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.
Authors
- Goutam Sheet (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5290-1738)
- Ghulam Mohmad (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-2998-1367)
- Atanu Mishra
Institutions
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali (IN)
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
Funders
- Science and Engineering Research Board