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Physics Superconductivity and Magnetism

Laboratory Measurements

Our laboratories here at Warwick are well equipped for the study of superconducting and magnetic materials.

Magnetic Measurements

We have established a Centre for Magnetic Measurements based in the laboratories of the Superconductivity and Magnetism Group here in Physics Department at the University of Warwick. The magnetometers and susceptometers described below are used to make measurements on a wide range of magnetic materials.

Research scientists from many different disciplines including Physics, Biology, Chemistry and Materials Science have already taken advantage of these facilities. Some of the users are from Departments here at Warwick, while others are based at other UK HEI's or research centres.

If you think that studies of the magnetic properties of your samples may be of help in your work, please contact Martin LeesLink opens in a new window to discuss the possibility of collaborating.

VSM
  
Oxford Instruments Vibrating Sample Magnetometer

We have an Oxford Instruments vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) with a 9 tesla superconducting solenoid.

The VSM can operate between 1.4 and 300 K using a standard Variable Temperature Insert (VTI).

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Oxford Instruments MagLab VSM with 9 T magnet and 1.4 to 320 K VTI. The photograph shows the cryostat on the left mounted inside its vibration isolation frame. To the right of the picture is the instrument rack.
Quantum Design MPMS-5S SQUID Magnetometer
Our 50 kOe (5 T) Quantum Design MPMS-5S SQUID magnetometerLink opens in a new window is used to make high sensitivity DC magnetisation measurements in the temperature range 1.8 to 400 K. This instrument has a resolution of 5 x 10-8 emu. The system includes an Ultra-Low Field Capability (±0.05 G), an environmental shield, and the SQUID AC Susceptibility measurement option - 0.1 Hz to 1 kHz with a sensitivity of 2 x l0 -8 emu at 0 G. The system also has the continuous low temperature and temperature sweep options.
 
  

SQUID
easyLab Mcell 10

We have an Almax easyLab Mcell 10Link opens in a new window high-pressure cell for carrying out dc magnetisation measurements under pressures of up to 1 GPa in our SQUID magnetometer. The single walled hydrostatic cell has a pressure volume of 1.9 mm diameter by 10 mm length. The pressure is monitored in-situ using a Sn manometer.

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 Quantum Design MPMS-5S SQUID magnetometer with 5 T magnet, RSO and continuous low temperature option.
Quantum Design MPMS-XL SQUID Magnetometer

We have a 70 kOe (7 T) Quantum Design MPMS-XL SQUID magnetometerLink opens in a new window. This instrument has sample rotators. It is used to measure dc magnetisation in the temperature range 1.8 to 400 K and has a resolution of 5 x 10-8 emu. The magnetometer has the continuous low temperature, temperature sweep, and reciprocating sample options. Our easyLab Mcell 10 pressure cell can also be used in this system.

  

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IQuantum iHelium3 low temperature insert

We have an iQuantum iHelium3Link opens in a new window insert that extends the temperature range of the dc magnetisation measurements in our QD MPMS-XL magnetometer to ~0.5 K. The specifications of the iHe3 system are as follows:

    
  • Temperature range: 0.48 to 1.8 K
  • Temperature stability: 0.5%
  • Cool down time < 6 hours
  • 3He insert’s background (typical): 2×10−4 emu at 50 Oe
  • 3He run time > 5 hours
    
PPMS
  
Quantum Design Physical Property Measurement System (PPMS)

We have two Quantum Design Physical Property Measurement Systems (PPMS)

Thermodynamic Measurements

One system has a P650 heat capacity option. Measurements of heat capacity can be made between 0.4 and 400 K in magnetic fields of up to 9 T. Samples with masses of between 5 and 500 mg can be measured with a resolution of 10 nJ/K @ 2.0 K. The system uses a 2 tau heat pulse-relaxation technique.

For more information on the PPMS heat capacity system click hereLink opens in a new window to view a PDF file of the Quantum Design Application Note

Transport measurements

Our second system can be used to carry out AC and DC resistivity measurements (300 mK base) and collect 4 and 5 wire balanced Hall effect and I-V curves (1.8 - 400 K).

For more information click hereLink opens in a new window to view the Quantum Design electro-transport option note

The thermal transportLink opens in a new window option allows measurements of thermal conductance, K, and Seebeck coefficient, S.

 
The QD PPMS measurement system consisting of dewar with superconducting magnet and associated control electronics.

 

AC Susceptibility

We have a low frequency (1 mHz to 300 Hz) ac magnetic susceptibility option in our QD MPMS-5S and a higher frequency (10 - 10 kHz) ACMS susceptometer in our 9 T PPMS, We can also perform ac susceptibility measurements at temperatures between 1.5 - 320 K in the frequency range 20 to 10000 Hz and where Hac < 100 Oe in a home built ac susceptometer.

AS Products orange cryostat

One of our home built ac susceptometers uses an AS products 50 mm orange cryostat that operate between 1.5 K and room temperature.

 

 

 

  

One of our "Orange" cryostats. This is used to make ac susceptibility measurements between 1.5 K and room temperature.