Cryogenic Measurement Station for Quantum Engineering Lab ...
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Majid Mohammad, Serena Eley Department of Physics, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO Cryogenic Measurement Station for Quantum Engineering Lab Course Objective and Motivation Background Cryogenic Measurement Station Design and Assembly Conclusion and Future Work System Cooling and Testing Results There are three main design elements that we made in order to adapt the Janis system cryostat for the quantum engineering lab course. First, we outfitted the cryostat cold finger with two printed circuit boards designed in AutoDesk Eagle to take microwave measurements on resonators and DC measurements on thin films, superconductors, and Josephson Junctions. The second modification is the creation of a breakout box in which our measurement devices connect to. This ensures that we can ground each connected wire from the PC board and protect our sample. Lastly is the wiring of our system which includes a cable that connects the breakout box to the cryostat as well as installing the individual wires inside the cryostat. Our initial cooldown with sample is to test the superconductivity of a YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7-δ (YBCO) transport samples. YBCO has characteristically high resistance and phase transition to superconductive at temperatures around 50-100 K. We conduct a two- point measurement shown in Figure 8. Initially our sample ahs a resistance of 560 Ohms at room temperature. Our assembly and modifications of the Janis cryostat was successful in that we can apply current and heat while simultaneously retrieve voltage and resistance levels at set ranges. Meaning measuring R vs T and IV characteristics in superconductors and Josephson Junctions is possible at cryogenic temperatures. Our system gives access to an array of research possibilities, enabling teaching modules and research spanning a range of systems: superconductors, magnetic materials, nanostructures, semiconductors, and ceramics. Most excitingly, the Colorado School of Mines is now better equipped to provide their students with the skill sets necessary for advancing the research and development of quantum technology. Future work will focus on enhancing the durability and longevity of our system by strengthening the electrical wiring with better soldering points and protective heat shrink tubes. As with all cryogenic systems, noise is a major disruption in acquiring meaningful data. Our next steps include identifying noise sources and reduce noise by mitigating ground loops and adding filters. Further testing will continue as we have procured niobium Josephson junctions from Star Cryoelectronics and the next steps will involve testing these Josephson junctions as well as patterning and measuring a superconducting resonator. Figure 9: LabView plot of resistance as we sweep current from 0 to 10 microamps at room temperature. Figure 8: Schematic of two-point measurement of a YBCO sample. Motivation: In 2018, the National Quantum Initiative Act was implemented, which recognized the importance of strategic, federally coordinated support for QISE research to maintain economic competitiveness, sustain national security, and fuel transformative scientific advancement. Specifically, this directive tasked the National Science Foundation, Department of Energy, and National Institute of Standards and Technology to carry out QISE basic research, investigate quantum cybersecurity, as well as establish multidisciplinary centers for quantum research and education [1]. This immediately accelerated the pace of an already rapidly advancing field and, consequently, surged the demands for trained quantum engineers [2]. A plan to meet these demands is considered urgent --- experts fear that the talent shortage may be the factor that hampers advancement [3]. To this end, the Colorado School of Mines has developed a specialized interdisciplinary Quantum Engineering educational program, in which the curriculum includes a hands-on course in Low Temperature and Microwave Measurement (EEGN532). The most routine route for obtaining cryogenic measurements skills is through a 5.5-8 years of research through a physics Ph.D. program. EEGN532 offers an easier, faster route for a multidisciplinary audience. Objective: Here, we develop a cryogenic measurement setup for electrical transport measurements that students in EEGN532 will use to perform experiments on superconductors, including films, Josephson junctions, and resonators. Specifically, we assembled a Janis SHI-4-2 0.2W optical cryostat with a base temperature around 3.5 K, added 19 wires for DC electrical transport measurements, designed and ordered a PC board based sample stage, and programmed automated measurements of electrical transport properties (e.g. current-voltage IV characteristics and temperature-dependent resistance) using Python scripting. The response of materials to changes in temperature can provide insight into the physical origins of scientifically interesting properties. In addition, low temperatures are often required to reveal quantum mechanical properties or other effects obfuscated by high thermal energy at room temperature. For example, superconductors conduct electricity very efficiently, but only when cooled to very low temperatures. Some devices, including next-generation computing components, only operate effectively at low temperatures. Our set up will enable teaching modules and research spanning a range of systems. Here, References: Figure 5: The breakout box has 20 BNC bulkheads of which 19 are wired from each BNC connector to a larger connector that attaches to a cable, connecting the BNC bulkheads to the cryostat. We equip each BNC bulkhead with a switch that allows the user to ground the connection when not collecting data in order to preserve the sample and reduce noise in the system. We connect the measurement devices to the BNC bulkhead by way of a Banana to BNC connector. Figure 4: This PC board has 19 gold plated pads and a Micro-D connector that is soldered onto a brass back plate in which the sample is to be attached. The PCB board allows the user to bond wires from their sample onto the gold pads that send and receive signals from our Current, Voltage and Temperature measurement devices. Figure 3: This PC board concept has 3 SMA connectors each wired to the gold-plated pads near the larger plated pad in which our samples are mounted. Additionally, we ground the outer prongs of each SMA connector to the larger pad in the center. The PCB board allows the user to bond wires from their sample onto three gold pads that send and receive signals from our Current, Voltage and Temperature measurement devices. Figure 6: Our cable that connects the breakout box to the DC feedthrough is 20 wired twisted pairs cable which is a technique used to reduce outgoing noise and incoming noise related to electromagnetic interference. We then solder individual wires from the feedthrough that are wrapped around the cold finger and soldered onto a Micro-D connector that can detach from the 19 pin PC board. SMA Connector Sample Mount Pad Micro-D Connector Cold Finger Feed Through with Cable [1]. National Quantum Initiative Act, H.R.6227, 115 th Cong. (2017) [2]. Amin, M. N., & Uhlig, R. P., & Dey, P. P., & Sinha, B., & Jawad, S. (2019, April), The Needs and Challenges of Workforce Development in Quantum Computing Paper presented at 2019 Pacific Southwest Section Meeting, California State University, Los Angeles , California. https://peer.asee.org/31846 [3]. C. Leddy. (2019, January), The talent shortage in quantum computing, MIT News. https://news.mit.edu/2019/mit-william-oliver- qanda-talent-shortage-quantum-computing-0123 [4]. Jack W. Ekin. (2006), Experimental Techniques for Low-Temperature Measurements: Cryostat Design, Material Properties, and Superconductor Critical-Current Testing, Oxford University Press Inc, New York [5]. Wikipedia contributors. (2021, January 18). Cryocooler. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 02:31, April 28, 2021, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Cryocooler&oldid=1001156107 Figure 1: Schematic of GM refrigerator configuration [4] a) The displacer sits on the bottom of the compressor while the cold head is connected to the hp. The gas enters the regenerator at ambient temperature T a and cooled by releasing heat into the regenerator material. b) The hp valve is closed and the lp valve opened. Part of the gas flows through the regenerator to the lp side of the compressor. The expansion of the gas is isothermal, so heat is taken up from the application. c) The displacer moves to the bottom with the cold head connected to the lp side of the compressor forcing the cold gas to pass the regenerator, while taking up heat from the regenerator. d) The lp valve is closed and the hp valve opened with fixed position of the displacer. The gas, now in the hot end of the cold head, is compressed and heat is released to the surroundings. In the end of this step, we are back in position a. Figure 2: Four step GM thermodynamic process [5] we focused on designing a setup for 3 experiments: Measuring R vs T in superconductors, measuring IV characteristics of superconductors and Josephson Junctions, and measuring the Frequency Response of Superconducting Resonators. Our samples sit on the cold finger and is cooled by the Gifford-McMahon (GM) thermodynamic cycle. The Janis system is a closed cycle cryostat in which ultra-cold temperatures are reached by a closed loop of helium gas that is compressed and expanded. Designing PC board-based Sample Holders Controlling connections between device and Source-Measure Units Wiring Acknowledgments I want to thank Kirsten Blagg who was an immeasurable resource when I needed better insight, Paul Slayback for being another set of hands when necessary, and Dr. Serena Eley for her patience, guidance and constant support. Cold Finger Wiring Micro-D Feed Through with Cable SMA Connector Sample Mount Pad SMA Connector Sample Mount Pad Micro-D Connector Brass Backplate The cycle starts with the low-pressure (lp) valve closed, the high- pressure (hp) valve open, and the displacer at the bottom (so in the cold region). All the gas is at room temperature. Electrical Wiring Figure 10: Near Ohmic behavior of our YBCO sample at 165 K. System has noise associated with the the electrical wiring. Figure 11: LakeShore Temperature Controller near base temperature of 4 Kelvin
Transcript of Cryogenic Measurement Station for Quantum Engineering Lab ...
Majid Mohammad, Serena EleyDepartment of Physics, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
Cryogenic Measurement Station for Quantum Engineering Lab Course
Objective and Motivation
Background
Cryogenic Measurement Station Design and Assembly
Conclusion and Future Work
System Cooling and Testing Results
There are three main design elements that we made in order to adapt the Janis system cryostat for the quantum engineering lab course. First, we outfitted the cryostat cold finger with two printed circuit boards designed in AutoDesk Eagle to take microwave measurements on resonators and DC measurements on thin films, superconductors, and Josephson Junctions. The second modification is the creation of a breakout box in which our measurement devices connect to. This ensures that we can ground each connected wire from the PC board and protect our sample. Lastly is the wiring of our system which includes a cable that connects the breakout box to the cryostat as well as installing the individual wires inside the cryostat.
Our initial cooldown with sample is to test the superconductivity of a YBa2Cu3O7-δ (YBCO) transport samples. YBCO has characteristically high resistance and phase transition to superconductive at temperatures around 50-100 K. We conduct a two-point measurement shown in Figure 8. Initially our sample ahs a resistance of 560 Ohms at room temperature.
Our assembly and modifications of the Janis cryostat was successful in that we can apply current and heat while simultaneously retrieve voltage and resistance levels at set ranges. Meaning measuring R vs T and IV characteristics in superconductors and Josephson Junctions is possible at cryogenic temperatures. Our system gives access to an array of research possibilities, enabling teaching modules and research spanning a range of systems: superconductors, magnetic materials, nanostructures, semiconductors, and ceramics. Most excitingly, the Colorado School of Mines is now better equipped to provide their students with the skill sets necessary for advancing the research and development of quantum technology.
Future work will focus on enhancing the durability and longevity of our system by strengthening the electrical wiring with better soldering points and protective heat shrink tubes. As with all cryogenic systems, noise is a major disruption in acquiring meaningful data. Our next steps include identifying noise sources and reduce noise by mitigating ground loops and adding filters. Further testing will continue as we have procured niobium Josephson junctions from Star Cryoelectronics and the next steps will involve testing these Josephson junctions as well as patterning and measuring a superconducting resonator.
Figure 9: LabView plot of resistance as we sweep current from 0 to 10 microamps at room temperature.
Figure 8: Schematic of two-point measurement of a YBCO sample.
Motivation: In 2018, the National Quantum Initiative Act was implemented, which recognized the importance of strategic, federally coordinated support for QISE research to maintain economic competitiveness, sustain national security, and fuel transformative scientific advancement. Specifically, this directive tasked the National Science Foundation, Department of Energy, and National Institute of Standards and Technology to carry out QISE basic research, investigate quantum cybersecurity, as well as establish multidisciplinary centers for quantum research and education [1]. This immediately accelerated the pace of an already rapidly advancing field and, consequently, surged the demands for trained quantum engineers [2]. A plan to meet these demands is considered urgent --- experts fear that the talent shortage may be the factor that hampers advancement [3]. To this end, the Colorado School of Mines has developed a specialized interdisciplinary Quantum Engineering educational program, in which the curriculum includes a hands-on course in Low Temperature and Microwave Measurement (EEGN532). The most routine route for obtaining cryogenic measurements skills is through a 5.5-8 years of research through a physics Ph.D. program. EEGN532 offers an easier, faster route for a multidisciplinary audience.
Objective:Here, we develop a cryogenic measurement setup for electrical transport measurements that students in EEGN532 will use to perform experiments on superconductors, including films, Josephson junctions, and resonators. Specifically, we assembled a Janis SHI-4-2 0.2W optical cryostat with a base temperature around 3.5 K, added 19 wires for DC electrical transport measurements, designed and ordered a PC board based sample stage, and programmed automated measurements of electrical transport properties (e.g. current-voltage IV characteristics and temperature-dependent resistance) using Python scripting.
The response of materials to changes in temperature can provide insight into the physical origins of scientifically interesting properties. In addition, low temperatures are often required to reveal quantum mechanical properties or other effects obfuscated by high thermal energy at room temperature. For example, superconductors conduct electricity very efficiently, but only when cooled to very low temperatures. Some devices, including next-generation computing components, only operate effectively at low temperatures. Our set up will enable teaching modules and research spanning a range of systems. Here,
References:
Figure 5: The breakout box has 20 BNC bulkheads of which 19 are wired from each BNC connector to a larger connector that attaches to a cable, connecting the BNC bulkheads to the cryostat. We equip each BNC bulkhead with a switch that allows the user to ground the connection when not collecting data in order to preserve the sample and reduce noise in the system. We connect the measurement devices to the BNC bulkhead by way of a Banana to BNC connector.
Figure 4: This PC board has 19 gold plated pads and a Micro-D connector that is soldered onto a brass back plate in which the sample is to be attached. The PCB board allows the user to bond wires from their sample onto the gold pads that send and receive signals from our Current, Voltage and Temperature measurement devices.
Figure 3: This PC board concept has 3 SMA connectors each wired to the gold-plated pads near the larger plated pad in which our samples are mounted. Additionally, we ground the outer prongs of each SMA connector to the larger pad in the center. The PCB board allows the user to bond wires from their sample onto three gold pads that send and receive signals from our Current, Voltage and Temperature measurement devices.
Figure 6: Our cable that connects the breakout box to the DC feedthrough is 20 wired twisted pairs cable which is a technique used to reduce outgoing noise and incoming noise related to electromagnetic interference. We then solder individual wires from the feedthrough that are wrapped around the cold finger and soldered onto a Micro-D connector that can detach from the 19 pin PC board.
SMA Connector
Sample Mount Pad
Micro-D Connector
Cold Finger
Feed Through with Cable
[1]. National Quantum Initiative Act, H.R.6227, 115th Cong. (2017)[2]. Amin, M. N., & Uhlig, R. P., & Dey, P. P., & Sinha, B., & Jawad, S. (2019, April), The Needs and Challenges of Workforce Development in Quantum Computing Paper presented at 2019 Pacific Southwest Section Meeting, California State University, Los Angeles , California. https://peer.asee.org/31846[3]. C. Leddy. (2019, January), The talent shortage in quantum computing, MIT News. https://news.mit.edu/2019/mit-william-oliver-qanda-talent-shortage-quantum-computing-0123[4]. Jack W. Ekin. (2006), Experimental Techniques for Low-Temperature Measurements: Cryostat Design, Material Properties, and Superconductor Critical-Current Testing, Oxford University Press Inc, New York[5]. Wikipedia contributors. (2021, January 18). Cryocooler. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 02:31, April 28, 2021, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Cryocooler&oldid=1001156107
Figure 1: Schematic of GM refrigerator configuration [4]
a) The displacer sits on the bottom of the compressor while the cold head is connected to the hp. The gas enters the regenerator at ambient temperature Ta and cooled by releasing heat into the regenerator material.
b) The hp valve is closed and the lp valve opened. Part of the gas flows through the regenerator to the lp side of the compressor. The expansion of the gas is isothermal, so heat is taken up from the application.
c) The displacer moves to the bottom with the cold head connected to the lp side of the compressor forcing the cold gas to pass the regenerator, while taking up heat from the regenerator.
d) The lp valve is closed and the hp valve opened with fixed position of the displacer. The gas, now in the hot end of the cold head, is compressed and heat is released to the surroundings. In the end of this step, we are back in position a.
Figure 2: Four step GM thermodynamic process [5]
we focused on designing a setup for 3 experiments: Measuring R vs T in superconductors, measuring IV characteristics of superconductors and Josephson Junctions, and measuring the Frequency Response of Superconducting Resonators. Our samples sit on the cold finger and is cooled by the Gifford-McMahon (GM) thermodynamic cycle. The Janis system is a closed cycle cryostat in which ultra-cold temperatures are reached by a closed loop of helium gas that is compressed and expanded.
Designing PC board-based Sample Holders
Controlling connections between device and Source-Measure Units
Wiring
Acknowledgments
I want to thank Kirsten Blagg who was an immeasurable resource when I needed better insight, Paul Slayback for being another set of hands when necessary, and Dr. Serena Eley for her patience, guidance and constant support.
Cold Finger
Wiring
Micro-D
Feed Through with Cable
SMA Connector
Sample Mount Pad
SMA Connector
Sample Mount Pad
Micro-D Connector
Brass Backplate
The cycle starts with the low-pressure (lp) valve closed, the high-pressure (hp) valve open, and the displacer at the bottom (so in the cold region). All the gas is at room temperature.
Electrical Wiring
Figure 10: Near Ohmic behavior of our YBCO sample at 165 K. System has noise associated with the the electrical wiring.
Figure 11: LakeShore Temperature Controller near base temperature of 4 Kelvin
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