Lake Shore CCS-100 Optical Cryogenic Thermostat

Overview

The Lake Shore CCS-100 Optical Cryogenic Thermostat is a closed-cycle, helium-free cryogenic platform engineered for precision low-temperature experiments requiring optical access. It utilizes a high-reliability pulse-tube or Gifford-McMahon cryocooler (user-selectable) to achieve base temperatures below 4 K while maintaining stable operation across a broad 4–325 K range. Unlike liquid-helium-dependent systems, the CCS-100 eliminates cryogen logistics, boil-off losses, and associated safety and infrastructure constraints—making it ideal for long-term, unattended measurements in university labs, national facilities, and industrial R&D environments. The sample stage resides in a high-vacuum chamber (<1×10⁻⁶ Torr typical), thermally isolated from ambient and mechanically decoupled to minimize conductive and vibrational coupling. Its modular architecture supports interchangeable cold stages, optical viewports, and electrical feedthroughs—enabling seamless integration into spectroscopic, magneto-optic, quantum transport, and photoluminescence setups.

Key Features

• Helium-free operation with closed-cycle refrigeration—no liquid cryogens required
• Continuous temperature control from <4 K to 325 K with ±50 mK stability under steady-state conditions
• High-vacuum sample environment compatible with UHV-compatible accessories (optional)
• Standard optical viewport with 83–85 mm clear aperture; AR-coated fused silica, CaF₂, sapphire, or polyethylene windows available for transmission from X-ray through THz
• Flexible cold head orientation: side-, bottom-, or top-mount configurations supported via customizable flange interfaces
• Modular electrical feedthrough options including DC, BNC, SMA, and triaxial connectors—each rated for cryogenic thermal cycling and vacuum integrity
• Compact footprint (56–84 cm height; 16–29 kg) optimized for optical table integration and cleanroom compatibility
• Compressor service interval rated at 13,000 operating hours—supporting multi-year deployment without scheduled downtime

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The CCS-100 accommodates a wide range of solid, conductive samples—including single crystals, thin films, 2D materials, superconducting devices, and optoelectronic heterostructures. Its standard sample mounting interface accepts interchangeable cold-finger adapters for optical sample holders (e.g., lens-coupled fiber mounts), four-probe transport stages, plug-and-play carriers, and custom-machined fixtures. All vacuum components conform to ASTM E595 outgassing specifications for space-qualified hardware, and the system meets ISO 27422:2011 requirements for vacuum integrity in scientific instrumentation. When configured with traceable temperature sensors (e.g., Cernox™ or RuO₂) and calibrated against ITS-90 reference points, the CCS-100 supports GLP-compliant data acquisition workflows. Optional audit-trail logging and user-access controls align with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 readiness when integrated with validated third-party DAQ software.

Software & Data Management

Lake Shore’s CrossBridge™ software provides native support for the CCS-100, enabling synchronized temperature ramping, PID parameter optimization, real-time sensor monitoring (including dual-sensor differential readout), and script-driven thermal cycling protocols. Data export is compliant with HDF5 and CSV formats for interoperability with Python (NumPy/Pandas), MATLAB, and Igor Pro. The system communicates via Ethernet (TCP/IP) or USB 2.0, supporting remote operation over secure LAN/WAN connections. All temperature setpoints, sensor readings, and alarm states are timestamped with microsecond resolution and can be embedded into metadata headers for FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data management practices. Firmware updates follow IEC 62443-3-3 guidelines for secure embedded device maintenance.

Applications

• Low-temperature photoluminescence (PL) and cathodoluminescence (CL) spectroscopy
• Far-infrared and THz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS)
• Magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE) and Faraday rotation measurements
• Quantum transport characterization (Hall effect, Shubnikov–de Haas oscillations)
• Cryogenic Raman and FTIR microscopy
• Single-photon detector calibration and dark-count analysis
• Superconducting qubit characterization under optical excitation
• In-situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) and reflectivity studies (with compatible beamline adapters)

FAQ

Does the CCS-100 require liquid nitrogen or liquid helium for operation?
No—the CCS-100 operates exclusively on closed-cycle mechanical refrigeration and requires no consumable cryogens.

Can I upgrade my CCS-100 to higher temperature ranges post-purchase?
The CCS-100 is designed for ≤325 K operation; for elevated ranges up to 500 K or 800 K, Lake Shore offers the CCS-400 and CCS-400H variants with optimized warm-stage designs and enhanced thermal shielding.

What vacuum level is maintained during operation?
The base pressure is typically <1×10⁻⁶ Torr; ultimate vacuum depends on pump selection (turbo-molecular + scroll backing pump recommended) and bake-out protocol.

Is vibration isolation included as standard?
Passive vibration damping is integrated into the cold head suspension; active isolation platforms may be added externally for sub-10 nm RMS stability in interferometric applications.

Are calibration certificates traceable to NIST standards available?
Yes—NIST-traceable temperature calibration reports (including uncertainty budgets per ISO/IEC 17025) are available as an optional factory service.