cryogenic Vibration Isolation enabling Low Temperature Scanning Probe Microscopy in cryogen-free dilution refrigerators

Project Information

cVIS-QM

Grant agreement ID: 101194541

DOI

10.3030/101194541

Project closed

EC signature date 6 November 2024

Start date 1 November 2024

End date 31 July 2025

Funded under

• The European Innovation Council (EIC)

Total cost

No data

EU contribution

€ 49 949,00

Coordinated by

LEIDEN SPIN IMAGING BV
Netherlands

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - cVIS-QM (cryogenic Vibration Isolation enabling Low Temperature Scanning Probe Microscopy in cryogen-free dilution refrigerators)

Reporting period: 2024-11-01 to 2025-07-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Quantum technology development in Europe is limited by vibrations in cryogen-free dilution refrigerators, which hinder scanning probe microscopy (SPM) and other ultrasensitive techniques at milli-Kelvin temperatures. While these systems avoid liquid helium dependence and allow large-scale operation, vibrations from pulse tube coolers restrict qubit characterization, slowing quantum computing and sensing progress.

The cVIS-QM project tackled this by commercializing cryogenic vibration isolation (cVIS) from the QuCoM Pathfinder project, focusing on:

Demonstrating vibration isolation inside a dilution refrigerator for high-resolution SPM.

Conducting a market study to assess user needs and opportunities.

Defining a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) for integration into cryostats and labs.

Impact includes enabling nanoscale imaging at milli-Kelvin temperatures, providing retrofit solutions for existing refrigerators, and strengthening Europe’s technological sovereignty in quantum technologies, supporting the Quantum Flagship and Chips Act.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The cVIS-QM project had three work packages: WP1 – Demonstrator, WP2 – Market Study, WP3 – MVP Definition, focusing on validating cryogenic vibration isolation (cVIS) in dry dilution refrigerators, its impact on scanning probe microscopy (SPM), and defining commercialization requirements.

WP1 – Demonstrator: A compact cVIS unit was installed in a cryogen-free dilution refrigerator. Design optimization achieved a first resonance below 0.5 Hz. Integration proved straightforward, and an STM suspended on cVIS achieved sub-nanometer vertical resolution despite pulse tube vibrations, validating stable high-resolution SPM operation at milli-Kelvin temperatures.

WP2 – Market Study: Over 10 in-depth interviews and ~70 conference interactions confirmed vibration isolation as essential for SPM (AFM, STM, SQUID-on-tip) and levitation-based sensing, with retrofit compatibility highly valued.

WP3 – MVP Definition: Insights from WP1 and WP2 defined an MVP for Bluefors LD series cryostats with <0.5 Hz resonance, -100 dB attenuation, passive, non-magnetic, and magnet-compatible design. No competing solutions exist, confirming strong demand.

cVIS-QM achieved technical feasibility, validated user need, and defined a user-informed MVP, enabling widespread adoption of cryogen-free dilution refrigerators for quantum research.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

Results Overview:
The cVIS-QM project achieved three main outcomes:

Technical feasibility: Installed a compact cryogenic vibration isolation (cVIS) system in a cryogen-free dilution refrigerator, enabling sub-nanometer STM imaging with both pulse tubes active.

Market validation: ~10 interviews and 70+ discussions confirmed strong demand for retrofit vibration isolation for SPM and levitation-based sensing.

MVP definition: Specified a product for Bluefors LD cryostats with <0.5 Hz resonance, -100 dB attenuation, passive, non-magnetic, magnet-compatible, and <24h additional cooldown.

Potential Impacts:

Scientific: Enables high-resolution SPM (AFM, STM, SQUID-on-tip) at milli-Kelvin temperatures, advancing qubit metrology and adoption of cryogen-free systems.

Industrial: Opens markets in quantum computing and nanotechnology, supports device fabrication, and strengthens Europe’s cryostat competitiveness.

Economic/Societal: Reduces helium dependence, accelerates scalable quantum computing, aligns with Quantum Flagship and Chips Act goals.

Next Steps:
Further R&D across SPM techniques and platforms, finalize MVP, secure IP, engage early adopters, access funding, and align cVIS as a standard module in European quantum infrastructure.