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

Projektinformationen

cVIS-QM

ID Finanzhilfevereinbarung: 101194541

DOI

10.3030/101194541

Projekt abgeschlossen

EK-Unterschriftsdatum 6 November 2024

Startdatum 1 November 2024

Enddatum 31 Juli 2025

Finanziert unter

• The European Innovation Council (EIC)

Gesamtkosten

Keine Daten

EU-Beitrag

€ 49 949,00

Koordiniert durch

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)

Berichtszeitraum: 2024-11-01 bis 2025-07-31

Zusammenfassung vom Kontext und den Gesamtzielen des Projekts

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.

Arbeit, die ab Beginn des Projekts bis zum Ende des durch den Bericht erfassten Berichtszeitraums geleistet wurde, und die wichtigsten bis dahin erzielten Ergebnisse

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.

Fortschritte, die über den aktuellen Stand der Technik hinausgehen und voraussichtliche potenzielle Auswirkungen (einschließlich der bis dato erzielten sozioökonomischen Auswirkungen und weiter gefassten gesellschaftlichen Auswirkungen des Projekts)

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.