Zero Point Cryogenics has redesigned its Model I dilution refrigerator, significantly expanding the scale of experiments possible within its compact footprint. The updated system now accommodates samples up to 250 mm in diameter, a substantial increase from the original 150 mm, and supports up to 20 SMA coax lines alongside hundreds of DC lines.
This increased capacity addresses the growing need for more complex control and readout in quantum experiments while maintaining the company’s focus on enabling scientific advancement rather than hardware operation, Zero Point Cryogenics says. Zero Point Cryogenics describes its mission as helping customers “focus on developing quantum technologies rather than spending their days operating complex fridges.”
Model I Redesign Prioritizes Faster Cooldowns & Accessibility
This expanded space allows researchers to integrate larger and more complex experimental setups within the cryogenic environment, a critical factor for advancements in areas like qubit control and readout. Zero Point Cryogenics achieved this increase in volume while also prioritizing ease of access for experimental manipulation, according to the company. Beyond the larger sample chamber, the system’s internal architecture has undergone significant changes to accelerate cooldown times and simplify workflow.
A newly added dedicated cold plate improves thermalization pathways, and the strategic re-engineering of heat switch design and location contributes to faster temperature stabilization. Removable cassettes on all stages now provide easier access to the experimental setup, and flexible sample switching is possible at tabletop height, eliminating the need for complex lifting equipment. The company states that “this specialized geometry allows for a simple, single-person sample exchange without requiring complex overhead cranes or hazardous handling.”
The Model I also addresses the increasing demands for signal integrity in complex quantum experiments. The system can now accommodate up to 20 SMA coax lines, a considerable improvement over the 8-10 lines in the previous design, enabling a higher density of microwave control and readout. Hundreds of DC lines can be integrated, with options for EMI shielding to minimize interference and ensure accurate measurements.
The redesigned system maintains full optical access, supporting add-on features like fiber optics and five-axis optical window access. The footprint of the redesigned Model I has expanded to 2.0 m², encompassing the entire Gas Handling System, but the sample remains at a comfortable benchtop height for convenient operation and magnet compatibility.
Zero-Solder Construction Ensures Cryogenic Reliability & 48-Month Warranty
Zero Point Cryogenics’ commitment to long-term reliability is embedded in the construction of its redesigned Model I dilution refrigerator, eschewing solder entirely in favor of all-metal seals. The absence of soldered connections eliminates potential porous pathways that could compromise the integrity of the cryogenic environment over extended operation.
This dedication to robust engineering underpins a new level of assurance for customers, as Zero Point Cryogenics now offers a 48-month warranty on every manufactured component within the Model I. This extended warranty, significantly longer than typical industry standards, reflects the company’s confidence in the system’s durability and its commitment to minimizing downtime for sensitive quantum experiments. Beyond the mechanical integrity, the Model I incorporates galvanic isolation to further protect delicate measurements, minimizing ground-loop noise, a common source of interference in sensitive quantum devices, and ensuring signal clarity even with increasingly complex experimental setups.
The re-engineered still pumping line also contributes to overall system efficiency, while an auxiliary pumping system and extended-life cryogen-free cold trap enhance vacuum maintenance. The combination of these features positions the Model I as a dependable platform for pushing the boundaries of quantum research, backed by an industry-leading warranty that provides peace of mind to researchers and institutions alike.
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