Invitation To Tender - Dilution Refrigerator

The National Physical Laboratory [NPL] requirement is for a cryogenic measurement platform for the purposes of quantum devices testing. Devices under test will typically be semiconductor or superconductor nanodevices, for instance functioning as prototype quantum bits, quantum sensors, or quantum electrical standards.

The required temperatures and continuous run time required dictate that this must be a ‘dry’ dilution fridge system with base temperature <30 mK and with the sample under vacuum. This will feature a gas handling unit and pumping system with control software for automated cooldown and remote monitoring. We have several systems like this from various manufacturers and have extensive experience with this technology.

This particular unit will be installed into a screened room in a newly refurbished/extended metrology lab, the Advanced Quantum Metrology Lab (AQML). This imposes some constraints on the geometry of the fridge installation and the location of external pumps and compressors, including the requirements to run all electrical and gas lines to the fridge via the metal bulkhead of the shielded room.