Inside the DRY ICE-Q DYAD: Ultralow-Vibration Cryostat Design
At ICEoxford, we are committed to providing high-performance environments that are essential to advance condensed matter physics and quantum materials research. As experimental requirements grow more stringent, the need for colder and more stable environments, along with rapid sample turnaround, becomes paramount. To address these challenges, we have developed the DRY ICE-Q DYAD — a high-performance split cryostat engineered to deliver ultra-low vibrations at 1.3K, all while maintaining the highest standards of mechanical and thermal stability.
The DRY ICE-Q DYAD is built upon our advanced ICE-Q, modular architecture that streamlines the path from setup to data collection. The DRY ICE-Q DYAD benefits from optimised thermal links from the cryostat module to the sample space that sits independently on an optical table. The system has an industry-leading base temperature of 1.3K, along with exceptionally rapid cooldown times of less than 90 minutes (achieved on the probe loading variation without a sample mass). This efficiency allows researchers to maximise their lab's productivity, enabling multiple experimental iterations in a single day.
Precision is at the heart of the Dyad’s engineering. The system achieves <5nm vibration between 100 - 200Hz, and <20nm between 1 - 200Hz (peak to peak). This level of structural quiet is critical for researchers utilising high-resolution microscopy, scanning probe techniques, or any application where mechanical interference could obscure delicate quantum phenomena. To complement this stability, the internal frame is optimised for the integration of X-Y-Z Nanopositioners, providing sub-micron control over sample orientation throughout the entire thermal cycle.
Versatility is a core component of the ICE-Q platform, and the Dyad is no exception. The re-engineered chassis is designed for high-density connectivity, supporting a wide array of wiring looms including DC, Coaxial, and Fibre Optic options. This flexibility ensures the system can handle the increasing complexity of modern multi-channel quantum devices. Furthermore, the Dyad supports a diverse range of magnetic environments, from 6-1-1 Vector Rotate units for 3D field manipulation to high-field 12T Solenoids, and up to 7T Split Pair all while maintaining a compact and manageable footprint.
As quantum technologies move from fundamental research toward scalable realities, the DRY ICE-Q DYAD provides the robust and adaptable foundation required for the next generation of breakthroughs. By combining rapid thermal cycling with an incredibly quiet mechanical environment, we are delivering the "thermal silence" necessary for the discoveries of tomorrow.
At ICEoxford, we continue to push the boundaries of cryogenic engineering, ensuring our customers are equipped with the tools to focus entirely on their science.
Built for Discovery, Engineered for Scale.
