touches the connectors.
12. Slowly rotate the puck-insertion tool until the key on the puck drops into the indexing notch.
When the puck drops into the notch, you will feel it lock into position.
13. Gently push down on the puck-insertion tool in order to engage the puck interface and to
make solid electrical contact between the interface and the puck.
14. Disengage the puck-insertion tool and then raise the tool several centimeters. Be alert forresistance when you raise the insertion tool. Resistance can indicate that the puck has caught
in the tool as you began lifting it out, so you will need to remove the puck and again try toinsert it.
15. Remove the puck-insertion tool from the sample chamber.
16. Place the O-ring over the sample-chamber access port and place the KF blank flange on it.
17. Place the flange clamp in position around the top of the sample-chamber access port andthen latch the clamp.
18. Purge and seal the sample chamber. To purge and seal the chamber, you can use the Model6000 menu (CTRL >> 1. Interactive Control >> 2. Purge and Seal) or MultiVu(Instrument >> Chamber >> Purge/Seal).
The system is now prepared for you to conduct experiments. To determine your next steps, referto the appropriate option manual. After you have performed a measurement and verified theoperations of the instrument, you might find it useful to write a sequence that automates themeasurement, as explained in the Physical Property Measurement System Commands Manualand the Physical Property Measurement System: PPMS MultiVu Application User’s Manual.

4.5.2

Removing a Sample Puck
The procedures for removing the puck from the sample chamber are essentially the reverse of theinstallation procedure.
1.

Verify that the sample chamber is at or above 298 K. The temperature must be at least 298 K
to prevent cryopumping of air into the chamber. If the temperature is below 298 K, set it to298 K and wait for the chamber to reach room temperature.

CAUTION!
Always bring the sample chamber to room temperature before you open it to the atmosphere.
This will prevent condensation and cryopumping of air constituents inside the chamber,which can cause probe malfunctions such as blocked valves and loss of temperature control.

2.

4-14

Verify that the field in the magnet is less than 1 tesla. If the field is greater than that, set it toless than 1 tesla and wait for the magnet to reach the set point.

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System Operation

Section 4.5
Sample Puck Installation and Removal

CAUTION!
Do not place the puck-extraction/insertion tool3 (or any other object) into the sample chamberwhen high fields are in the magnet, as the force on the extraction tool could overwhelm you
and cause you to damage the equipment.

3.

Vent the sample chamber with clean, dry gas to help keep the sample chamber free ofcontaminants in the air.
To vent the chamber, you can use the Model 6000 menu (CTRL >> 1. Interactive Control>> 5. Vent Continuous) or you can use the PPMS software (Instrument >> Chamber >>Vent Cont.).

4.

Open the hinge clamp and remove the KF blank flange from the sample-chamber access port(see Figure 2-5). If the blank flange is difficult to move due to low internal pressure, do notforce it. Allow the pressure within the chamber to match the external pressure before you
open the sample chamber to atmosphere.

5.

Remove the O-ring from the sample-chamber access port.

6.

Disengage the puck-insertion tool by flipping up the black switch located on top of the tool
or by fully depressing the switch (see Figure 4-12).

7.

Gently lower the puck-insertion tool, cylinder-end first, into the sample chamber until thetool touches the bottom of the chamber.

8.

Engage the puck-insertion tool by flipping down the black switch located on top of the tool
or by releasing the switch, if it is fully depressed, so that the switch lies flat across the tool’s
handle (see Figure 4-12).

9.

Gently raise the insertion tool out of the sample chamber. You should feel some initialresistance as you pull the puck out of its seat.

10. Verify that the sample puck is in the insertion tool. If it is not, return to Step 6. If it is,disengage the lever and let the puck fall safely into your hand. Do not drop the puck.
Now you can insert another puck, install a PPMS option into the sample chamber, or close thesample chamber.

4.5.3

Closing an Empty Sample Chamber
Use the procedures below to close the sample chamber when it does not have a sample installed.

3

1.

Place the O-ring and KF blank flange over the sample-chamber access port (see Figure 2-5).

2.

Place the flange clamp in position around the top of the sample-chamber access port.

3.

Latch the clamp.

4.

Purge and seal the sample chamber by using the Model 6000 menu (CTRL >> 1.
Interactive Control >> 2. Purge and Seal) or MultiVu (Instrument >> Chamber >>Purge/Seal).

See Footnote 1.

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Section 4.6
System Customization

4.6

Chapter 4
System Operation

System Customization
The PPMS is designed to be flexible and meet a variety of needs, so it accommodates
customization. Before you begin any modifications, please read all applicable portions of themanual so that you understand how the components function and how your alterations could
affect the system. Contact Quantum Design if you have questions about altering the system.
Some common issues are addressed below.

4.6.1

Making Alternate Connections to the Sample Leads
If the Model 6000 does not provide the function you need, you can make electrical contact to thesample from other instruments by connecting an adapter to the gray Lemo connector cable. The
pinouts are mapped for this purpose in Appendix A.

CAUTION!
Always use an adapter to access the leads in the gray Lemo connector cable (the cable thatconnects the probe head to the Model 6000). Use of an adapter ensures that you will beable to use the cable with other applications.

Figure 4-14 illustrates how to use an adapter to make connections at the “D” connector end of thegray Lemo cable. You can confine the wiring for this adapter to a box. We highly recommend
using a breakout box, which provides an easily configured, reusable method of changing sample
connections. It will keep the process flexible and isolate each wire in the gray Lemo cable,
allowing contact to each wire individually. Such a box would have a female 25-pin “D”
connector (DB-25) and input and output connections to the leads as necessary: for example, 12banana plug connectors, 6 BNC connectors, other “D” connectors, or a bread board.

Figure 4-14. Custom adapter for making connections to the sample leads

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4.6.2

Section 4.6
System Customization

Using Other Electronic Devices
The Model 6000 is designed to facilitate use with many other electronic instruments. It has an
input for an external pressure gauge and an output to an external motor. Its four analog output
BNC connectors monitor a variety of system signals. The “P8−Auxiliary” port contains two
signal inputs to an analog-to-digital converter in order to digitize and record external signals. The“P1−User Bridge” port provides access to two current drivers, and the “P8−Auxiliary” port
contains +15 V and −15 V low-power current sources. Several digital inputs and outputs are invarious locations on the Model 6000. See Appendix A for detailed information about thesecapabilities.
You also can use the Model 6000 front panel to monitor additional equipment that uses the
Model 6000 digital input and output lines. The state of each digital input and output is displayedin the Digital: status line at the bottom of the Status−System Cont. screen. The status codes are
summarized in Table 4-3.
Table 4-3. Status codes for the Model 6000 digital inputs and outputs
STATUS
CODE

LINE AND STATETYPE OF LINE

LOCATION

HL

Hold Line Active (Low)

Busy Input

P−11 ExternalUR

User Line Active (Low)

Busy Input

P−11 External

A1

Auxiliary Drive #1 Active (−24 V)

Auxiliary Output

P−8 Auxiliary

A2

Auxiliary Drive #2 Active (−24 V)

Auxiliary Output

P−8 Auxiliary

LM

Limit Switch Active (+5 V)

Motor Input

P−10 Motor

NX

Index Switch Active (+5 V)

Motor Input

P−10 Motor

S1

Select Line #1 Active

Select Output

P−11 External

S2

Select Line #2 Active

Select Output

P−11 External

S3

Select Line #3 Active

Select Output

P−11 External

AC

Actuator Activated (−24 V)

Actuator

P−10 Motor

Appendix A contains the information that is necessary for correctly interfacing other electronic
devices with the PPMS. For example, some pressure gauges can be permanently damaged if they
are connected improperly. Always verify that any electrical connections to the PPMS are solidand properly grounded.

4.6.3

Modifying the Gas and Vacuum System
If you plan to modify the gas and vacuum lines in the PPMS, first read Chapters 2 and 3(Sections 3.3 and 3.4). Be especially careful that you understand how the PPMS functions,because your alterations can easily affect temperature control. When you make your changes,
verify that any new plumbing connections are solid and have good seals.

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Section 4.7
Routine Maintenance Procedures

4.7

Chapter 4
System Operation

Routine Maintenance ProceduresThis section describes routine maintenance procedures that you should perform regularly. Less
frequently performed procedures are discussed in Appendix B or Appendix C.
Regular maintenance procedures include adjusting the puck; transferring nitrogen and helium
into a cold dewar, which you typically perform several times a week; basic servicing of thevacuum-pump assembly, which you should perform throughout the year; and O-ring inspections,which you should perform whenever you see an O-ring in the PPMS.
The less frequently performed procedures include transferring liquid nitrogen and helium into a
warm dewar (Appendix B) and performing major pump-assembly services (Appendix C).
Appendix C also contains a maintenance schedule and a form for tracking equipment service.

4.7.1

Puck Adjustment
You will need to adjust the sample puck whenever it fits loosely into the bottom of the chamber
or after you have inserted it into the sample chamber approximately 10 times. Figure 4-15
displays the components of the puck-adjustment tool, and the steps below explain how to use it.
1.

Place the puck on the finger spreader (see Figure 4-15).

Figure 4-15. Puck-adjustment tool

4-18

2.

Remove the puck from the finger spreader.

3.

Place the puck inside the finger contractor.

4.

Press straight down on the puck and continue pressing until the puck is pressed completely
into the finger contractor. When the entire chuck is in the contractor, the contractor evenly
applies force to the outside of the fingers, pushing them inward. The contractor pushes thefingers⎯regardless of external wear or variations on the puck⎯so that they obtain theiroptimal location.

5.

Remove the puck from the finger contractor.

6.

Place the puck inside the test cutout. Verify that the puck fits easily but snugly in the test
cutout.

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4.7.2

Section 4.7
Routine Maintenance Procedures

Refilling a Cold Dewar
WARNING!
◊

Always wear protective clothing, including thermal gloves, eye protection,and covered shoes, when you work with liquid nitrogen or any othercryogen. Review Section 1.4.1, “Cryogens,” before you transfer liquid
nitrogen.

◊

Always use a well-ventilated room to perform this procedure.

4.7.2.1 TRANSFERRING LIQUID NITROGEN
If there is any liquid helium in the PPMS dewar, you can use the procedures below to transfer
liquid nitrogen into the nitrogen-jacketed dewar. However, if the dewar contains no liquid
helium, you must use the "warm" dewar-fill procedures in Appendix B. The warm dewar-fillprocedures are designed to prevent blockages in the impedance tube.
To facilitate the liquid-nitrogen transfer, we recommend that you review the process before you
begin. If you are unfamiliar with these transfers, ask for help from someone who is familiar withthe supply vessel.
1.

At the PPMS dewar, prepare for the liquid-nitrogen transfer:a. Remove the brass fittings from one of the two liquid-nitrogen fill ports by turning thelarger fitting counter-clockwise until it comes off the dewar. This prevents the O-ringfrom freezing.
b. Open the other nitrogen fill port by turning the larger brass fitting counter-clockwise toloosen it and then removing the small insert plug when it is loose (see Figure 4-16).

Figure 4-16. Preparing for a liquid nitrogen transfer

2.

Screw the liquid-nitrogen transfer adapter onto the end of the nitrogen supply line.

3.

At the PPMS dewar, insert the small end of the liquid-nitrogen transfer adapter into the open
liquid-nitrogen fill port and turn the brass fitting clockwise to secure the adapter in place(Figure 4-16).

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Section 4.7
Routine Maintenance Procedures

4.

Chapter 4
System Operation

At the liquid-nitrogen supply dewar, slowly turn the liquid supply valve until it is about 50%
open. Exhaust should begin coming out of the second nitrogen fill port on the PPMS dewar.
Do not open the liquid supply valve more than 50%—a fully opened valve can produce
violent spillovers of exhaust that are extremely hazardous and difficult to avoid.

WARNING!
Always open the liquid supply valve slowly, and only open it about 50%. Although
the transfer is fast when the valve is completely open, such transfers are
extremely hazardous.

5.

At the PPMS dewar, visually monitor the exhaust from the second nitrogen fill port during
the entire fill process. While you are monitoring the exhaust, put on your protective gear.
This gear is necessary to prevent serious burns from the extremely cold fitting, supply line,
and transfer adapter.
Do not leave the PPMS unattended during this step and always stand at least 0.5 m (1.5 ft.)from the exhaust plume.

6.

At the liquid-nitrogen supply dewar, close the liquid supply valve when the exhaust turns toliquid, indicating that the jacket is full. The fill time will depend on the amount that was in
the jacket when you started and how fast you perform the transfer. For example, jackets thatare refilled twice a week take about 15 minutes to refill.

7.

At the PPMS dewar, perform in sequence the steps below:
a. Remove the liquid-nitrogen transfer adapter: turn the brass fitting counter-clockwise andlift the transfer adapter out of the dewar.
In the event that the fitting and adapter are frozen together, you can use a warm air
blower to accelerate the thawing process. Otherwise, you must wait until the parts thaw
enough to be separated.
b. Close both nitrogen fill ports: re-install the brass fittings and turn the large brass fittingsclockwise.

CAUTION!
Always re-install the fill-port fittings and/or O-rings onto the nitrogen fill ports after you havetransferred liquid nitrogen into the dewar. These fittings prevent dangerous ice blockages in
the fill ports.

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Section 4.7
Routine Maintenance Procedures

4.7.2.2 TRANSFERRING LIQUID HELIUMWARNING!
◊ Always wear protective clothing, including thermal gloves, eye protection,and covered shoes, when you work with liquid helium or any other cryogen.
Review Section 1.4.1, “Cryogens,” before you transfer liquid helium.

◊ Always use a well-ventilated room to perform this procedure.
◊ Immediately vent the room by opening windows and doors if there is anexcessive helium release.

If there is any amount of liquid helium in the PPMS dewar, use the procedures described here totransfer helium into the dewar. If there is no liquid helium in the dewar, you must use one of thewarm dewar fill procedures in Appendix B to prevent blockages in the impedance tube.
To facilitate the liquid-helium transfer, we recommend that you review the process before you
begin. If you are unfamiliar with these transfers, ask for help from someone who is familiar withthe supply vessel.
1.

Bring the helium-supply dewar close to the PPMS dewar.

2.

Verify that the proper adapters and extensions are installed on the helium transfer line (seeFigure 4-17).
Important: The extensions perform an essential function: The input extension ensures thatliquid can always enter the transfer line, even as the level of liquid in the storage dewarchanges. A short extension is used on the output line to help reduce boil-off from thetransfer. It is less cumbersome than the long one used for transfers into a warm dewar (seeAppendix B).

Figure 4-17. Helium-transfer line arrangement with the short output
extension used for helium transfers into a cold dewar

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Section 4.7
Routine Maintenance Procedures

3.

Chapter 4
System Operation

At the liquid-helium supply dewar, perform in sequence the steps below, using Figure 4-18
for reference:a. Vent the pressure from the supply dewar by slightly opening the gas-phase valve.
b. After the pressure has been reduced, close the gas-phase valve.
c. Open the liquid access port. This port is open only during the transfer.
d. Close the primary relief valve on the supply dewar. This valve remains closed only
during the transfer procedures.

Figure 4-18. Arrangement for refilling a cold, nitrogen-jacketed dewar with liquid
helium. Note the short output extension on the transfer line.

4.

Using rubber or plastic tubing, connect a helium-gas cylinder to the gas-phase port on theliquid-helium supply dewar, as shown in Figure 4-18.

5.

At the PPMS dewar, open one of the two helium fillports on the probe head by pulling the entire fixture
straight up (see Figure 4-19).

6.

Slowly lower the input end of the transfer line into the
supply dewar. Tighten the adapters that seal thetransfer line to the liquid access port. Continue
lowering the input end until an exhaust plume appears
at the output end.

7.

Insert the adapter at the output end of the transfer line
into the PPMS dewar through the helium-fill port
(refer back to Figure 4-18). Push the transfer line
completely into the dewar.
Gas will begin flowing from the output adapter. Point
the output-adapter-exhaust-tube away from theevacuation valve and the rest of the dewar top. The
exhaust will be so cold it can freeze and damage parts,
such as O-rings and sealed valves.

4-22

Figure 4-19. Opening a helium-fillport on the head of a PPMS probe(standard dewar shown)

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Section 4.7
Routine Maintenance Procedures

CAUTION!
Point the output-adapter-exhaust-tube away from all hardware on the dewar and probehead. The extremely cold exhaust can damage parts, especially O-rings and sealed valves.

8.

Verify that each adapter on the transfer line is properly seated so that it seals the transfer
line.

9.

At the liquid-helium supply dewar, open the gas-phase valve.

10. At the helium-gas cylinder, open the regulator to start transferring helium into the PPMS
dewar
11. Monitor the helium transfer with the Liquid Helium Fill Status dialog (in MultiVu selectUtilities >> Helium Fill) or the Model 6000 (select CTRL >> 1. Interactive Control >> 0.
Fill Dewar).
12. When the helium level reads 85–100%, close the regulator at the helium-gas cylinder.
13. At the liquid-helium supply dewar, reset the valves:a. Close the gas-phase valve.
b. Open the primary relief valve.
14. Remove the transfer line and adapters from the liquid-helium supply dewar and the PPMS
dewar.
15. At the PPMS dewar, close the helium-fill port on the probe head by reinserting the relief
valve.
16. At the liquid-helium supply dewar, close the liquid access port (see Figure 4-18).
17. The liquid helium transfer is now complete. The helium-level meter will turn itself off when
you exit the Fill Dewar screen or if the fill time exceeds 30 minutes.

4.7.3

Servicing the Vacuum-Pump Assembly
To help ensure that your equipment is in working condition when you want to performmeasurements, it is essential that you regularly maintain the PPMS vacuum-pump assembly. A
rotary-vane pump, which is located inside the electronics cabinet (Figure 4-20), uses oil to help
pull the vacuum. Oil mist is naturally expelled from the pump exhaust and collected by an oilmist
filter installed on the inside wall of the electronics
cabinet. Air to the pump is filtered through the foreline
trap.
Maintenance Schedule
The pump-oil level, oil-mist filter, and foreline trap
require regular maintenance using the procedures in
Sections 4.7.3.1 and 4.7.3.2.
•

At least once a month, check the oil level in thepump and and oil-mist filter and add oil asappropriate.

•

At least once a week, check the amount of oil thathas collected around the oil-mist filter and empty asnecessary. Check the oil levels more frequently if thepump is heavily used.

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Figure 4-20. Electronics cabinet androtary-vane pump

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Section 4.7
Routine Maintenance Procedures

Chapter 4
System Operation•

Once a year, the pump and the oil-mist filter cartridge need a complete service, as explainedin Appendix C.

•

Twice a year, use the instructions in Appendix C to clean the foreline trap, which acts as theinlet filter for the pump. Appendix C also contains a maintenance record so that you cantrack when service was last performed.

CAUTION!
Check the level of oil in the oil-mist filter at least once a week. If the filter becomes too full, oil
can back up into the gas lines and plug the system.

Pump Versions
Since 1997, all PPMS units have used CE-compliant Edwards or Varian pumps; before that time,
the PPMS was equipped with an Alcatel pump (see Figure 4-21).

Figure 4-21. Vacuum (rotary vane) pumps used with the PPMS

Table 4-4 lists the characteristics of each pump and Sections 4.7.3.1–4.7.3.2 explain how tocheck the oil level in the pump and oil-mist containers. Appendix C contains the instructions forchanging the oil and oil-mist filter cartridge and for servicing the foreline trap. For detailed
information about your pump, refer to the separate vacuum-pump manual that comes with thesystem.

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Section 4.7
Routine Maintenance Procedures

Table 4-4. Types of vacuum pumps used on the PPMS and their characteristics
PUMP
CHARACTERISTIC

MANUFACTURER
AlcatelEdwards

Varian

Leybold

Color

Orange and black

Gray

Ivory and gray

Gray with Side-car

Oil Type

Alcatel 100 Direct
Drive MechanicalVacuum Pump Fluid

Edwards
Supergrade “A” oil

Varian General
Purpose Mechanical
Pump Fluid

Leybold HE-200

Oil Level

Between upper andlower markings, bestat 1/2 or more

Between "max"and "min"Between arrows, bestat 1/2 or more

Between upperand lowermarkings, best at
1/2 or more

Oil-fill cap

Top foremost cap

Top, front rightTop, front left

Top, Center

Drain plug

Lower plug

Bottom right

Bottom front center

Bottom right4.7.3.1 CHECKING THE OIL IN THE PUMP
Weekly or sooner (depending on the amount of use), check the amount of oil that has collected in
the bell jar that surrounds the oil-mist filter. If the filter becomes too full, oil can back up into thegas lines and plug the system. Monthly or sooner (depending on the amount of use), check the oillevel in the pump, refill it to the full mark with the appropriate oil (see Table 4-4), and check thestatus of the filter cartridge.
1.

Open the front panel of the electronics cabinet. Figure 4-20 illustrates the cabinet and pump.

2.

Look at the oil-level window on the front of the pump. The oil level should be between thetwo outer markings (see Figure 4-21). Table 4-4 gives the specific level for each pump.

3.

If the pump needs more oil, first check whether the oil needs to be changed. While thecabinet is open, compare the oil in the pump to clean oil.
a. If the pump oil is clean, use the instructions in Section 4.7.3.2 to add oil.
b. If the pump oil is dirty, use the instructions in Appendix C to drain the pump andreplace the oil.

4.

Check the amount of oil in the oil-mist filter and container.
a. If the container is half full, use the instructions in Section 4.7.3.2 to empty it, unless you
also need to change the filter cartridge. In the latter case, use the instructions inAppendix C.
b. If the filter cartridge looks like it is full of oil, use the instructions in Appendix C toinstall a new one.

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Chapter 4
System Operation

4.7.3.2 ADDING OIL AND DRAINING THE OIL-MIST CONTAINERWARNING!
Put the system in shutdown mode and disconnect (but leave seated) the two
metal pumping lines before you service the pump or related components. If there
are leaks into the sample chamber and cooling annulus, ice can form and cause
serious system malfunctions.

Prepare the PPMS for Pump Service
1.

Place the PPMS in Shutdown mode (in MultiVu, select Instrument >> Shutdown). Whenyou place the system in shutdown mode, it automatically seals the sample chamber, turns off
the heaters, and restricts the flow-control valve.

2.

Disconnect⎯but leave seated⎯the two metal pumping lines that come from the probe head.
When the pumping lines are disconnected in this way the sample chamber and coolingannulus are sealed at the probe head.

3.

Leaving the rest of the system components turned on, turn off the pump according to the
instructions below. If the pump has been in operation, you might need to let it cool before
you work on it.
a. Early PPMS units without a toggle switch on the pump—unplug the pump to turn it off.
Do not turn off the switch on the power strip—this strip powers other system equipmentin addition to the pump.
b. Recent PPMS units with a toggle switch on the back of the pump—turn off the toggle
switch.

4.

Open the console cabinet and hold your hand near the pump. If the pump is uncomfortably
warm, let it sit until it has cooled before proceeding to the next section.

Fill the Pump
1.

If the pump parts are difficult to access, slide the pump forward out of the electronics
cabinet.

2.

If the system has an Alcatel pump (Figure 4-21), remove the black faceplate that frames theoil-level window.

3.

Remove the oil-fill cap on the top of the pump (see Table 4-4). Save the O-ring.

4.

Fill the pump with oil to the top mark of the oil-level window (do not overfill).

5.

Reinsert the O-ring and oil-fill cap.

6.

If the system has an Alcatel pump, replace the faceplate that frames the oil-level window.

Drain the Oil-Mist Filter

4-26

1.

Hold a container under the bottom of the bell jar and unscrew the plug.

2.

When the oil has drained, pour the oil into a used-oil container.

3.

Screw the plug back into the bell jar.

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Section 4.7
Routine Maintenance Procedures

CAUTION!
Check the level of oil in the oil-mist filter at least once a week. If the filter becomes too full, oil
can back up into the gas lines and plug the system.

Prepare the PPMS for Use

4.7.4

1.

Slide the pump back into the electronics cabinet.

2.

Turn the pump on and wait one minute so that the metal pumping lines can be evacuated.
Verify that the pumping lines are seated in their connectors but not pressed in completely.

3.

Reconnect the two metal pumping lines to the probe head.

4.

Purge and seal the sample chamber.

5.

Close the front door of the electronics cabinet.

6.

The procedures are now complete. Please dispose of any used oil properly.

Using the Probe-Lifting Assembly
WARNING!
Always remove and insert the probe very slowly⎯raise it about one inch per
minute. The probe could explode violently if it is removed from the dewar rapidly
and there is a leak in the vacuum space.

You must use specific techniques to handle the probe, because it is fragile and easily damaged.
Quantum Design provides a probe-lifting assembly (Figure 4-22) to help you move the probe in
and out of the dewar. To prevent damage to the probe when it is out of the dewar, please use theprobe-handling guidelines described in Section 4.2.1.
The steps below explain how to use the probe-lifting assembly. We recommend that you review
the procedures before you begin, referring to Section A.4 and Figures 2-5, 4-19, and A-3 ifnecessary.
1.

Open the helium-fill ports on the probe head bypulling the relief valves straight up (Figure 4-19).

2.

Remove the hinge clamp from the sample-chamberaccess port (Figures 2-5 and A-3).

3.

From the front of the probe (the side with the
Quantum Design logo), slide the probe-lifting
assembly onto the probe head so that the lifting
assembly is underneath the sample-chamber accessport but above the pressure-relief valve (Figure A-3).

Figure 4-22. Probe-lifting assembly4.

Use the pin on the end of the chain to close the locking mechanism of the lifting assembly.
You must close the locking mechanism before you lift the probe.

5.

Attach the probe-lifting assembly to a hoist or a pulley, if necessary to lift or lower theprobe.

6.

When you have finished raising or lowering the probe, remove the assembly.

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4.7.5

Chapter 4
System Operation

Inspecting O-Rings
You can increase the reliability and lifetime of the PPMS by maintaining the O-rings so they arealways in good condition. The regularly accessible O-rings are on the top-plate assembly and on
the helium and nitrogen fill-port fixtures. You also might see other O-rings when you perform
maintenance and servicing.
All O-rings in the system should be clean and they should be lubricated with silicon vacuum
grease. To ensure that the O-rings remain in prime condition, adopt the following habits.

4-28

○

If you see an O-ring, visually inspect it.

○

If an O-ring appears dirty, clean it with a clean, lint-free cloth (e.g., a Kimwipe).

○

If an O-ring is dry, apply silicon vacuum grease to it.

○

If an O-ring is cracked, replace it.

○

If an O-ring is leaking, contact Quantum Design.

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A

P

P

E

N

D

I

X

A

Connections, Ports, and Pinouts

A.1

Introduction
This appendix contains the following information:

A.2○

Section A.2 illustrates the connections
between the system hardware
components.

○

Section A.5 contains pinout tables for all
electrical ports.

○

Section A.3 illustrates and describes theports on the rear panel of the Model
6000.

○

Section A.6 lists the recommended
replacement fuse values.

○

Section A.4 illustrates and describes theports on the rear of the PPMS probe
head.

System Connections
The proper connections between the probe head, Model 6000, Model 6700, and pump are shownin Figure A-1. Use the figure as a guide when you connect the components (eliminate reference
to Model 6700 in the figure below).

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Section A.3
Model 6000 Rear Panel Ports

Appendix A
Connections, Ports, and Pinouts

Figure A-1. Connections for PPMS hardware: solid lines identify electrical connections
and dashed lines identify gas/vacuum lines.

Electrical connections to the probe have color-coded Lemo connectors at the probe end. Three
separate pumping lines are attached to the probe: a smaller metal hose that attaches to the sample
chamber, a larger metal hose that connects to the cooling annulus, and a small white
polypropylene hose that connects to the dewar.
Figure A-1 does not illustrate connection of a personal computer to the system, which is throughthe “P4−IEEE488” (GPIB) port on the rear of the Model 6000 (see Section A.3.4).

A.3

Model 6000 Rear Panel Ports
Figure A-2 illustrates the rear panel of the Model 6000. The upper half contains electricalconnections. The lower half houses the system fuses and connections to the gas lines fortemperature and pressure control. Some ports provide access to standard PPMS hardware andothers allow custom configuration.

Figure A-2. Ports on rear panel of Model 6000

A.3.1

P1−User Bridge Port
If the system includes the Resistivity option, the “P1−User Bridge” port accesses the additional
bridge board that is in the Model 6000. The “P1−User Bridge” port usually connects to the grayringed Lemo connector on the probe head and thus connects the user bridge board to the installedsample.
The optional resistance bridge board provides channels for four separate four-wire resistancemeasurements. In some models, the small round port next to the “P1−User Bridge” port provides
parallel access to the fourth of these channels. The Model 6000 Status−Bridge screen displays
the status of the user bridge channels. Use the CTRL >> 3. Immediate Operations >> 06:
Bridge menu to control each bridge channel. To record the current and resistance of eachchannel, use the CTRL >> 3. Immediate Operations >> 11: Measure command.
The user bridge board also provides access to two additional current drivers of the Model 6000.
These drivers, which provide up to 1 A or 20 W of current (whichever current limit is reachedfirst), can be monitored with the Status−System Cont. screen. To monitor them, use the CTRL

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Connections, Ports, and Pinouts

Section A.3
Model 6000 Rear Panel Ports>> 3. Immediate Operations >> 08: DrvOut menu. To record the current and power througheach driver channel, use the CTRL >> 3. Immediate Operations >> 11: Measure command.

A.3.2

P2−System Bridge PortThe “P2−System Bridge” port accesses (1) the two heater drivers for the heaters on the sample
chamber and (2) the PPMS system bridge board that monitors the three system thermometers.
The “P2” port connects to the black-ringed Lemo connector on the probe head.
The system bridge board is identical to the optional user bridge board, but is required for system
thermometry. You cannot access three of the four system bridge channels. You can access the
fourth channel, but it is reserved for some PPMS options that require their own thermometer. If
you plan to use the PPMS for resistance measurements, Quantum Design recommends using oneof the PPMS resistivity options, because the base PPMS is not configured for easy access to thefourth system bridge channel.

A.3.3

P3−Option PortThe “P3−Option” port accesses boards that are installed with certain PPMS options. For
example, the AC Measurement System option and the AC Transport option use the AC board,which is installed behind the “P3−Option” port. For details about this port, refer to theappropriate option manual or contact your Quantum Design representative.

A.3.4

P4−IEEE488 PortThe “P4−IEEE488” port is the GPIB communications port for the Model 6000. The GPIB
provides a standardized method of communication for all types of electronic instruments.
Multiple GPIB-capable instruments can be connected in parallel. Use the CONFIG >> 3. IEEE488 Setup menu to configure the GPIB.

A.3.5

P5−RS232 PortThe “P5−RS232” port provides an RS-232 interface to the Model 6000. Personal computers orother devices with standard RS-232 ports can be connected to this port. Use the CONFIG >> 2.
Serial Port Setup menu to configure the “P5−RS232” port.

A.3.6

P6−Dewar PortThe “P6−Dewar” port connects the Model 6000 to the helium-level sensor, the impedance heater,
and the superconducting magnet persistence switch heater. The “P6−Dewar” port connects to theblue-ringed Lemo connector on the probe head.

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Section A.3
Model 6000 Rear Panel Ports

A.3.7

Appendix A
Connections, Ports, and Pinouts

P7−Magnet PortThe “P7−Magnet” port connects the Model 6000 to the “M1” port on the Model 6700.

A.3.8

P8−Auxiliary PortThe “P8−Auxiliary” port offers several auxiliary outputs and inputs. Table A-8 lists the specificpinouts for the “P8−Auxiliary” port.

A.3.8.1 THREE 0 V/−24 V AUXILIARY SIGNAL DRIVESThe “P8−Auxiliary” port has three 0 V/−24 V auxiliary signal drives that act as relays. −24 V isconsidered the asserted state. The auxiliary signal drives might be used, for example, to open andclose valves in the system. The total current available to these three drives, the motor actuator,and motor phase leads is 2 A.
The auxiliary signal drives are controlled from the CTRL >> 3. Immediate Operations >> 07:
DigSet menu, via GPIB or serial port input, or from within a sequence. The asserted state of
auxiliary signal drives 1 and 2 is represented in the Status−System Cont. screen by the “A1” and“A2” digital status codes. These status symbols are for digital inputs and outputs. Do not confuse
them with the analog inputs or analog outputs called “A1” and “A2” on the Model 6000 rear
panel.

A.3.8.2 CONSTANT +15 V AND −15 V OUTPUTS
The “P8−Auxiliary” port has constant +15 V and −15 V outputs that can be used as low-current
power sources. For example, the +15 V and −15 V outputs can be used to power operational
amplifiers. The +15 V and −15 V lines draw directly on the Model 6000 power supply, so it isimportant that these leads are never shorted.
Up to 200 mA of total current is available from the +15 V and −15 V lines when the ACMS andAC Transport options are not installed or active. However, this current is shared with the ACboard. When the AC board is driving relatively large alternating currents for the ACMS or AC
Transport option, the current that is available at these outputs drops to 10 mA.

A.3.8.3 TWO SENSE LINES
The “P8−Auxiliary” port has two sense lines that are essentially digital on/off inputs that operateat TTL levels (5 V = inactive, 0 V [shorted] = active). To record the status of each sense line, use
the CTRL >> 3. Immediate Operations >> 11: Measure >> DigIn command. The Model 6000
does not control based on the status of the sense lines. The sense inputs can be used during anexperiment, for example, simply to indicate when a certain instrument in the system is operating.

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Connections, Ports, and Pinouts

Section A.3
Model 6000 Rear Panel Ports

A.3.8.4 TWO ANALOG SIGNAL INPUTSThe “P8−Auxiliary” port has analog signal inputs (−10 V to +10 V) that can be digitized andrecorded by the Model 6000. The Model 6000 records the two analog inputs at a rate of
approximately 2 Hz. To measure the signal from each of these inputs, use the CTRL >> 3.
Immediate Operations >> 11: Measure >> Sig1 (or Sig2). The signal can be manipulated likeany other data signal⎯that is, placed into data files, graphed with PPMS software, linked to theanalog outputs, and so on. The status of these signal inputs can be observed in the
Status−System Cont. screen when it has been enabled with the CONFIG >> 5. Software >> 1.
User Preferences menu.

A.3.9

P9−Pressure PortThe “P9−Pressure” port provides power to and a signal from an external pressure gauge, such asa Pirani or Baratron gauge. The pinouts can be configured to match specific models of gauges.
For more information, refer to Table A-9 and the manual for the gauge of interest, or contact a
Quantum Design representative for more information about how to configure the pinouts for agauge.
To see the port configuration, use the CONFIG >> 6. Hardware >> 4. Pressure Sensor menu.
When this menu displays a selection other than “internal,” all system pressure information isrerouted to obtain information from the indicated gauge (or none at all), rather than from theinternal solid-state silicon pressure sensor of the Model 6000. The pressure shown in the
Status−System screen reflects this pressure information. To record the pressure reading, use the
CTRL >> 3. Immediate Operations >> 11: Measure >> More command.
Up to 200 mA of total current is available from the +15 V and −15 V lines when the ACMS andAC Transport options are not installed or active. However, this current is shared with the ACboard. When the AC board is driving relatively large alternating currents for the ACMS or AC
Transport options, the current that is available at these outputs drops to 10 mA.

A.3.10A1, A2, A3, and A4 Ports
The “A1,” “A2,” “A3,” and “A4” ports are the analog outputs. These four BNC connectors canbe linked to any of about 30 different PPMS parameters, such as temperature, magnetic field,
user bridge board resistance, or motor position. This allows −10 V to +10 V feedback to other
instruments or connection to chart recorders, oscilloscopes, and so on. The “A1” output is also
connected in parallel to the signal channel 1 connector on the front panel of the Model 6000.
When you link parameters to the analog outputs, you must specify a value for both 0 V and +10
V so that the appropriate gain and offset are used. Each channel has an output impedance of 100
Ω. You can use the CTRL >> 3. Immediate Operations >> 12: Link menu to link the channels
to measurable parameters. You can also use the CTRL >> 3. Immediate Operations >> 10:
SigOut menu to configure the analog outputs to supply constant voltages. The Status−System
Cont. screen displays the status of each analog output.

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Section A.3
Model 6000 Rear Panel Ports

A.3.11

Appendix A
Connections, Ports, and Pinouts

P10−Motor Port
If the system includes options that use a Quantum Design sample transport or rotator motor, themotor is connected to the “P10−Motor” port. If a sample transport or rotator motor is notinstalled, then the “P10−Motor” port can be used to drive a small, 12 V, external stepper motor.
A 0/−24 V actuator, identical to the auxiliary digital signal drives in the “P8−Auxiliary” port, is
included in the “P10−Motor” port. When this actuator is active, the Status−System Cont. screen
displays the “AC” digital status code. The total current available to the motor actuator, motor
phase leads, and three auxiliary signal drives is 2 A.
The “P10−Motor” port also includes a TTL-level index switch and limit switch leads in addition
to the four phase leads and actuator leads. Index and limit switches should normally be wired
closed. When these circuits are broken, the Status−System Cont. screen displays the “LM” and“NX” digital status codes to indicate that the limit and index switches are active. This occurs
whenever a motor is not connected to the Model 6000 or whenever an index or limit switch istripped.
You can use the Status−System screen to monitor the motor position. Commands pertinent to
the motor configuration, position control, and position measurement are listed below. For moredetailed information about each command, refer to the Physical Property Measurement System
Commands Manual.
CTRL >> 1. Interactive Control >> 6. Move to Index
CTRL >> 1. Interactive Control >> 7. Move
CTRL >> 3. Immediate Operations >> 03: Move
CTRL >> 3. Immediate Operations >> 07: DigSet
CTRL >> 3. Immediate Operations >> 11: Measure
CONFIG >> 6. Hardware >> 3. Position Configuration

A.3.12

P11−External PortThe “P11−External” port has three optically isolated outputs and two digital input busy lines that
can help synchronize PPMS activity with other instruments. The select line outputs provide TTL
levels. A nominal 10 kΩ resistor must be used on the collector with the emitter tied to ground.
The select line outputs can be controlled by using the ExtSet command within a sequence or byusing the CTRL >> 3. Immediate Operations >> 09: ExtSet menu. When the select lines areactivated, the symbols “S1,” “S2,” and “S3” appear in the Status−System Cont. digital statusline.
You must provide the busy (input) lines with +5 V. When the busy lines sense the 5 V difference
between this voltage and the input line, the channel is in a released state. When the input line isalso at 5 V (the input lead shorted to the +5 V lead), the channel enters a hold state. There are
two busy lines: a user line and a hold line. The hold state of each line is indicated in the
Status−System Cont. screen by “UR” and “HL” on the digital input status line, respectively.
You can also use the CTRL >> 3. Immediate Operations >> 11: Measure command to readthe status. Furthermore, when you use the sync command within a sequence, the hold state of thehold line pauses sequence execution. This function applies only to the hold line, not the user line.

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Connections, Ports, and Pinouts

A.3.13

Section A.3
Model 6000 Rear Panel Ports

Annulus PortThe “Annulus” port connects the annulus to the flow-control valve in the Model 6000. The
longer, 3/8-inch stainless steel hose connects the “Annulus” port to the QC quick-connect fitting
on the probe head.

A.3.14

Pump PortThe “Pump” port connects the Model 6000 gas lines to the vacuum pump that pumps on thesample chamber and the annulus. The shorter, 3/8-inch stainless steel hose attaches to the“Pump” port.

A.3.15

System Vacuum PortThe “System Vacuum” port provides direct access to the system pump, allowing the connectionof other gas and vacuum lines and devices between the vacuum pump and flush valve. Under
normal circumstances, a short hose connects the “Sample Pump-Out” port to the “System
Vacuum” port, allowing the pump to pump directly on the sample space.

A.3.16

Sample Pump-Out PortThe “Sample Pump-Out” port accesses the sample chamber through the flush valve in the Model
6000. When the flush valve is open, the sample chamber is open to this port. Under normal
circumstances, this port is directly connected by a short hose to the “System Vacuum” port,
which is internally connected to the “Pump” port and consequently to the vacuum pump.

A.3.17

Sample-Space PortThe “Sample Space” port connects the sample space to the vent valve, the flush valve, and thegas lines in the Model 6000. The 1/4-inch stainless steel hose connects the “Sample Space” port
to the QC quick-connect fitting on the probe head.

A.3.18Sample Vent-Up PortThe “Sample Vent-Up” port accesses the sample space through the vent valve in the Model 6000.
Under normal circumstances, a small hose directly connects the “Sample Vent-Up” port to the“Gas Source” port, providing helium gas from the dewar boil-off for venting and purging thesample chamber. If you want to vent and purge the chamber with another gas, simply disconnect
this hose and connect an alternate gas source to the “Sample Vent-Up” port. In this case, the“Gas Source” port must be plugged.

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February 2008

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Section A.3
Model 6000 Rear Panel Ports

A.3.19Appendix A
Connections, Ports, and Pinouts

Gas Source PortThe “Gas Source” port connects internally to the dewar port to provide a helium gas source forsample chamber venting and purging. A short hose usually connects the “Gas Source” port to the“Sample Vent-Up” port, directing helium from the dewar into the sample space through the ventvalve in the Model 6000. If you use an alternate gas source, the “Gas Source” port must be
plugged.

A.3.20Dewar Port
The polypropylene tubing provided with the system connects the “Dewar” port to the small Ultra
fitting on the probe head. This connection to the dewar serves two purposes: (1) It provides a gas
source for venting and purging the sample chamber, and (2) it allows monitoring of the pressure
differential across the impedance assembly. This second function is necessary to allow proper
low-temperature operation and control, so it is important to keep this line connected, even whenan alternate gas source is used for venting the sample chamber.

A.3.21

Syst 5A Fuse
The “Syst 5A” fuse is the fuse for the system heater and stepper motor power supply. Replace thefuse only with an equivalent 5 A, 250 V, time-delay fuse.

A.3.22Aux 2A Fuse
The “Aux 2A” fuse protects the auxiliary relays and external motor ports. Replace the fuse onlywith an equivalent 2 A, 3 AG fuse.

A.3.23

Quench Heater Fuse
The “Quench Heater” fuse is required to operate the Magnet Reset option used by the Ultra Low
Field option. Replace the fuse only with an equivalent 630 mA, 280 V, time-delay fuse.

A.3.24

Power Receptacle
The power cord connection for the Model 6000 is at the rear in the lower right corner. The power
receptacle contains two fuses for the controller power supply. Replace these fuses only withequivalent 2 A, time-delay fuses (120 VAC power environments), or with equivalent 1 A, timedelay fuses in 220 VAC power environments, as noted on the back panel. You can use ascrewdriver or other flat instrument to pry open the door covering these fuses. Verify that thepower setting, which is visible through a window in the door, is correct for the power being used.

A-8

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Appendix A
Connections, Ports, and Pinouts

A.4

Section A.4
Probe-Head Ports

Probe-Head Ports
The ports on the rear of the PPMS probe head connect the probe hardware to the Model 6000 andModel 6700.

Figure A-3. Ports on rear of PPMS probe head

A.4.1

Helium-Fill Ports
You open the helium-fill ports by pulling the relief valves straight up, thus allowing access directly
into the helium dewar for regular dewar fills. Each of the two helium-fill ports is fitted with a 1-psipressure relief valve to allow pressure to be released before dangerous levels are reached. Do nottamper with these pressure-relief valves.

A.4.2

Sample-Chamber Access PortThe sample-chamber access port is used to move samples in and out of the sample chamber.
A blank flange with an O-ring seal normally covers the sample-chamber access port. A hinge
clamp, which is provided with the system, holds the blank flange on the top of the port. SomePPMS options have hardware that attaches to the flange.

A.4.3

Sample-Chamber Pressure-Relief Valve
The sample-chamber pressure-relief valve prevents the buildup of dangerous pressures within thesample chamber. The valve extends from the back of the sample-chamber access port. Do nottamper with this pressure-relief valve.

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February 2008

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Section A.4
Probe-Head Ports

A.4.4

Appendix A
Connections, Ports, and Pinouts

Smaller Metal Hose Connector
The smaller, 1/4-inch metal hose connector attaches to the “Sample Space” gas port on the rear of
the Model 6000. The 1/4-inch metal hose connector allows sample-space venting and evacuation.

A.4.5

Larger Metal Hose Connector
The larger, 3/8-inch metal hose connector attaches to the “Annulus” gas port on the rear of theModel 6000. The 3/8-inch metal hose connector allows the pump to pull helium through the
impedance tube and annulus.

A.4.6

Hose Nipple
The hose nipple does not need to connect to anything. The hose nipple can let you access thehelium in the dewar so that you can observe the helium boil-off rate. This gas line, however, passes
through a 1/3-psi pressure relief valve first, so the dewar should not be pressurized with this port.
You can attach a helium recovery unit to this port.

A.4.7

Ultra Fitting
The 1/4-inch Ultra fitting should be connected to the “Dewar” port on the rear of the Model 6000
with a 1/4-inch white polypropylene hose. This line allows the Model 6000 to monitor the pressure
differential between the dewar and the annulus during low-temperature operations. Additionally,
this line provides helium from the dewar boil-off for venting the sample space.

A.4.8

Magnet Connector (TCM or Red Lemo Connector)
The TCM connector (earlier model systems have a red-ringed Lemo connector) attaches to the twolarge, color-coded terminals on the rear of the Model 6700. The red- or blue-banded cable connects
to the blue (+) terminal on the Model 6700, and the black (unbanded) cable connects to the black(−) terminal. These connectors are illustrated in Section A.5.7.
Important: Verify that the magnet polarity is correct by using Table A-7.

A-10

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Appendix A
Connections, Ports, and Pinouts

A.4.9

Section A.5
Pinout Tables

Black Lemo Connector
The black-ringed Lemo connector attaches to the “P2−System Bridge” port on the rear of theModel 6000. The black Lemo connector contains connections to the three system thermometers
and the two sample-chamber heaters.

A.4.10Blue Lemo Connector
The blue-ringed Lemo connector attaches to the “P6−Dewar” port on the rear of the Model 6000.
The blue Lemo connector contains connections to the helium-level meter, impedance
thermometer, impedance heater, and magnet persistence switch.

A.4.11

Gray Lemo Connector
The gray-ringed Lemo connector contains connections to the sample-puck connectors on thebottom of the sample chamber. The gray Lemo connector might connect to one of several ports.
It might connect to the “P1−User Bridge” port for four-wire resistance measurements; to the“P3−Option” port for use with PPMS options, such as the ACMS option; or to other PPMS
controllers, such as the Model 7100 AC Transport Controller or the Model 6500 PPMS Option
Controller. You can access pins on the “P1−User Bridge” port for connection to instruments
other than the Model 6000. A list of pinouts is in Section A.5.

A.5

Pinout Tables
The following tables detail the pinouts for the electrical ports in the PPMS, including ports on
the Model 6000, probe head, and sample puck. None of these tables includes pinout information
for the “P3−Option” port on the Model 6000. Refer to the appropriate option manual for the
pinout information regarding this port.
Note: The diagrams that accompany the tables illustrate hardware ports, not connectors at theend of the cables.

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February 2008

A-11

Section A.5
Pinout Tables

A.5.1

Appendix A
Connections, Ports, and Pinouts

Sample Connections
The sample connector is at the bottom of the sample chamber. The gray Lemo connector is on
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 they provide a site for system
expansion. The “P1−User Bridge” “D” connector is on the Model 6000.
a) Sample puckb) Gray Lemo
connectorc) P1−User bridge port

Figure A-4. Sample connections: a) Sample puck, b) Gray Lemo connector, c) P1–User bridge port
Table A-1. Sample connections
SAMPLE
PUCK

A-12

SAMPLECONNECTOR

GRAY LEMOCONNECTO
R

P1−USERBRIDGE “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−

13

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Appendix A
Connections, Ports, and Pinouts

A.5.2

Section A.5
Pinout Tables

System Bridge Connections
The black Lemo connector is on the probe head. The “P2−System Bridge” “D” connector is on
the Model 6000.
a) Black Lemo connectorb) P2–System bridge port

Figure A-5. System bridge connections: a) Black Lemo connector, b) P2–System bridge port
Table A-2. System bridge connections

Quantum Design

BLACK
LEMO
CONNECTOR

P2−SYSTEMBRIDGE “D”
CONNECTO
R

8

3

Cur Driver Ch3+ (Block Heater)

7

16

Cur Driver Ch3− (Block Heater)

SYSTEM BRIDGE BOARD
FUNCTION

2

4

Cur Driver Ch4+ (Neck Heater)

1

17

Cur Driver Ch4− (Neck Heater)

14

5

Channel 1 I+

13

18

Channel 1 I−

12

6Channel 1 V+

1119

Channel 1 V−

6

7Channel 2 I+

520

Channel 2 I−

48Channel 2 V+

321

Channel 2 V−

16

9Channel 3 I+

15

22

Channel 3 I−

910Channel 3 V+

1023

Channel 3 V−

11

Channel 4 I+

24

Channel 4 I−

12Channel 4 V+

25

Channel 4 V−

13

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A-13

Section A.5
Pinout Tables

A.5.3

Appendix A
Connections, Ports, and Pinouts

Communication Port Connections (GPIB)
The “P4−IEEE488” port is on the Model 6000.
P4-IEEE488 port (GPIB)

Figure A-6. GPIB communication port connections
Table A-3. Communication port connections (GPIB)
P4−IEEE488
CONNECTOR

A-14

GPIB FUNCTION

1

DIO1

2

DIO2

3

DIO3

4

DIO4

5

EOI

6

DAV

7

NRFD

8

NDAC

9

IFC

10

SRQ

11

ATN

12

SHLD

13

DIO5

14

DIO6

15

DIO7

16

DIO8

17

REN

18

GND

19

GND

20

GND

21

GND

22

GND

23

GND

24

GND

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Appendix A
Connections, Ports, and Pinouts

A.5.4

Section A.5
Pinout Tables

Communication Port Connections (RS-232)
The “P5−RS232” port is on the Model 6000.
P5-RS232 port

Figure A-7. RS-232 communication port connections
Table A-4. Communication port connections (RS-232)
P5−RS232
CONNECTOR

Quantum Design

RS-232 FUNCTION

1

DCD

2

RXD

3

TXD

4

DTR

5

GND

6

DSR

7

RTS

8

CTS

9

TRIG

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Section A.5
Pinout Tables

A.5.5

Appendix A
Connections, Ports, and Pinouts

Dewar Connections
The blue Lemo connector is on the probe head. The “P6−Dewar” port is on the Model 6000.
a) Blue Lemo connectorb) P6-Dewar port

Figure A-8. Dewar connections: a) Blue Lemo connector, b) P6-Dewar port
Table A-5. Dewar connections
BLUE LEMOCONNECTOR

A-16

P6−DEWAR“D”
CONNECTORFUNCTION

11

1

Level Meter +I

1214

Level Meter −I

12

Level Meter +V2

15

Level Meter −V

73

Impedance Htr Drv

8

16

Impedance Htr Rtn

94

Impedance Therm +10

17

Impedance Therm −155Persist Switch Drv

16

18

Persist Switch Rtn

36

Mag Quench Htr (AC)419

Mag Quench Htr (AC)5

7Magnet V+

6

20

Magnet V−

17

8

Magnet Trim +18

21

Magnet Trim −13

9Special Function +14

22

Special Function −10

Dewar Spare A

23

Dewar Spare B

11

Dewar Spare C

24

Dewar Spare D

12

Dewar Spare E

25

Dewar Spare F

13

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Appendix A
Connections, Ports, and Pinouts

A.5.6

Section A.5
Pinout Tables

Magnet Connections (Model 6700 to Model 6000)
The “M1” connector is on the Model 6700. The “P7−Magnet” port is on the Model 6000.
a) M1b) P7-Magnet port

Figure A-9. Magnet connections: a) M1, b) P7-Magnet port
Table A-6. Magnet connections (Model 6700 to Model 6000)

Quantum Design

M1 “D”
CONNECTOR

P7−MAGNET“D”
CONNECTOR

1

1Digital Gnd

2

2

Data OutFUNCTION

3

3

Sys Sync

4

4

Reset

5

5

Return (15 V)

6

6

−24 V

7

7

Magnet V+

8

8Shield

9

9

Clock

10

10

Magnet Sel

11

11

Data In

12

12

+15 V

13

13

−15 V

14

14

Return (−24 V)

15

15

Magnet V−

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Section A.5
Pinout Tables

A.5.7

Appendix A
Connections, Ports, and Pinouts

Magnet Connections (Probe to Controller)
The magnet connector is on the probe head. Recent systems use a TCM connector and earlier
systems use a red Lemo. The magnet current port is on the Model 6700.
a-1) TCM (100 A top plate feedthrough) connectora-2) Red Lemo connectorb) Magnet controller

Figure A-10. Magnet connections: a-1) TCM (100 A Top plate feedthrough) connector or a-2) Red Lemo
connector and b) Magnet controller
Table A-7. Magnet connections (probe to controller)
MAGNET CONNECTION
Red Lemo
TCM (100 A Top plate
feedthrough)

A-18

CONNECTOR

MAGNET CURRENT

FUNCTION

1

Mag + (red- or blue-banded cable)

Current +2

Mag − (black cable)

Current –1

Mag + (blue-banded cable)

Current +2

Mag − (black cable)

Current –PPMS Hardware Manual, 1070-150, Rev. B5
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Appendix A
Connections, Ports, and Pinouts

A.5.8

Section A.5
Pinout Tables

Expansion Connections (Auxiliary)
The “P8−Auxiliary” port is on the Model 6000.
P8–Auxiliary port

Figure A-11. Auxiliary expansion connections
Table A-8. Expansion connections (auxiliary)
P8−AUXILIARY“D”
CONNECTOR

Quantum Design

FUNCTION

1

Aux Drive 1

14

Aux Rtn 1

2

Aux Drive 2

15

Aux Rtn 2

3

Aux Drive 3

16

Aux Rtn 3

4+15 V Out17

−15 V Out515 V Com

18

Sense 1

6

Sense 219

Sense Gnd

7

Sig In 1

20

Sig In 2

8

Sig In Gnd

21

Spare 1

9

Spare 2

22

Spare 3

10

Spare 423

Spare 5

11

Spare 624

Spare 7

12

Hi Vac Solenoid

25

Hi Vac Solenoid

13

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Section A.5
Pinout Tables

A.5.9

Appendix A
Connections, Ports, and Pinouts

Expansion Connections (Pressure Gauge)
The “P9−Pressure” port is on the Model 6000.
P9−Pressure port

Figure A-12. Pressure gauge expansion connections
Table A-9. Expansion connections (pressure gauge)
P9−PRESSURE“D”
CONNECTOR

A-20

GAUGE ANDFUNCTION

1

Pirani Sig

6

Pirani Rtn

2

Baratron Sig

7Baratron Rtn

3

+15 V

8

−15 V

4

Pwr Common

9

NC

5

NC

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Appendix A
Connections, Ports, and Pinouts

A.5.10Section A.5
Pinout Tables

Expansion Connections (Motor)
The “P10−Motor” port is on the Model 6000.
P−10 Motor port

Figure A-13. Motor expansion connections
Table A-10. Expansion connections (motor)
P10−MOTOR “D”
CONNECTOR

Quantum Design

FUNCTION

1

Pos Ph1

6

Pos Ph2

2

Pos Ph3

7

Pos Ph4

3

Act Drv

8

Act Gnd4

Limit 1 (Limit)

9

Limit 2 (Index)

5

Limit Gnd

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A-21

Section A.5
Pinout Tables

A.5.11

Appendix A
Connections, Ports, and Pinouts

Expansion Connections (External)
The “P11−External” port is on the Model 6000.
P11-External port

Figure A-14. External expansion connections
Table A-11. Expansion connections (external)
FUNCTION

P11−EXTERNAL“D” CONNECTOR

A-22

1

Select 1 (C)6

Select 1 (E)2Select 2 (C)7

Select 2 (E)3Select 3 (C)8

Select 3 (E)4+5 V In

9

Busy 1 In (Hold)

5

Busy 2 In (User)

PPMS Hardware Manual, 1070-150, Rev. B5
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Appendix A
Connections, Ports, and Pinouts

A.6

Section A.6
Replacement Fuse Values

Replacement Fuse Values
Tables A-12 and A-13 list the manufacturers’ recommended replacement fuse values. The
Quantum Design stock number for each fuse is shown in the far-right column of each table.

Table A-12. Replacement fuse values for 100−120 VAC systems
HARDWARE

Model 6000

PORTFUSE VALUE AND SIZE

Pwr Entry Module

2 A, 5 × 20 mm Delayed Acting
5 A, 1¼ in. Fast Acting
2 A, 1¼ in. Fast Acting

Sys
Aux
Quench Heater.63 A, 5 × 20 mm Delayed
ActingQUANTUM
DESIGNSTOCKNUMBER
FD2A-20MM
F35
F2.0A
FD.63A-20MM

50-A Magnetic Power
SupplyPwr Entry Module

5 A, 5 × 20 mm Slow Blow

F5-20MMSB

100-A Magnetic Power
SupplyPwr Entry Module

10 A, 5 × 20 mm Slow Blow

F10-20MMSB

ACMS

Pwr Entry Module

1 A, 250 V, (20 mm) Delayed
Acting

FD1A-20MM

ACT

Pwr Entry Module

1 A, 250 V, (20 mm) Delayed
Acting

FD1A-20MM

Option Controller

Pwr Entry Module

1 A, 5 × 20 mm Fast Acting

F1-20MMHigh Vacuum Cntr

Pwr Entry

3.15 A, 5 × 20 mm Slow Blow

FD3.15A-20MM

Table A-13. Replacement fuse values for 200−240 VAC systems
HARDWARE

Model 6000

PORTFUSE VALUE AND SIZE

Pwr Entry Module

1 A, 5 × 20 mm Delayed Acting
5 A, 1¼ in. Fast Acting
2 A, 1¼ in. Fast Acting

Sys
Aux
Quench Heater.63 A, 5 × 20 mm Delayed
ActingQUANTUM
DESIGNSTOCKNUMBER
FD1A-20MM
F35
F2.0A
FD.63A-20MM

50-A Magnetic Power
SupplyPwr Entry Module

2.5 A, 5 × 20 mm Slow Blow

FD2.5-20MMSB

100-A Magnetic Power
SupplyPwr Entry Module

5 A, 5 × 20 mm Slow Blow

FD5-20MMSB

ACMS

Pwr Entry Module.5 A, 250 20 mm Delayed Acting

FD05A (.5A)

ACT

Pwr Entry Module.63 A, 5 × 20 mm Slow Blow

FD.63A-20MM

Option Controller

Pwr Entry Module.5 A, 5 × 20 mm Fast Acting

F.5-20MM

High Vacuum Cntr

Pwr Entry

3.15 A, 5 × 20 mm Slow Blow

FD3.15A-20MM

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A-23

A

P

P

E

N

D

I

X

B

Filling Warm Dewars

B.1

Introduction
This appendix contains the following information:

B.2○

Section B.2 presents an overview of heliumand nitrogen transfers into a warm dewar.

○

Section B.3 explains how to transfer heliumand nitrogen into warm nitrogen-jacketed
dewars.

○Section B.4 explains how to transfer
helium into a warm standard dewar (nonitrogen jacket).

Helium and Nitrogen Transfers into Warm
DewarsWARNING!
◊ Always wear protective clothing, including thermal gloves, eye protection,and covered shoes, when you work with liquid nitrogen, liquid helium, or
any other cryogen. Review Section 1.4.1, “Cryogens,” before you transfer
liquid nitrogen.
◊ Always use a well-ventilated room to perform these procedures.
◊ Immediately vent the room by opening windows and doors if there is anexcessive helium release.

The procedures in this appendix explain how to fill a "warm" dewar, which refers to situations inwhich the PPMS dewar has never been filled with helium or the dewar has been unused for an
extended period of time and is dry. If there is any liquid helium in the dewar, use the routine
transfer procedures described in Sections 4.7.2.
These warm-dewar-fill procedures include safeguards to prevent frozen contaminants fromblocking the impedance tube—such a blockage would disable temperature control in the PPMS.
To use these procedures, you must have installed the probe in the dewar and connected thesystem pumping lines and electrical lines, as shown in Figure A-1. The magnet and user bridge-

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B-1

Section B.2
Helium and Nitrogen Transfers into Warm Dewars

Appendix B
Filling Warm Dewars

board connections are not necessary to perform a dewar fill, but they are needed to use thesystem fully.
If you are not experienced at transferring liquid helium, ask for help from someone who isfamiliar with the liquid-helium supply vessel. At the least, read over these instructions tofamiliarize yourself with the process and materials before you begin the helium transfer.

B.2.1

Nitrogen-Jacketed Dewars
There are two methods for refilling a warm nitrogen-jacketed dewar. The quickest method
involves a simultaneous transfer of liquid nitrogen and liquid helium (Section B.3.1). The othermethod minimizes helium loss during the transfer by using a sequential transfer of liquid nitrogenand liquid helium (Section B.3.2). The sequential procedure requires a continuous flow of heliumgas through the probe impedance tube during the liquid-nitrogen transfer and for a subsequent 48
hours cooling period.

B.2.2

Standard Dewars
To fill a warm standard dewar (no nitrogen jacket), use the instructions in Section B.4.

B.2.3

Materials○○○

Rubber or plastic tubing, 1–2 m
A helium backfill adapter (sequential transfer only)
A helium transfer line with input extension and long output extension, an output adapter, andan input adapter (see Figure B-1)

Figure B-1. Helium transfer line arrangement

B-2

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Appendix B
Filling Warm Dewars

Section B.3
Warm Fill: Nitrogen-Jacketed Dewars

A liquid-helium supply dewar for filling the dewar, 100 liters, except systems with magnets,
14 T and above, which need 200 liters.
○
A helium-gas cylinder (standard size) to pressurize the liquid-helium supply dewar or toprovide a helium backfill. For systems with an EverCool dewar, this cylinder is in addition
to the helium-gas supply cylinder that is used to replenish the system.
○
A liquid-nitrogen supply dewar (nitrogen jacketed dewars only), about 80 liters.
○
A liquid-nitrogen transfer adapter (included with the nitrogen-jacketed dewars)○
A liquid-nitrogen supply line (included with the nitrogen-jacketed dewars)○
An optional warm air blower for removing hardware (nitrogen-jacketed dewars only)○
Rags to wipe up liquids, such as condensed water from the air
Important: If you do not have a Quantum Design helium-transfer kit, your hardware might
differ from the hardware described in this appendix.
○

B.3

Warm Fill: Nitrogen-Jacketed Dewars
WARNING!
Always wear protective clothing, including thermal gloves, eye protection,and covered shoes, when you work with liquid helium or any othercryogen. Review Section 1.4.1., “Cryogens, “ before you transfer liquid
helium.

B.3.1

Simultaneous Nitrogen and Helium Transfer
You can save time by filling the nitrogen jacket and helium dewar belly simultaneously. Notethat more helium will boil away during a simultaneous transfer than during a sequential transfer(Section B.3.2), but a sequential transfer includes an 48 hours waiting period that is not needed
for a simultaneous transfer.
The procedures for a simultaneous transfer are not difficult but involve many steps. To facilitate
a trouble-free transfer, we recommend that you review the entire set of instructions before you
begin. As noted in Section B.2.3, "Materials," you will be working with transfer lines and valves
for three dewars (the PPMS dewar, a liquid-nitrogen supply dewar, and a liquid-helium supply
dewar) as well as a helium-gas supply cylinder. The transfer setup is shown below in Figure B-2(the liquid-nitrogen dewar is not shown). The entire process will be easier if there are two people.

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February 2008

B-3

Section B.3
Warm Fill: Nitrogen-Jacketed Dewars

Appendix B
Filling Warm Dewars

Figure B-2. Arrangement for the simultaneous transfer of nitrogen and helium into a
warm nitrogen-jacketed dewar. The supply line for liquid nitrogen is indicated at theleft of the figure (nitrogen cylinder is not shown).

Set Up
1.

2.

3.

B-4

Verify that the system pump and the Model 6000 are turned on and operating properly. If
either the pump or the Model 6000 is turned off, turn it on. If either the pump or the Model6000 is on but appears to be malfunctioning, contact a Quantum Design representative.
Using the Model 6000 or the MultiVu
Temperature dialog shown in Figure B-3(Instrument >> Temperature), set the temperature
to 5 K, the rate to 10 K/min, and the approach mode
to fast settle.
By setting the temperature to 5 K, you open theflow-control valve and ensure the maximum flow
through the impedance tube. Maximum flow isnecessary to flush out the impedance and keep
contaminants from freezing inside it while it cools
to cryogenic temperatures. (The temperature will
not actually drop to 5 K because there is no liquid
Figure B-3. Temperature dialog
helium in the dewar.)and settings for helium transfer
At the PPMS dewar, prepare to attach the transfer
hoses:
a. Remove the brass fittings from one of the two liquid-nitrogen fill ports by turning thelarge fitting counter-clockwise until it comes off the dewar. This prevents the O-ringfrom freezing.
b. Open the other nitrogen fill port by turning the large brass fitting counter-clockwise toloosen it and then removing the small insert plug when it is loose (see Figure B-4).

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Appendix B
Filling Warm Dewars

Section B.3
Warm Fill: Nitrogen-Jacketed Dewars

Figure B-4. Preparing for a liquid-nitrogen transfer

4.
5.

Screw the liquid-nitrogen transfer adapter onto the end of the liquid-nitrogen supply line.
At the PPMS dewar, insert the small end of the liquid-nitrogen transfer adapter into the open
liquid-nitrogen fill port and turn the brass fitting clockwise to secure the adapter in place. Do
not begin transferring nitrogen yet—leave the nitrogen supply line closed.
6. Bring the liquid-helium supply dewar close to the PPMS dewar.
7. Verify that the proper adapters and extensions are installed on the helium transfer line (seeFigure B-1). Note that the long extensions perform an essential function: The extension on
the input line ensures that liquid can always enter the transfer line, even as the liquid level inthe dewar changes. The extension on the output line forces liquid helium all the way to thebottom of the PPMS dewar, so that escaping cold gas will cool all the system components
before it leaves the dewar.
8. At the liquid-helium supply dewar, set the valves and liquid access port:
a. Vent the pressure by slightly opening the gas-phase valve.
b. Close the gas-phase valve after the pressure has been reduced.
c. Open the liquid access port. This port is open only during the transfer.
d. Close the primary relief valve. This valve remains closed only during the transfer.
9. At the PPMS dewar, open one of the two helium fill ports on the probe head by pulling theentire fill-port fixture straight up (see Figure 4-19).
10. Simultaneously insert (a) the output end of the transfer line into the PPMS dewar through theopen helium fill port and (b) the input end of the transfer line into the liquid-helium supply
dewar through the liquid access port (see Figures B-1 and B-2).
11. Carefully lower both ends of the transfer line completely into the dewars and seat theadapters in their respective ports. Gas will begin flowing from the output adapter. Point theoutput-adapter-exhaust-tube away from all hardware on top of the dewar. The exhaust will
get extremely cold and could damage some of the parts, especially O-rings and sealed
valves.

CAUTION!
Point the output-adapter-exhaust-tube away from all hardware on the dewar and probe head.
The extremely cold exhaust can damage parts, especially O-rings and sealed valves.

12. Verify that each adapter on the transfer line is properly seated and is sealing the transfer line.

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Section B.3
Warm Fill: Nitrogen-Jacketed Dewars

Appendix B
Filling Warm Dewars

13. Raise the input side of the transfer line about 1 cm (1/2 in.) off the bottom of the supply
dewar so that it does not collect ice or other debris that might have settled on the bottom.
14. Using rubber or plastic tubing, connect a helium-gas cylinder to the gas-phase port on theliquid-helium supply dewar.
Transfer
1.
2.

3.
4.

5.
6.

7.

8.

At the liquid-helium supply dewar, open the gas-phase valve.
At the helium-gas cylinder, open the regulator and adjust the pressure to approximately 7
kPa (1 psi). This pressurizes the supply dewar and maintains positive flow from the supply
dewar to the PPMS dewar.
Keep the dewar pressurized this way for 2 minutes before you perform Step 4.
Use the Chamber dialog in MultiVu (select Instrument >> Chamber >> Purge/Seal) or
the Model 6000 (CTRL >> 1. Interactive Control >> 2. Purge & Seal) to remove air fromthe sample chamber.
At the liquid-nitrogen supply dewar, open the liquid supply valve. Exhaust should begin
coming from the second nitrogen fill port on the PPMS dewar.
At the PPMS dewar, visually monitor the exhaust from the second nitrogen fill port during
the entire fill process. Do not leave the PPMS unattended during this step, and always standat least 0.5 m (1.5 ft) from the exhaust plume.
Monitor the helium transfer with the Liquid Helium Fill Status dialog (in MultiVu selectUtilities >> Helium Fill) or through the Model 6000 (select CTRL >> 1. Interactive
Control >> 0. Fill Dewar).
At the liquid-nitrogen supply dewar, close the liquid supply valve when the exhaust turns toliquid (this indicates that the nitrogen jacket is full). It will take about 1 hour to fill the jacket
of a warm dewar, because most of the liquid nitrogen will evaporate until the jacket walls
have cooled.
Note: The dewar belly will take slightly longer to fill than the nitrogen jacket, because
helium has a lower boiling point than nitrogen. The helium-level reading will be negative
until the helium in the dewar has reached the base of the helium-level meter.

9.

When the helium level reads 30−40%, the impedance tube will no longer be exposed. You
can then set a system temperature so that the PPMS will be ready to use when the transfer
procedures have been completed.

CAUTION!
Let the liquid-helium level reading reach 30–40% before you change the PPMS set-pointtemperature.

Shut Off and Disassembly
1.
2.

3.

B-6

When the liquid-helium level reaches 97−100% in the PPMS dewar (after about 1 hour),close the regulator at the helium-gas cylinder to stop the transfer.
At the liquid-helium supply dewar, reset the valves:a. Close the gas-phase valve.
b. Open the primary relief valve.
Remove the helium transfer line and adapters from the liquid-helium supply dewar and the
PPMS dewar.

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Appendix B
Filling Warm Dewars

4.
5.
6.

Section B.3
Warm Fill: Nitrogen-Jacketed Dewars

At the PPMS dewar, close the helium fill port on the probe head by reinserting the relief
valve.
At the liquid-helium supply dewar, close the valve on the liquid access port.
At the PPMS dewar, perform in sequence the steps below:
a. Put on your protective gear. This gear is necessary to prevent serious burns from theextremely cold fitting, supply line, and transfer adapter.
b. Remove the liquid-nitrogen transfer adapter by turning the brass fitting counterclockwise and lifting the transfer adapter out of the dewar.
In the event that the fitting and adapter are frozen together, you can use a warm air
blower to accelerate the thawing process. Otherwise, you must wait until the parts thaw
enough to be separated.
c. Close both nitrogen fill ports by reinstalling the brass fittings and turning the large brassfittings clockwise.

CAUTION!
Always re-install the fill-port fittings and/or O-rings onto the nitrogen fill ports after you havetransferred liquid nitrogen into the dewar. These fittings prevent dangerous ice blockages in
the fill ports.

7.

B.3.2

The liquid-helium transfer is now complete. The helium-level meter will turn itself off when
you exit the Fill Dewar screen or if the fill time exceeds 30 minutes.

Sequential Nitrogen and Helium Transfers
You can conserve liquid helium by cooling the system before you perform the helium transfer.
To do this, you fill the liquid-nitrogen jacket and then let the system sit for 48 hours before youtransfer in the liquid helium.
Important: When you transfer nitrogen and helium separately, you must maintain a continuous
flow of helium through the impedance tube so that ice does not form within the tube. The
procedures below will ensure a continuous helium flow.
The procedures for a sequential transfer are not difficult but involve many steps. To facilitate atrouble-free transfer, we recommend that you review the entire set of instructions before you
begin. As noted in Section B.2.3, "Materials," you will be working with transfer lines and valves
for three dewars (the PPMS dewar, a liquid-nitrogen supply dewar, and a liquid-helium supply
dewar) and a helium-gas cylinder. The transfer setup is shown below in Figure B-5 (the liquidnitrogen dewar is not shown). The entire process will be easier if there are two people.

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Section B.3
Warm Fill: Nitrogen-Jacketed Dewars

Appendix B
Filling Warm Dewars

Figure B-5. Arrangement for sequential transfer of nitrogen and helium into warm nitrogen-jacketed
dewar, with the supply line for liquid nitrogen indicated at left of figure (nitrogen cylinder is not shown)

Set Up
1.

2.

3.
4.

Verify that the system pump and the Model 6000 are turned on and operating properly. If
either the pump or the Model 6000 is on but appears to be malfunctioning, contact a
Quantum Design representative.
Using rubber or plastic tubing, connect a helium backfill adapter to a helium-gas cylinder, as
shown in Figure B-6. The helium backfill adapter is a fixture that fits into one of the helium
fill ports on the probe head. The helium-gas cylinder provides the helium backfill during theliquid-nitrogen transfer and during the dewar cool-down period.
Open one of the two helium fill ports on the probe head by pulling the relief valve straight
up, as shown in Figure 4-19.
Insert the helium backfill adapter into the helium fill port. Verify that the adapter fits snugly.

Figure B-6. Inserting a helium backfill adapter

5.

B-8

Figure B-7. Preparing for a liquid-nitrogentransfer

At the PPMS dewar, prepare for the liquid-nitrogen transfer:a. Remove the brass fittings from one of the two liquid-nitrogen fill ports by turning thelarge fitting counter-clockwise until it comes off the dewar (see Figure B-7). This will
prevent the O-ring from freezing.
b. Open the other nitrogen fill port by turning the large brass fitting counter-clockwise toloosen it and then removing the small insert plug when it is loose.

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Appendix B
Filling Warm Dewars

Section B.3
Warm Fill: Nitrogen-Jacketed Dewars

6.
7.

Screw the liquid-nitrogen transfer adapter onto the end of the nitrogen supply line.
At the PPMS dewar, insert the small end of the liquid-nitrogen transfer adapter into the open
liquid-nitrogen fill port and turn the brass fitting clockwise to secure the adapter in place.
8. Using the Model 6000 or the MultiVu Temperature dialog shown in Figure B-3(Instrument >> Temperature), set the temperature to 5 K, the rate to 10 K/min, and theapproach mode to fast settle.
By setting the temperature to 5 K you open the flow-control valve to ensure the maximum
flow through the impedance tube. Maximum flow is necessary to flush out the impedance
and keep contaminants from freezing inside it while it cools to cryogenic temperatures. The
temperature will not actually drop to 5 K because there is no liquid helium in the dewar.
9. At the helium-gas cylinder, prepare it to act as a backfill:a. Open the regulator to allow helium gas into the dewar and through the impedance tube.
b. Adjust the regulator on the helium-backfill cylinder so that gaseous helium is expelledfrom the 1/3-psi relief valve (the hose nipple on the back of the probe head) and fromthe 1-psi relief valve (on the closed helium fill port).
c. Keep the dewar pressurized this way for 2 minutes before you proceed.
10. Use the Chamber dialog in MultiVu (select Instrument >> Chamber >> Purge/Seal) or
the Model 6000 (CTRL >> 1. Interactive Control >> 2. Purge & Seal) to remove air fromthe sample chamber.
11. At the helium-backfill cylinder, adjust the regulator so that helium is expelled from only thehose nipple. Place a wetted finger in front of the hose nipple to verify that helium is exiting
there.
Nitrogen Transfer
1.

At the liquid-nitrogen supply dewar, open the valve on the nitrogen supply line. Exhaustshould begin coming from the second nitrogen fill port on the PPMS dewar.

2.

At the PPMS dewar, visually monitor the exhaust from the second nitrogen fill port during
the entire fill process. Do not leave the PPMS unattended during this step, and always standat least 0.5 m (1.5 ft.) from the exhaust plume.
Important: Periodically check the flow from the helium-backfill cylinder by placing awetted finger in front of the hose nipple on the probe head. If helium is not being released
from the 1/3-psi relief valve behind this fixture, increase the flow of helium by adjusting theregulator of the helium-gas cylinder.

3.

At the liquid-nitrogen supply dewar, close the liquid supply valve on the nitrogen-supplyline when the exhaust turns to liquid (this indicates that the jacket is full). It will take about 1
hour to fill the jacket of a warm dewar, because most of the liquid nitrogen will evaporate
until the jacket walls have cooled.

4.

At the PPMS dewar, remove the liquid-nitrogen transfer adapter and re-install the nitrogen
fill-port fittings:
a. Put on your protective gear so that you do not receive serious burns from the extremely
cold fitting, supply line, and transfer adapter.
b. Remove the liquid-nitrogen transfer adapter by turning the brass fitting counterclockwise and lifting the transfer adapter out of the dewar.
In the event that the fitting and adapter are frozen together, you can use a warm air
blower to accelerate the thawing process. Otherwise, you must wait until the parts thaw
enough to be separated.
c. Close both nitrogen fill ports by reinstalling the brass fittings and turning the large brassfittings clockwise.

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Section B.3
Warm Fill: Nitrogen-Jacketed Dewars

Appendix B
Filling Warm Dewars

CAUTION!
Always re-install the fill-port fittings and/or O-rings onto the nitrogen fill ports after you havetransferred liquid nitrogen into the dewar. These fittings prevent dangerous ice blockages in
the fill ports.

d.
5.

Periodically hold a wetted finger in front of the hose nipple on the probe head to verify
that the helium-backfill cylinder is still providing helium to the dewar.

Leave the system standing for 48 hours with a full nitrogen jacket and an active heliumbackfill cylinder.
Important: To avoid excessive helium loss, you should allow 48 hours for the dewar andprobe to cool before you begin to transfer liquid helium.

Helium Transfer
1.

2.

3.
4.

5.

6.
7.
8.

9.

B-10

Verify that the system pump and the Model 6000 are turned on and operating properly. If
either the pump or the Model 6000 is turned off, turn it on. If either the pump or the Model6000 is on but appears to be malfunctioning, contact a Quantum Design representative.
Using the Model 6000 or the MultiVu Temperature dialog shown in Figure B-3(Instrument >> Temperature), set the temperature to 5 K, the rate to 10 K/min, and theapproach mode to fast settle.
By setting the temperature to 5 K, you open the flow-control valve and ensure the maximum
flow through the impedance tube. Maximum flow is necessary to flush out the impedance
and keep contaminants from freezing inside it while it cools to cryogenic temperatures. (Thetemperature will not actually drop to 5 K because there is no liquid helium in the dewar.)
Bring the liquid-helium supply dewar close to the PPMS dewar.
Verify that the proper adapters and extensions are installed on the helium transfer line (seeFigures B-1 and B-5). Note that the long extensions perform an essential function: The longextension on the input line ensures that liquid can always enter the transfer line, even as theliquid level in the storage dewar changes. The long extension on the output line forces liquid
helium to the bottom of the PPMS dewar so that escaping cold gas will cool all the systemcomponents before it leaves the dewar.
At the liquid-helium supply dewar, set the valves and liquid access port:
a. Vent the pressure by slightly opening the gas-phase valve.
b. After the pressure has been vented, close the gas-phase valve.
c. Open the liquid access port. This port is open only during the transfer.
d. Close the primary relief valve. This valve remains closed only during the transfer
procedure.
At the helium-backfill cylinder, close the regulator.
At the liquid-helium supply dewar, insert the input end of the transfer line into the liquid
access port (see Figures B-1 and B-5)
At the PPMS dewar, remove the helium backfill adapter from the helium fill port on theprobe head. Then, quickly insert the output end of the transfer line into the PPMS dewar
through the open helium fill port.
Carefully lower both ends of the transfer line completely into the dewars and seat theadapters in their respective ports. When gas begins to flow from the output adapter, point theoutput-adapter-exhaust-tube away from all hardware on top of the dewar. The exhaust will
be extremely cold and it could damage some of the parts, especially O-rings and sealed
valves.

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Appendix B
Filling Warm Dewars

Section B.3
Warm Fill: Nitrogen-Jacketed Dewars

CAUTION!
Point the output-adapter-exhaust-tube away from all hardware on the dewar and probe head.
The extremely cold exhaust can damage parts, especially O-rings and sealed valves.

10. Verify that each adapter on the transfer line is properly seated and is sealing the transfer line.
11. Raise the input side of the transfer line about 1 cm (1/2 in.) off the bottom of the supply
dewar so that it does not collect ice or other debris that might have settled on the bottom.
12. At the liquid-helium supply dewar, prepare for the transfer:a. Connect the helium-gas cylinder to the gas-phase port.
b. Open the gas-phase valve.
13. At the helium-gas cylinder, open the regulator and adjust the pressure to approximately 7
kPa (1 psi).
14. Monitor the helium transfer with the Liquid Helium Fill Status dialog (in MultiVu selectUtilities >> Helium Fill) or through the Model 6000 (select CTRL >> 1. Interactive
Control >> 0. Fill Dewar). The helium-level reading will be negative until the helium in the
dewar has reached the base of the helium-level meter.
Note: The dewar belly will take slightly longer to fill than the jacket, because helium has alower boiling point than nitrogen.
15. When the helium-level meter reads 30−40%, the impedance tube will no longer be exposed.
You can then set a system temperature so that the PPMS will be ready to use when thetransfer procedures have been completed.

CAUTION!
Let the liquid-helium level reading reach 30–40% before you change the PPMS temperature
set point.

Shut Off and Disassembly
1.
2.

3.
4.
5.

When the helium level reaches 97−100% (after about 1 hour), close the regulator of thehelium-gas cylinder to stop the transfer.
At the liquid-helium supply dewar, reset the valves:a. Close the gas-phase valve.
b. Open the primary relief valve.
Remove the transfer line and adapters from the liquid-helium supply dewar and the PPMS
dewar.
At the PPMS dewar, close the helium fill port on the probe head by reinserting the relief
valve.
At the liquid-helium supply dewar, close the liquid access port.

The liquid-helium transfer is now complete. The helium-level meter will turn itself off when you
exit the Fill Dewar screen or if the fill time exceeds 30 minutes.

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Section B.4
Warm Fill: Standard Dewars

B.4

Appendix B
Filling Warm Dewars

Warm Fill: Standard Dewars
WARNING!
◊ Always wear protective clothing, including thermal gloves, eye protection,and covered shoes, when you work with liquid helium or any other cryogen.
Review Section 1.4.1, “Cryogens,” before you transfer liquid helium.

◊ Always use a well-ventilated room to perform this procedure.
◊ Immediately vent the room by opening windows and doors if there is anexcessive helium release.

The procedures for a filling a warm standard (non-nitrogen jacketed) dewar with liquid helium
are not difficult but involve many steps. Quantum Design staff strongly recommend that you readthe entire set of procedures before beginning the transfer. As noted in Section B.2.3, "Materials,"
you will be working with transfer lines and valves for two dewars (the PPMS dewar and a liquidhelium supply dewar) and a helium-gas supply cylinder. The transfer setup is shown below in
Figure B-8. Your preparation will facilitate the process, which also will be smoother if there are
two people.

Figure B-8. Liquid-helium transfer arrangement for transferring helium into a warm non-jacketed dewar

Set Up
1.

2.

B-12

Verify that the system pump and the Model 6000 are turned on and operating properly. If
either the pump or the Model 6000 is on but appears to be malfunctioning, contact a
Quantum Design representative.
Using the MultiVu Temperature dialog shown in Figure B-3 (Instrument >>Temperature) or the Model 6000, set the temperature to 5 K, the rate to 10 K/min, and theapproach mode to fast settle.
By setting the temperature to 5 K you open the flow-control valve and ensure the maximum
flow through the impedance tube. Maximum flow is necessary to flush out the impedance
and keep contaminants from freezing inside it while it cools to cryogenic temperatures. Note

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Appendix B
Filling Warm Dewars

Section B.4
Warm Fill: Standard Dewars

that the temperature will not actually drop to 5 K because there is no liquid helium in the
dewar.
3. Bring the liquid-helium supply dewar close to the PPMS dewar.
4. Verify that the proper adapters and extensions are installed on the helium transfer line (seeFigure B-1). Note that the extensions perform an essential function: The long extension on
the input line ensures that liquid can always enter the transfer line, even as the liquid level inthe storage dewar changes. The long extension on the output line forces liquid helium all theway to the bottom of the PPMS dewar, so that escaping cold gas will cool all the systemcomponents before it leaves the dewar.
5. At the liquid-helium supply dewar, set the valves:a. Vent the pressure by slightly opening the gas-phase valve.
b. Close the gas-phase valve after the pressure has been reduced.
c. Close the primary relief valve. This valve remains closed only during the transfer.
6. Using rubber or plastic tubing, connect a helium-gas cylinder to the gas-phase port on theliquid-helium supply dewar.
7. At the PPMS dewar, open one of the two helium fill ports on the probe head by pulling theentire fill-port fixture straight up (see Figure 4-19).
8. At the liquid-helium supply dewar, open the liquid access port. This port remains open only
during the transfer.
9. Simultaneously insert (a) the output end of the transfer line into the PPMS dewar through theopen helium fill port and (b) the input end of the transfer line into the liquid-helium supply
dewar through the liquid access port (see Figure B-8).
10. Carefully lower both ends of the transfer line completely into the dewars and seat theadapters in their respective ports. Gas will begin flowing from the output adapter. Point theoutput-adapter-exhaust-tube away from all hardware on top of the dewar. The exhaust will
get extremely cold and could damage some of the parts, especially O-rings and sealed
valves.

CAUTION!
Point the output-adapter-exhaust-tube away from all hardware on the dewar and probe head.
The extremely cold exhaust can damage parts, especially O-rings and sealed valves.

11. Verify that each adapter on the transfer line is properly seated and sealing the transfer line.
12. Raise the input side of the transfer line about 1 cm (1/2 in.) off the bottom of the supply
dewar so that it does not collect ice or other debris that might have settled on the bottom.
Transfer
1.
2.
3.
4.

5.

Quantum Design

At the liquid-helium supply dewar, open the gas-phase valve.
At the helium-gas cylinder, open the regulator and adjust the pressure to approximately 7
kPa (1 psi).
Keep the dewar pressurized this way for 2 minutes before you proceed.
Use the Chamber dialog (in MultiVu select Instrument >> Chamber >> Purge/Seal) or
the Model 6000 commands (CTRL >> 1. Interactive Control >> 2. Purge & Seal) to
remove air from the sample chamber.
Monitor the helium transfer with the Liquid Helium Fill Status dialog (in MultiVu selectUtilities >> Helium Fill) or through the Model 6000 (select CTRL >> 1. Interactive

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Section B.4
Warm Fill: Standard Dewars

Appendix B
Filling Warm Dewars

Control >> 0. Fill Dewar). The helium-level reading will be negative until the helium in the
dewar has reached the base of the helium-level meter.
6.

When the helium level reads 30−40%, the impedance tube will no longer be exposed. You
can then set a system temperature so that the PPMS will be ready to use when the transfer
procedures have been completed.

CAUTION!
Let the liquid-helium level reading reach 30–40% before you change the PPMS set-pointtemperature.

Shut Off and Disassembly
1.
2.

3.
4.
5.

When the helium level reaches 97−100%, close the regulator at the helium-gas cylinder tostop the transfer. It takes approximately 1 hour to fill the dewar.
At the liquid-helium supply dewar, reset the valves:a. Close the gas-phase valve.
b. Open the primary relief valve.
Remove the transfer line and adapters from the PPMS dewar and the liquid-helium supply
dewar.
At the PPMS dewar, close the helium fill port on the probe head by reinserting the relief
valve.
At the liquid-helium supply dewar, close the liquid access port.

The liquid-helium transfer is now complete. The helium-level meter will turn itself off when you
exit the Fill Dewar screen or if the fill time exceeds 30 minutes.

B-14

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A

P

P

E

N

D

I

X

C

Vacuum-Pump Assembly Maintenance

C.1

Introduction
This appendix contains the following information:

C.2○

Section C.2 provides an overview of thevacuum-pump assembly and its maintenancerequirements.

○

Section C.5 has instructions for changing
the activated alumina in the foreline trap.

○

Section C.3 describes the three types of
vacuum pumps provided with the PPMS.

○

Section C.6 is a maintenance record.

○

Section C.4 has instructions for changing theoil and the oil-mist filter cartridge in therotary vane pump.

Vacuum-Pump Assembly
The vacuum-pump assembly is located inside the electronics cabinet (see Figure C-1). It includes
a rotary-vane pump that uses oil to help pull the vacuum, a foreline trap with activated alumina tofilter the intake air, and an oil-mist filter that cleans the exhaust.

Figure C-1. PPMS electronics cabinet with front panel opened

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Section C.3
Pump Versions

Appendix C
Vacuum-Pump Assembly MaintenanceFor optimal performance of your system, the pump, oil-mist filter, and foreline trap require
regular maintenance, as shown in Table C-1. Instructions for more major types of service areprovided here, while instructions for basic services (e.g., adding oil to the pump) are in Chapter
4.
Table C-1. Maintenance schedule for PPMS rotary-vane pumps
COMPONENT
Pump

Oil-mist filter

Foreline trap

C.3

SERVICEFREQUENCY

Check oil level

Check monthly (sooner with heavy use)

Add oil

When reaches lower part of oil-level window

Change oil

When dirty, when vacuum is unsatisfactory, or
yearlyDump oil

Check monthly and dump when half full orsoonerChange cartridge

When saturated with oil

Check activated alumina

Twice a year

Change activated alumina

When discolored and yellowish

Pump Versions
The PPMS is generally equipped with one of three pumps: an Alcatel pump, an Edwards pump,or a Varian pump. Since 1997, all systems have used CE-compliant Edwards or Varian pumps.
Figure C-2 shows the three pumps and Table C-2 lists some basic characteristics of each. For
detailed information about your pump, refer to the separate vacuum-pump manual that was
supplied with the system.

Figure C-2. Versions of the PPMS vacuum pump

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Appendix C
Vacuum-Pump Assembly Maintenance

Section C.4
Changing the Pump Oil and Oil-Mist Cartridge

Table C-2. Characteristics of vacuum pumps used on the PPMSCOMPONENTMANUFACTURER
AlcatelEdwards

Varian

Leybold

Color

Orange and black

Gray

Ivory and gray

Gray with Side-car

Oil Type

Alcatel 100 Direct
Drive MechanicalVacuum Pump Fluid

Edwards Supergrade“A” oil

Varian General Purpose
Mechanical Pump Fluid

Leybold HE-200

Oil Level

Between upper andlower markings, bestat 1/2 or more

Between "max" and"min"

Between arrows, best at
1/2 or more

Between upper andlower markings, bestat 1/2 or more

Oil-fill cap

Top foremost cap

Top, front rightTop, front left

Top, Center

Drain plug

Lower plug

Bottom right

Bottom front center

Bottom right

C.4

Changing the Pump Oil and Oil-Mist Cartridge
The pump oil must be changed once a year, unless it is dirty (compare it to clean oil) or the pumpis not producing a satisfactory vacuum. In the latter cases, you should immediately change theoil, even if it has been less than a year since the last change. Check the oil-mist cartridge at thesame time as the pump-oil levels and change it when it is full of oil. Use the same oil type thatwas provided with the equipment (see Table C-2).

WARNING!
Put the system in Shutdown mode and disconnect the two metal pumping
lines before you service the pump or related components. If there are leaks
into the sample chamber and cooling annulus, ice can form and cause
serious system malfunctions.

C.4.1.1 PREPARE PPMS FOR SERVICE
1.

Place the PPMS in Shutdown mode (in MultiVu, select Instrument >> Shutdown). Whenyou place the system in Shutdown mode, the software automatically seals the sample
chamber, turns off the heaters, and restricts the flow-control valve.

2.

Disconnect⎯but leave seated⎯the two metal pumping lines that come from the probe head.
When the pumping lines are disconnected the sample chamber and cooling annulus aresealed at the probe head.

3.

Leaving the rest of the system components turned on, turn off the pump according to the
instructions below. If the pump has been in operation, you might need to let it cool before
you begin to work on it.
a. Early PPMS units without a toggle switch on the pump—unplug the pump to turn it off.
Do not turn off the switch on the power strip—this strip powers other system equipmentin addition to the pump.
b. Recent PPMS units with a toggle switch on the back of the pump—turn off the toggle
switch.

Quantum Design

PPMS Hardware Manuall, 1070-150, Rev. B5
February 2008

C-3

Section C.4
Changing the Pump Oil and Oil-Mist Cartridge

4.

Appendix C
Vacuum-Pump Assembly MaintenanceOpen the console cabinet and hold your hand near the pump. If the pump is uncomfortably
warm, let it cool before you proceed to the next section.

C.4.1.2 DRAIN PUMP OIL
1.

If the system has an Alcatel pump, remove the black faceplate that frames the oil-level
window (Figure C-2).

2.

Remove the oil-fill cap on the top of the pump. Save the O-ring.

3.

Slide the pump forward, out of the cabinet, so the oil will be able to drain into a container.

4.

Place an empty container (capacity at least one liter) under the drain plug on the front of the
pump.

5.

Remove the drain plug and allow the oil to drain completely, lifting the rear of the pump if
necessary to empty it.

6.

Reinstall the drain plug.

C.4.1.3 DRAIN (REPLACE) OIL-MIST FILTER CARTRIDGE
1.

Unscrew the bell jar of the oil-mist filter, which is mounted on the inside wall of theelectronics cabinet.

2.

Pour the oil into the used-oil container.

3.

Examine the filter cartridge. If the filter cartridge is not saturated with oil, go to Step 4 ofthis section. If the filter cartridge is saturated with oil, you must replace it (contact Quantum
Design if you need a replacement).
a. Unscrew the oil-mist filter cartridge.
b. Lubricate and install the new O-ring (supplied with the cartridge) on the filter.
c. Lubricate and install the new seal (supplied with the cartridge) for the bell jar.
d. Screw on the new filter cartridge.

4.

Screw the bell jar back into place.

C.4.1.4 FILL AND RE-INSTALL PUMP

C-4

1.

Fill the pump with oil to the top mark of the oil-level window (do not overfill).

2.

Reinstall the oil-fill cap.

3.

If the system has an Alcatel pump, replace the faceplate that frames the oil-level window(Figure C-2).

4.

Slide the pump back into the electronics cabinet.

5.

Turn the pump on and wait one minute so that the metal pumping lines can be evacuated.
Verify that the pumping lines are seated in their connectors but not pressed in completely.

6.

Reconnect the two metal pumping lines to the probe head.

7.

Purge and seal the sample chamber.

8.

Close the front door of the electronics cabinet.

9.

The oil-change procedure is now complete. Please dispose of the used oil properly.

PPMS Hardware Manual, 1070-150, Rev. B5
February 2008

Quantum Design

Appendix C
Vacuum-Pump Assembly Maintenance

C.5

Section C.5
Servicing the Foreline Trap

Servicing the Foreline Trap
The foreline trap acts as the inlet filter for the pump. The filtering component is activatedalumina, which needs to be checked twice a year.
WARNING!
Put the system in Shutdown mode and disconnect the two metal pumping
lines before you service the pump or related components. Any leaks into thesample chamber and cooling annulus can produce ice and serious system
malfunctions.

C.5.1.1 PREPARE PPMS FOR SERVICE
1.

Open the front panel of the electronics cabinet (Figure C-1).

2.

Place the PPMS in shutdown mode (in MultiVu, select Instrument >> Shutdown). Whenyou place the system in shutdown mode, the software automatically seals the sample
chamber, turns off the heaters, and restricts the flow-control valve.

3.

Disconnect⎯but leave seated⎯the two metal pumping lines from the probe head. This seals
the sample chamber and cooling annulus at the probe head.

4.

Leaving the rest of the system components turned on, turn off the pump according to the
instructions below. If the pump has been in operation, you might need to let it cool before
you work on it.
a. Early PPMS units without a toggle switch on the pump—unplug the pump to turn it off.
Do not turn off the switch on the power strip—this strip powers other system equipmentin addition to the pump.
b. Recent PPMS units with a toggle switch on the back of the pump—turn off the toggle
switch.

5.

Open the console cabinet and hold your hand near the pump. If the pump is uncomfortably
warm, let it cool before you proceed to the next section.

C.5.1.2 REMOVE ALUMINA CANISTER AND EXAMINE THE PELLETS
1.

Carefully unscrew the cap on the front of the foreline trap (see Figure C-2). Note that there isa spring located on the shaft inside the canister.

2.

Remove the activated alumina canister.

3.

Hold the canister by the bottom (not the edges) and remove the items listed below, in order,
from the top of the canister. (The bottom will fall out and spill the activated alumina if you
hold the canister by the edges.)a. long springb. wing nut
c. washerd. lide. washerf. short springg. grille

Quantum Design

PPMS Hardware Manuall, 1070-150, Rev. B5
February 2008

C-5

Section C.5
Servicing the Foreline Trap

4.

Appendix C
Vacuum-Pump Assembly MaintenanceExamine the activated alumina pellets. If they are discolored and yellowish, replace themwith fresh pellets. If you need replacement material, contact Quantum Design.

C.5.1.3 REASSEMBLE THE CANISTER, TRAP, AND PUMP

C-6

1.

To reassemble the activated alumina canister, install the items in the order listed below (areversal of the removal procedures):a. grilleb. short springc. washerd. lide. washerf. wing nut
g. long spring2.

Insert the activated alumina canister into the foreline trap with the spring facing the openedend of the trap.

3.

Screw the cap back onto the front of the foreline trap.

4.

Turn on the pump and wait one minute so that the metal pumping lines can be evacuated.

5.

Reconnect the two metal pumping lines to the probe head.

6.

Purge and seal the sample chamber.

7.

Close the front door of the electronics cabinet.

PPMS Hardware Manual, 1070-150, Rev. B5
February 2008

Quantum Design

Appendix C
Vacuum-Pump Assembly Maintenance

C.6

Section C.6
PPMS Vacuum-Pump Assembly Service Record

PPMS Vacuum-Pump Assembly Service Record
Use this service record to help schedule and track servicing of the vacuum-pump assembly (seeSections 4.7.4 and C.2–C.5. We provide two blank sheets for your convenience.

Pump Assembly
COMPONENTMANUFACTURERSERIAL NUMBER

Pump
Foreline trap

SERVICE TYPESERVICE DATE

Change rotary-vane pump oil

Empty oil in oil-mist filter

Change oil-mist filter cartridge

Check activated alumina in foreline trap

Change activated alumina in foreline trap

Other (explain)

COMMENTS

Quantum Design

PPMS Hardware Manuall, 1070-150, Rev. B5
February 2008

C-7

Section C.6
PPMS Vacuum-Pump Assembly Service Record

SERVICE TYPE

Appendix C
Vacuum-Pump Assembly Maintenances

SERVICE DATE

Change rotary-vane pump oil

Empty oil in oil-mist filter

Change oil-mist filter cartridge

Check activated alumina in foreline trap

Change activated alumina in foreline trap

Other (explain)

COMMENTS

C-8

PPMS Hardware Manual, 1070-150, Rev. B5
February 2008

Quantum DesignReferences
Quantum Design. 1995. Physical Property Measurement System Commands Manual.
⎯⎯⎯. 1996. Physical Property Measurement System Firmware Manual.
⎯⎯⎯. 1998. Physical Property Measurement System: PPMS MultiVu Application User’s Manual.

Quantum Design

PPMS Hardware Manual, 1070-150, Rev. B5
February 2008

References-1

IndexA
A1 port. See Analog outputs
AC board ............................................ A-3, A-4
ACMS option
affecting available current................ A-4, A-5
using AC board ................................ A-3, A-4
AC Transport option
affecting available current................ A-4, A-5
using AC board ................................ A-3, A-4
Alcatel pumpillustration........................................4-24, C-2
maintenance ................. 4-23–4-27, C-1–C-6
maintenance schedule............................. C-2
oil ....................................................4-25, C-3
Altitude, effects............................................1-8
Alumina, activatedchecking........................................... C-5–C-6
maintenance schedule............................. C-2
replacing .......................................... C-5–C-6
Analog outputs
in illustration of Model 6000 ports............ A-2
linking parameters ...................2-9, 3-10, A-5
Annulus. See Cooling annulus
Annulus portfunction .................................................... A-7
in illustration of Model 6000 ports............ A-2
Atmospheric control ............................ 3-6−3-7
Aux 2A fuse
function .................................................... A-8
in illustration of Model 6000 ports............ A-2
replacement values ............................... A-23
Auxiliary expansion connections
pinout tables .......................................... A-19
Auxiliary signal drives............................... 4-17

B
Bellows, metalfunction .....................................................2-4
in illustration of probe components...........2-4
Black Lemo connector
function .................................................. A-10
in illustration of probe-head ports ............ A-9
pinout table ............................................ A-13

Quantum DesignBlue Lemo connector
function .................................................. A-11
in illustration of probe-head ports.............A-9
pinout table............................................ A-16
BNC connector.................................... 2-8, A-5C
CLTCcharacteristics .......................................... 3-5
description .........................................3-2, 3-4
impedance.........................................2-5, 3-3
selecting .................................. 3-5, 4-6–4-10
using ................................................4-6–4-10
Communication port connections, pinout
tables ..........................................A-14, A-15
Continuous Low-Temperature Control. See
CLTCCooling annulus
function ..............................................2-5, 3-2
illustration .................................. 2-4, 3-3, 3-6
Crossover temperature ............................... 3-2
Cryogens, safety precautions ..............1-4–1-5

D
Data files
exporting and uploading................. 3-12, A-5
Dewar...................................................2-1–2-3
as part of base hardware ......................... 1-2
electrical connections pinout table ........ A-16
filling. See Helium transfer; Nitrogentransfer; Warm dewar fillin illustration of gas and vacuum
system .................................................. 3-6
options ....................................... 1-3, 2-1–2-3
safety features, illustration ....................... 1-4
Dewar portfunction .....................................................A-8
in illustration of Model 6000 ports ............A-2
Differential pressure sensor, function ......... 3-6
Driven mode................................................ 3-8
Dual-flow impedance. See CLTCPPMS Hardware Manual, 1070-150, Rev. B5
February 2008

Index-1

IndexE

H

Edwards pumpillustration .......................................4-24, C-2
maintenance ..................4-23–4-27, C-1–C-6
oil ....................................................4-25, C-3
Electrical connection between puck andsample, verifying ......................... 2-13, 4-11
Electrical safety ................................... 1-3, 1-6
Electronics cabinet
as part of base hardware..........................1-2
dimensions .............................. 1-2, 1-8, 2-10
function ...................................................2-10
illustration ..................................... 2-10, 4-23
safety precautions ....................................1-6
Expansion connections, pinout tables.....................................................A-19−A-22

F
Fast Settle temperature-approach mode ....3-6
Finger contractor .................... 2-12–2-13, 4-18
Finger spreader...................... 2-12–2-13, 4-18
Flow-control valve, function ........................3-6
Flush valve, normal behavior ......................3-7
Flux creep ...................................................3-8
Fuses, replacement values .................... A-23−

G
Gas lines
configuring ................................................3-7
illustration .................................................3-6
modifiying ...............................................4-17
Gas Source portfunction. See also Sample Vent-Up port . A-8
in illustration of Model 6000 ports............ A-2
when to plug ..................................... 3-7, A-8
GPIB instrument, interfacingwith Model 6000 ........................... 3-11, A-3
Gray Lemo connector
function .................................................. A-11
in illustration of probe-head ports ............ A-9
pinout table ............................................ A-12
Gray Lemo connector cable.............. 4-9, A-11

Index-2

Hardware. See also Model 6000 PPMS
Controller; Model 6700 Magnet Controller;
Probe; Puck
connections, block diagram .....................A-1
description.......................................2-1−2-13
dewar........... 1-2, 1-3, 1-4, 2-1–2-3, 3-6, A-2,
A-8, A-16
magnet ................1-1, 1-3, 1-5–1-7, 2-4, 2-6,
3-7–3-8, A-17–A-18
overview ............................................1-2−1-3
Heat Capacity option .................................. 1-1
Helium back-fill adapter
using......................................... B-5, B-6, B-7
Helium-fill portfunction.....................................................A-9
illustration ............................................... 4-22
Helium-level meter, description .................. 3-9
Helium level, monitoring ......................4-5–4-6
Helium transfer
cool down (warm dewar)
nitrogen-jacketed dewar....................... B-1-B-11
standard dewar .................... B-1-B-3,B-12–B-14

illustration ............................... B-4, B-8, B-12
line arrangement, illustration.......... 4-17, B-2
materials........................................... B-2–B-3
routine (cold dewar) ......................4-21−4-23
Helium-transfer kit.......................................B-3
High-capacity nitrogen-jacketed dewar. See
also Nitrogen-jacketed dewar.
capacity .................................................... 2-3
dimensions ........................................1-8, 2-3
illustration ................................................. 2-3
option.................................................1-3, 2-1
High-temperature control mode...........3-2, 3-4
High-Vacuum option ................................... 3-7
Hose nipple
function...................................................A-10
in illustration of probe-head ports.............A-9
Humidity, effects ......................................... 1-8

I
Impedance assembly.................................. 2-5
Impedance heater
function..................................................... 2-5
in illustration of probe components .......... 2-4
Impedance thermometer
function..................................................... 2-5
in illustration of probe components .......... 2-4
Impedance tube ............................2-5, 3-2–3-6
function..................................................... 2-5
in illustration of probe components .......... 2-4
preventing blockage of ............. B-1, B-4, B-7

PPMS Hardware Manual, 1070-150, Rev. B5
February 2008

Quantum Design

IndexL
Lemo connectors....4-9, A-9–A-13, A-16, A-18
Linear field-approach mode ........................3-9
Liquid-nitrogen transfer adapter
function .....................................................2-2
illustration..................................................2-3
using ..............................4-19–4-20, B-5, B-9
Low-temperature control modes ................3-2,
3-4–3-5, 4-6–4-10

M
M1 connector............................................ A-17
Magnet. See also Model 6700
Magnet Controller
charging ............................................ 3-7–3-8
description ................................................2-6
discharging ....................................... 3-7–3-8
effect on equipment .......................... 1-5−1-7electrical connections
pinout tables ............................ A-17–A-18
field centerin illustration of probe components ............... 2-4
location ......................................................... 2-6

field range .................................................1-1
longitudinal, illustration .............................2-4
modes ........................................ 2-6, 3-6–3-7
safety precautions...................... 1-3, 1-5−1-7
types ................................................. 1-3, 2-6
Magnet current port .................................. A-18
Magnet Reset option .................................. A-8
Magnetic-field control
approach modes .......................................3-8
description ........................................ 3-7−3-8Magnetic-field relaxation, minimizing ..........3-8
Maintenance.................... 4-18–4-28, C-1–C-6
form.................................................. C-7–C-8
O-rings ................................................... 4-28
periodic (pump)................................ C-1–C-6
routine ........................................... 4-18–4-28
helium transfer (cold dewar)............... 4-21–4-23
nitrogen transfer (cold dewar) ............ 4-19–4-20
puck adjustment.......................................... 4-18
pump service ..................................... 4-23−4-27

schedule, pump .................... 4-23–4-24, C-2
Measurement
automating. See Sequences
considerations...................... 3-12–3-13, 4-10
example ........................................ 3-11−3-12
types ............................................... 1-1, 3-11

Quantum Design

Measurement options
accessing option boards ..........................A-3
measurements with .......................3-11−3-12
sample-mounting techniques .......3-11, 3-12,
3-13, 4-10–4-12
sealing sample chamber .......................... 2-6
using ......................................................... 1-1
Metal hose connectors
function .................................................. A-10
in illustration of ports on probe head ........A-9
Model 6000 PPMS Controller
as part of base hardware ......................... 1-2
automating system operation......................................... 3-10–3-11, 3-12
battery....................................................... 4-2
connections, block diagram......................A-1
customizable features ..................3-10–3-12,
4-16–4-17, A-2−A-8
data buffer ..............................................3-12
flow-control valve....................... 3-2, 3-4–3-5
3-6, 4-4, A-7
front panel, illustration .............................. 2-8function ...................................... 2-8−2-9, A-2
fuses ...............................................A-8, A-23
ports
description.............................................A-2−A-8
illustration ..................................................... A-2
pinout tables...................A-12−A-17, A-19−A-22

power receptacle ......................................A-8
safety precautions .................................... 1-6
shutting off power .....................................4-2
Model 6500 PPMS Option Controller....... A-11
Model 6700 Magnet Controller. See also
Magnet; Red Lemo connector
connections, block diagram......................A-1
front panel, illustration .............................. 2-9function ................................... 2-9–2-10, 3-7
safety precautions .................................... 1-6
Model 7100 AC Transport Controller....... A-11
Motor expansion connections
pinout table.......................................... A-21

N
Negative temperature coefficient
thermometer. See NTC thermometer
Nitrogen-fill port
illustration ................................ 1-4, 2-3, 4-19
on nitrogen-jacketed dewar.............2-2, 4-19
B-5, B-8
opening, illustration .................4-19, B-5, B-8
O-rings...........................................4-19, 4-20

PPMS Hardware Manual, 1070-150, Rev. B5
February 2008

Index-3

IndexNitrogen-jacketed dewar
capacity ............................................ 2-2–2-3
description ........................................ 2-2–2-3
dimensions ................................ 1-8, 2-2–2-3
helium transfer
cool down (warm dewar)..................... B-1–B-11
routine (cold dewar)........................... 4-21–4-23

illustration ....................................... 2-3, 4-22
nitrogen transfer
cool down (warm dewar)..................... B-1–B-11
routine (cold dewar)........................... 4-19–4-20

option ................................................ 1-3, 2-1
Nitrogen level, monitoring ...........................4-6
Nitrogen transfer
cool down (filling jacket of awarm dewar) ...............................B-1–B-11
illustration ........................4-19, B-2, B-4, B-8
materials ...........................................B-2–B-3
routine (refilling jacket of acold dewar) ............................... 4-19−4-20
No-Overshoot field-approach mode............3-9
No-Overshoot temperature-approachmode .......................................................3-6
NTC thermometer .......................................3-2

O
Oil, pump. See also Pump ................4-25, C-3
O-rings, inspecting ....................................4-28
Oscillate field-approach mode ....................3-8

P
Pacemaker, effect of magnets on ....... 1-5–1-7
Parameters, manipulating
for measurement ...................................3-11
Persistence switch ....................... 2-6, 3-7, 3-8
Persistent mode .................................. 2-6, 3-7
Personal computerconnecting to P5−RS232 port ................. A-3
safety precautions ....................................1-6
uploading data ........................................3-12
Physical Property Measurement System. See
PPMS
Pinout tables ...................................A-12−A-22
Platinum resistance thermometer ...............3-2
Plumbing. See Atmospheric control
Ports
illustration ........................................A-2, A-9
on Model 6000........................ 4-17, A-2−A-8
pinout tables .................................A-12−A-22
probe head .....................................A-9−A-11

Index-4

Pot-fill mode. See also Low-temperature
control modes
characteristics .......................................... 3-5
description..................................3-2, 3-4–3-5
selecting ...................................3-5, 4-6–4-10
using................................................4-6–4-10
Power off..............................................4-2–4-4
PPMS. See also Hardware
automating .......................... 3-10–3-11, 3-12
block diagram........................................... 3-1
customizing ........ 1-1, 3-10–3-12, 4-11−4-17,
A-2–A-8, A-11
dimensions ........................................1-2, 1-8
hardware, overview ...........................1-2−1-3
maintenanceperiodic .................................................C-1–C-6
routine................................................ 4-18−4-28

measurements .......................1-1, 3-11−3-12
operating guidelines ........................4-1−4-10
overview ................................................... 1-1
ports ............................ 4-10, 4-17, A-1–A-11
power loss .........................................4-2–4-3
safety precautions .............................1-3−1-7
setup and environmental factors.......................................................1-7−1-8
shutting off power..............................4-2–4-4
PPMS MultiVu..................................3-10, 3-12
Pressure gauge, external
expansion connections, pinout table......A-20
providing power........................................A-5
Probe. See also Magnet; Temperature control
as part of base hardware ......................... 1-2
components.......................................2-3−2-6
description................................................ 2-3
extraction height, illustration .................... 1-2
handling instructions ................4-1−4-2, 4-27
head. See Probe headlowering into dewar ..................4-1−4-2, 4-27
removing from dewar ...............4-1−4-2, 4-27
Probe head
connections, block diagram .....................A-1
description........................................ 2-5, A-9
ports
description .......................................... A-9−A-11
illustration ......................................A-1, A-2, A-9
pinout tables .................. A-12−A-13, A-16, A-18

pressure-relief valves, illustration..... 1-4, A-9
Probe-lifting assemblyas part of base hardware ......................... 1-2function..................................................... 2-8
using....................................................... 4-27
Protective cap
function..............................................2-4, 2-5
in illustration of probe components .......... 2-4

PPMS Hardware Manual, 1070-150, Rev. B5
February 2008

Quantum Design

Index

Puck. See also Sample mounting
adjusting tension.................................... 4-18
adjustment tool .................... 2-12–2-13, 4-18
as sample holder ................................... 2-11
connections, pinout table....................... A-12
dimensions.................................... 2-11, 3-12
inserting in sample chamber......... 4-12−4-14
removing connector PC board...... 4-10, 4-11
removing from sample chamber ... 4-14–4-15
sample interface, illustration .........2-11, A-12
verifying electrical connections............. 2-13,
4-11, 4-12
Puck-adjustment tool
function ......................................... 2-12–2-13
illustration............................................... 4-18
using ...................................................... 4-18
Puck-insertion/puck-extraction tool
illustration...................................... 2-12, 4-12
using ............................................. 4-12–4-15
Puck-wiring test station ................... 2-13, 4-11
Pump
adding oil ...................................... 4-23–4-27
as part of base hardware..........................1-2
checking activated alumina ..... C-2, C-5–C-6
checking oil level................... 4-23, 4-25, C-2
components, illustration................ 2-11, 4-24
connections, block diagram ..................... A-1
foreline trap............4-18, 4-24, C-2, C-5–C-6
function .................................. 2-10, 3-2, 4-23
illustration................................4-24, C-1, C-2
oil ....................................................4-25, C-3
replacing oil...................................... C-2–C-4
safety precautions.....................................1-6
serviceperiodic .................................................C-1–C-6
routine.......................................4-18, 4-23–4-27

versions ................................ 4-24–4-25, C-2
Pump portfunction .................................................... A-7
in illustration of Model 6000 ports............ A-2
Purging sample chamber, description.........3-7

Q
Quantum Design, contacting............. 1-9–1-10
Quench Heater fuse
function .................................................... A-8
in illustration of Model 6000 ports............ A-2
replacement values ............................... A-23

R
Red Lemo connector
description ............................................. A-10
in illustration of probe-head ports ............ A-9
pinout table ............................................ A-18

Quantum Design

Resistivity option
example measurement..................3-11−3-12function of user bridgeboard ................................. 3-11–3-12, A-2
Rods, baffled
description ................................................ 2-5
in illustration of probe components .......... 2-4
Rotary-vane pump. See Pump.

S
Samplehysteretic, approach modes ...... 3-4, 3-6, 3-9
inserting in sample chamber .........4-12–4-14
mounting on puck. See Sample mounting
optimal types ..........................................3-12
removing from sample chamber....4-14–4-15
Sample chamber. See also Temperature
control: Description
closing ....................................................4-15
description ................................................ 2-5
in illustration of probe components .......... 2-4
Sample-chamber access port
and top-plate assembly .....................2-6–2-7
function .....................................................A-9
Sample-chamber pressure-relief valve.......A-9
Sample holders ................................3-12–3-13
Sample-insertion tool. See also Puckinsertion/puck-extraction tool
illustration ......................................2-12, 4-12
using ..............................................4-12–4-15
Sample mounting
attached leads, illustration......................4-11
bonding media...............................3-13, 4-10
for four-terminal resistancemeasurement ............................3-11–3-12
intermediate leads, creating ...................4-11
isolating sample leads...................3-11, 3-13
methods...................... 3-12–3-13, 4-10–4-12
solder pads.......................... 2-12, 3-11, 4-10
verifying electrical connections .............2-13,
4-11–4-12
Sample puck. See Puck
Sample-puck connector ..2-5, 2-12, 2-13, A-11
Sample Pump-Out portfunction .....................................................A-7
in illustration of Model 6000 ports ............A-2
Sample size ..............................................3-12
Sample-space portfunction .................................................... A-7
in illustration of Model 6000 ports ............A-2
Sample Vent-Up port. See also Gas Source
port
function .....................................................A-7
in illustration of Model 6000 ports ............A-2
Sample-wiring test station................2-13, 4-11

PPMS Hardware Manual, 1070-150, Rev. B5
February 2008

Index-5

IndexSequences, automating system operation..................................................... 3-10, 3-12Service centers ................................. 1-9–1-10
Setup, environmental factors affecting 1-7−1-9
Shutdown mode ........................... 4-2, 4-3, 4-4Standard dewar
capacity ....................................................2-2
description ................................................2-2
dimensions ....................................... 1-8, 2-2
helium cool down (filling a warm dewar)................................... B-1-B-3, B-12–B-14
illustration .................................................2-2
option ................................................ 1-3, 2-1
routine helium transfer (refilling a cold
dewar)....................................... 4-21−4-23
Standby mode. See Shutdown mode
Stepper motor, connecting to system ........ A-6
Syst 5A fuse
function .................................................... A-8
in illustration of Model 6000 ports............ A-2
replacement values ............................... A-23
System bridge board
description ............................................... A-3
electrical connections, pinout table ....... A-13
System Vacuum portfunction .................................................... A-7
in illustration of Model 6000 ports............ A-2

User bridge board ............................3-10–3-12

V
Vacuum lines
illustration ................................................. 3-6
modifying ................................................ 4-17
Vacuum pump. See Pump
Vacuum tubes............................................. 2-4
Varian pumpillustration ....................................... 4-24, C-2
oil .................................................... 4-25, C-3
service ........................... 4-23–4-27, C-1–C-6
Vent valve, normal behavior ....................... 3-7

WWarm dewar fill (filling an empty dewar)
comparison of methods.................... B-2, B-3
nitrogen-jacketed dewar
sequential nitrogen and heliumtransfer ........................................... B-7−B-11
simultaneous nitrogen and heliumtransfer ............................................. B-3−B-7

standard dewar ............................ B-12−B-14
when to use........................... 4-19, 4-21, B-1

T
TCM connector
description ............................................. A-10
in illustration of probe-head ports ............ A-9
pinout table ............................................ A-18
Temperature control
approach modes.......................................3-6
components, illustration............................3-3
description ........................................ 3-2−3-6
in Shutdown mode....................................4-4
modes ............................................... 3-2−3-6
setting low-temperature control ...... 4-6–4-10
Temperature range .....................................1-1
Test cutout. See Puck-adjustment tool
Top-plate assemblyas part of base hardware..........................1-2
description ................................................2-6
O-rings ............................................ 2-6, 4-28
Top-plate baffle assembly................... 2-6, 3-2

U
Ultra fitting
function .................................................. A-10
in illustration of probe-head ports ............ A-9
Ultra Low Field option ......................... 1-1, A-8

Index-6

PPMS Hardware Manual, 1070-150, Rev. B5
February 2008

Quantum Design