The new SIGMA POLAR UHV SPM is a low-temperature Scanning Probe Microscope (SPM) for highest resolution STM, qPlus®-AFM, and spectroscopy experiments in a temperature range of between <5K and 300K and in high magnetic fields of up to 5T.

The ultra-compact design of the cryostat with a height of <60cm ensures an immense mechanical stiffness and thus results in an excellent STM stability.

The hold time is optimised through a series of thermal decoupling stages and thermal radiation shields, designed to deliver an extremely low helium consumption. With a liquid helium (LHe) consumption of less than 1 litre per 24 hours, the instrument achieves a hold time of >200 hours at <5K before the cryostat needs to be refilled. Alternatively, the SPM can be operated with liquid nitrogen (T <79K).

POLAR UHV SPM system including customised preparation chamber with LEED, evaporators, tip and sample preparation stage.

All results are obtained with the POLAR SPM in combination with the SIGMA SXM Controller.