The study of condensed matter/solid state physics not only provides a diverse playground of unique fundamental physics phenomena, but its practical application constitutes the backbone of current and future technologies based on semiconductor, magnetic, superconducting, and quantum materials. 

Quantum Design's VersaLab® combines a research and teaching measurement platform for physics education and student laboratories primarily geared towards solid-state physics and material science. The VersaLab is a portable, cryogen-free cryocooler-based material characterization platform, that allows students to gain hands-on experience in sample testing using an industry leading physical properties measurement system. With a temperature range of 50 – 400K, this 3 Tesla platform is perfect for accomplishing many types of materials characterization in a limited space, with no requirements for cryogenic liquids or high power infrastructure. The VersaLab is a fully automated turnkey system with a user-friendly interface, and utilizes technology developed for Quantum Design's popular Physical Property Measurement System (PPMS®).

More specifically, this laboratory immersion will focus on electric transport (DC and AC), thermal (heat capacity), and magnetic (vibrating sample magnetometry) measurements of magnetite.  Magnetite is an easy to obtain mineral that undergoes a metal-to-insulator Verwey transition near 120 K.  This metal-to-insulator transition can of course be observed directly in electric transport measurements, but also becomes apparent in temperature dependent measurements of the heat capacity and magnetic moment.  Students will therefore learn how to identify phase transitions using a variety of experimental methods at cryogenic temperatures and high magnetic fields. 

 Electric Transport Learning Outcomes:

•         Apply basic Ohm’s Law principles to both 4-wire and 2-wire measurements
•         Learn the differences between a DC and AC resistance measurements
•         Students will develop proficiency in techniques and considerations for wiring and mounting samples for electric transport measurements
•         Students will apply foundational knowledge of relevant solid-state physics to resistance vs. temperature characterization

Heat Capacity Learning Outcomes:

•         Students will apply foundational knowledge of relevant solid-state physics to heat capacity measurements
•         Students will gain experience with small sample handling
•         Students will observe a first order phase transition and experience the technical nuances with such a measurement

Vibrating Sample Magnetometry Learning Outcomes:

•         Apply the fundamental concept of magnetic induction and Faraday’s law to magnetometry
•         Students will apply foundational knowledge of relevant solid-state physics to magnetic moment vs. temperature and moment vs. field characterization
•         Students will become familiar with concept of magnetic hysteresis
•         Students will develop proficiency in techniques for optimal mounting samples for magnetic   measurements to minimize instrumental artifacts

Attendees will acquire hands on experience with sample preparation, setting up the measurement sequences and configuring the VersaLab for each experiment, and subsequent data analysis.  Everything required will be provided on site.  

VersaLab Estimated Cost (depends on options):  ~$159,000