A top-loading point-contact spectroscopy probe with <i>in-situ</i> sample exchange for dilution refrigerators

We report the design and implementation of a point-contact spectroscopy system integrated with a dilution refrigerator, enabling measurements down to 30 mK. The setup employs a needle-anvil geometry with a cryogenic piezo-driven nanopositioner for in situ formation of mesoscopic point contacts. We discuss the thermal anchoring strategies that enable efficient cooling of the probe to ultra-low temperatures and reliable measurements. We also address positioner-related challenges and the solutions implemented to ensure stable operation at millikelvin temperatures. The performance of the probe is demonstrated through point contact spectroscopy on Ta-doped TiSe2 (TaxTi1-xSe2, x = 0.2), a superconductor with Tc ≈ 2.3 K and niobium with Tc ≈ 9.2 K. The spectra exhibit well-defined superconducting features that systematically diminish with increasing temperature and magnetic field. The platform provides a robust and versatile tool for spectroscopic investigations of superconductors and other quantum materials at millikelvin temperatures and high magnetic fields.

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Publication Details

Journal
Review of Scientific Instruments
Published
2026-07-01
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0337023
Primary Topic
Superconducting and THz Device Technology
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

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article

A top-loading point-contact spectroscopy probe with in-situ sample exchange for dilution refrigerators

Goutam Sheet, Ghulam Mohmad, Atanu Mishra
Review of Scientific Instruments
Superconducting and THz Device Technology
article

A top-loading point-contact spectroscopy probe with in-situ sample exchange for dilution refrigerators

Goutam Sheet, Ghulam Mohmad, Atanu Mishra
article en

Abstract

We report the design and implementation of a point-contact spectroscopy system integrated with a dilution refrigerator, enabling measurements down to 30 mK. The setup employs a needle-anvil geometry with a cryogenic piezo-driven nanopositioner for in situ formation of mesoscopic point contacts. We discuss the thermal anchoring strategies that enable efficient cooling of the probe to ultra-low temperatures and reliable measurements. We also address positioner-related challenges and the solutions implemented to ensure stable operation at millikelvin temperatures. The performance of the probe is demonstrated through point contact spectroscopy on Ta-doped TiSe2 (TaxTi1-xSe2, x = 0.2), a superconductor with Tc ≈ 2.3 K and niobium with Tc ≈ 9.2 K. The spectra exhibit well-defined superconducting features that systematically diminish with increasing temperature and magnetic field. The platform provides a robust and versatile tool for spectroscopic investigations of superconductors and other quantum materials at millikelvin temperatures and high magnetic fields.

Review of Scientific InstrumentsVol. 97(7)
Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali (IN)
Science and Engineering Research Board
Affordable and clean energy
Openalex Percentile: Top 10%
Superconducting and THz Device Technology
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