Allectra create a ‘Cryo’ feedthrough for University of Nottingham

September 2015: Allectra recently supplied a ‘Cryo’ feedthrough assembly to the Ultracold Atoms Lab, Quantum Technology Hub at the University of Nottingham.

This component will be used for experiments where cold atoms are used to probe samples to measure their magnetic fields or probe their current paths when current is sent through the samples.

To achieve these results, there is a three step process:

  • First, 10^9 atoms of rubidium are trapped and cooled down below microkelvin temperature. Allectra’s 5KV power feedthrough is used to achieve the high currents required (up to 100 A).

  • Next, the atoms are transported from the cooling region toward the regions where the samples are held with a couple of centimetres of distance. For that, moderate currents are needed, typically 10 Amps and so Allectra’s 1KV power feedthrough is used.

  • Lastly, for the precise positioning of the atoms (few microns from the surface of the sample) and to send currents through the samples, Allectra’s High Density 26 way feedthrough was chosen as small currents (1A) are required.

The copper stem located in the middle of the flange is used to fix the sample holder that also incorporates the features needed for atomic trapping, cooling and transport. As high currents are used, heat management is important and copper stem serves as a heat sink. On the air side, active cooling (Peltier elements) are added to improve the heat transport and prevent the whole assembly from overheating.

The ‘ultracold’ part of the Midlands Physics Alliance (a strategic partnership between the Universities of Nottingham, Birmingham and Warwick) targets cutting-edge interdisciplinary research at the rapidly evolving interface between cold atom, condensed matter and optical physics.

Allectra also made a ‘Surface’ feedthrough for Nottingham University, pictured above right

ALLECTRA ‘CRYO’ FEEDTHROUGH FOR UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM