SQUID Magnetometry and Low Temperature

Scientist in charge

Dr. José Luis Martínez Peña (Research Professor)

Technician in charge

Dr. Eva Céspedes (Technologist)

Cryogenics Technician

Luis Miguel Balo (Research Assistance)

Contact

+34 913349000 ext. 437204 / 397
+34 917166025 (direct number)

Location

Lab S59 (basement)
ICMM-CSIC, C/ de Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, 3 28049 Madrid, España

This service of the Materials Science Institute of Madrid offers advice and access to magnetic characterizations through different techniques to both ICMM and external users.

The SQUID Magnetometry and Low Temperature Service is dedicated to measure the magnetic properties of a wide variety of materials, under very defined conditions of magnetic field and temperature. It owns two Quantum Design Magnetic Properties Measurement Systems (QD-MPMS) magnetometers, based on SQUID (Superconducting Quantum Interference Device) sensors, and two PPMS (Physical Property Measurement System), with high resolution for advanced characterizations in Physics and Materials Science.

Measurements:

•    DC measurements using VSM extraction magnetometry or SQUID magnetometry, including magnetization vs. temperature (M-T) or vs. field (M-H) measurements, from 1.8 to 400 K
•    AC susceptibility (magnetic dynamics, from 0.1 Hz to 10 kHz) from 1.8 a 400 K
•    AC susceptibility at room temperature (from 3 Hz to 500 kHz)
•    SQUID high temperature magnetometry (from 300 to 1000 K), using a special ceramic sample holder
•    Non-standard measurements are also available

Equipment:

• SQUID magnetometer Quantum Design MPMS-3 allowing multiple modes (DC, VSM and AC Susceptibility). Maximum magnetic field is ± 7 T. Temperature range is from 1.8 to 400 K, with rapid Temp (300 to 1.8 K in 25 min). High temperature range from 300 to 1000 K with oven stick option.

• SQUID magnetometer Quantum Design MPMS-5 with very high sensitivity. DC measurements. Maximum magnetic field is ±5 T. Temperature range is from 1.8 to 400 K

• Quantum Design PPMS-9T, allowing VSM, AC Susceptibility, electrical measurements or heat capacity and thermal conductivity. Maximum field is ±9 T; Temperature range is from 1.8 to 400 K

• Quantum Design PPMS-14T, allowing VSM, AC Susceptibility, electrical measurements or heat capacity. Maximum field is ±9 T; Temperature range is from 1.8 to 400 K

Dynomag enables the measurement of AC susceptibility with a 0.5 mT field at room temperature over a wide frequency range (3 Hz to 500 kHz). It stands out for its versatility (various sample types) and speed, making it suitable for time-resolved studies of interaction, binding, or degradation.

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Allowed samples

Powder or bulk samples. The maximum amount will depend on the magnetic response of the material (typically a few milligrams).
Thin films onto different substrates (maximum size is 6 x 6 x 1 mm3, ideally an area around 5 x 5 mm2) and single crystals (5 x 5 x 5 mm3 maximum). Different orientations versus the magnetic field can be measured, such as in-plane or out-of-plane measurements.
In SQUID magnetometers or PPMS liquid samples are not allowed, but solutions can be measured by drying a few microliters of the colloid in the capsules with cotton.
The Dynomag equipment allows the measurement of liquid samples, gels, powders, etc

Protocols

It is possible to request advice and analysis quotation by contacting the service, either in English or Spanish. Direct access to service request (by LIMS) and to rates can be done through the web-links at the end of this page.
The service has a 3 months periodic schedule to carry out verifications with a Palladium standard sample or Dy₂O₃ powder (for Dynomag) in order to improve the reliability of the obtained data and to check the equipment status. If necessary, calibrations are performed.
The SQUID Magnetometry and Low Temperature service is strongly committed to high quality and continuous improvement, seeking internal and external satisfaction. The service provides a user’s form (in Spanish and English) to report improvement suggestions and to express their dissatisfaction or congratulations in relation to the service. It can be accessed both from the website of the Scientific and Technical Services Unit and from the service itself, at the end of this page.

Application sectors

Aerospace Sector, Renewable Energy, Biomedicine, Nanomagnetism, Permanent Magnets, Spintronics, High Density Recording Devices, Medical Diagnosis or Drug Administration.