Now available for order from Lake Shore Cryotronics: a highly synchronized AC + DC sourcing and measurement system that, owing to a unique modular architecture, allows source and measure signal and source amplifiers to be located as close as possible to the sample being characterized. This, in turn, minimizes noise and increases sensitivity, resulting in accurate, repeatable device or material measurements.

Easily adaptable for a wide range of electrical characterization applications, the MeasureReady™ M81-SSM Synchronous Source Measure (SSM) system is optimized to provide synchronous DC, AC, and mixed DC + AC source and measure to 100 kHz frequencies for an array of low-level measurements across multiple channels. In total, the system supports connections to up to three remote source modules and up to three measure modules per a single half-rack M81-SSM-6 instrument.

“Having both DC and AC sourcing and measurement in one instrument really simplifies matters,” said Chuck Cimino, Senior Product Manager for Lake Shore. “It eliminates the need for mixed-instrument setups and reduces the number of cables required, and it also makes it much easier to implement and run complex characterization experiments.”

Noise and sensitivity are on par with the best scientific-grade source and measure instruments, with the system conveniently combining the capabilities of a DC source/voltmeter with the sensitivity and measurement performance of an AC lock-in amplifier.

The modules also feature low noise-optimized linear circuitry and patent-pending MeasureSync™ real-time sampling technology, which ensures synchronous sourcing and measuring of a wide range of signals across all channels. This way, multiple devices can be characterized under identical conditions so users obtain consistent data. Users can also select measurement bandwidths to avoid 1/f noise and other frequency bands where interfering noise is highest in a given test environment.

Four module versions are available and can be used in many different combinations. Researchers can, for instance, use the differential current source and voltage measure modules for low-resistance applications requiring a precise stimulus current as well as the noise-cancellation benefits of balanced sample connections. Or for complex higher-impedance or gate-biasing applications where precise voltage control and sweeping test regimes are required, they can mix and match with additional voltage source and current measure modules.

In addition, the M81 instrument uses a modern touchscreen interface and standard SCPI programming API with standard GPIB, USB, and LAN interfaces. It is also fully supported by Lake Shore’s MeasureLINK™ application software, which provides easy control of temperature and field setups as well as general electrical characterization measurements with enhanced versions available for custom applications.

For details, including a video showing how the system works, visit the M81-SSM product web page.