
Cryostation standard series
Montana Instruments
The CRYOSTATION® standard line evolved from the original Montana Instruments system, setting a new standard of performance and usability in a closed-cycle optical cryostat. It offers a versatile tabletop mounting architecture with patented vibration damping technologies to deliver exceptional thermal and vibrational performance without sacrificing ease-of-use. Today, the Cryostation s-series is available in a variety of configurations with additional options and add-ons to fit the unique needs of each researcher and experiment.Performance Benefits
Low thermal fluctuations and nanometer level vibrations provide a stable measurement environment
Wide temperature ranges (3.2K - 350K) with fast cooldowns make the instrument more productive
Closed-cycle operation means no helium is consumed, so users avoid the high costs, uncertain supply, and challenging operation associated with liquid cryogens
Usability Benefits
Straightforward user interface and fully-automated control system increases experimental efficiency
Incredible sample, electrical, and optical access provides total experiment flexibility
Fully-integrated, turn-key design gets you up and running quickly with minimal effort
Tabletop design integrates into existing setups and can be moved easily
Features
Cooling System Components
Closed-cycle (cryogen-free) Gifford-McMahon (GM) 2-Stage cryocooler recirculates a fixed supply of helium gas to cool stages within the cold head
Minimal operating costs – avoid the high costs & uncertain supply of liquid helium
Hassle-free operation – save time & energy by eliminating the challenging logistics associated with open-cycle (flow) systems, such as constant monitoring of helium levels, swapping out tanks, and manual temperature monitoring and valve control
1
Variable speed helium compressor pumps helium gas in and out of the cryocooler
Cryostation - compressor
Minimal infrastructure requirements - single-phase 50/60 Hz, 200-240 VAC, air cooled, 1-3 kW
Low energy and noise - variable flow technology optimizes input power to avoid wasting energy and extend the service life of the cold head
High power mode facilitates faster cooldowns and can accommodate larger heat loads when necessary
2
System Architecture
Cryostat & sample chamber mount directly to any optical table
Accessible – various experimental setups are easily implemented around the instrument while maintaining sample & optical access
Flexible - mount at 45° or parallel to hole pattern on Imperial or Metric table
Modular - easily move the system without being tied to the table or an external support structure
3
System Control
User interface mini-laptop PC (Windows®) with control software
Cryostation - laptop
Fully automated & optimized temperature control – simply set the target temperature & press cooldown
Monitor the status of system parameters – the user interface displays real-time cooldown, temperature, and temperature stability
Software logs cooldowns with built-in diagnostics
4
TCP/IP and DLL commands via OLE Automation (supports LabVIEW, Python, C++ & other programs)
Remote control - conveniently control the system from any computer or cellphone with internet access
External scripting – program system parameters to automate measurements, such as temperature stepping or ramping at defined intervals
Solve issues quickly with remote customer service – technicians can network into your system for real-time troubleshooting and diagnostic assistance
Control Unit includes the vacuum pump, power supply & temperature control electronics
Cryostation - control unit
Complete process automation – controls and optimizes system parameters during vacuum pump out, cooldown, stabilization, warmup, and venting
Straightforward system monitoring - protect the system and sample with automated process monitoring and diagnostic support
Self-activated dry nitrogen clean gas purge when warming up helps reduce environmental contaminates and facilitates faster cooldowns
5
Sample Environment
Sample space accessed by lifting off outer window (vacuum) housing assembly & radiation shield
Cryostation -lifting off lid
Configurable experimental setup – various sample mounting schemes & positional control options are available, including fiber and RF probe assemblies for photonic probe station setups
Preinstalled electrical connections – user feedthroughs with terminals inside the sample space offer low frequency connections for DC measurements or additional thermometers
Expanded interfacing options – route RF, fiber, gas and additional DC connections into the sample space through available side panels
Optical access provided from all sides with multiple radial ports and a top window
Cryostation s200 - view of platform
Flexible integration options – accommodate various measurement geometries, such as transmission, side reflection, and overhead microscopy
Improved collection efficiency - high NA & low working distance options available
Optical substrates – easily swap out windows for various wavelengths and application requirements
Performance
A combination of patented and proprietary techniques optimizes thermal and mechanical stability without sacrificing temperature or cooling power
Consistently reach base temperature – intentional thermal design with the use of proprietary materials and damping techniques allows the system to achieve the lowest temperatures possible for a given setup
Setup sensitive measurements with low noise - a patented vibration damping architecture rigidly supports the sample while isolating cryocooler energy to achieve nanometer level vibrations
Maintain sample alignment across the full temperature range - a thermal contraction-canceling platform minimizes sample stage positional drift
Remain in focus at each setpoint with precise temperature stability - active and passive control parameters help to achieve greater than a 20x reduction in cryocooler-induced thermal fluctuations on the platform
CE Compliant
CE-mark
More information on compliance or copies of the Declaration of Conformity available upon request.
Models and Specifications

Options
Mechanical
The Cryostation design allows for flexible configuration of the sample space to accommodate various internal working volumes, beam heights, and optical access. The standard housing includes 50mm side and top windows with 30mm inner cold radiation shield windows.
Optical
The standard Cryostation offers unobstructed optical access to the sample space through window ports on the side and top of the sample housing. The number of available optical ports is dependent on the model (refer to specifications for details).
The window ports can be further customized for unique optical experiments. A custom tilted window holder can be incorporated to eliminate fringe patterns and avoid unwanted cavity feedback. Modifications for additional optical ports, such as a bottom window holder for vertical transmission, are also available. Please inquire for custom window configuration requests.
Interfacing
In addition to the pre-installed electrical connections for low frequency and low power applications, additional RF, DC, fiber or gas tube connections can be brought into the sample space via available base side panels, a housing extension option, or available window ports.
Sample Mounting and Sample Motion
A variety of standard, specialized, and custom sample mounts are available for specific application requirements, as outlined here. System engineers will assist in selecting or designing the most appropriate mount for your setup. Other specialized mounts include:
General and Special Purpose Mounts for transmission or reflection fixed positioning, manual adjustment, low working distance, and special configurations
Agile Temperature Sample Mounts for rapid variable temperature measurements
Electrical Sample Mounts for transmission measurements (low and high frequency)
Nanopositioning Stages for sample translation and focus