PS-HM-8425 software

Software features

The fully integrated HMS software features a Windows® graphic menu-driven interface for system operation, data acquisition, and analysis. Use it to control magnetic field, sample temperature, and sample excitation while delivering a comprehensive collection of measurement capabilities. With the software, you have complete control over measurement parameters and can change them in real time. When combined with environmental settings like temperature, experimental parameters can be quickly determined.

Define and save specifications and experimental configurations as well as record and display data in laboratory and SI units for further analysis. Processed data can be displayed in graphical and tabular format. Also, with the software’s SQL reporting capabilities, data and plots can be printed or exported directly to a Microsoft Excel® spreadsheet as well as PDF or Microsoft Word® documents.

Supports van der Pauw and Hall bar measurements

To measure sample sheet resistivity, the 8400 Series supports van der Pauw and Hall bar measurement geometries. The Hall bar method uses one dimensional current flow approximation. You can also measure samples with gated Hall bars to account for gate bias—important for measurement of device-level material.

Measure Hall density in a channel as a function of gate voltage and, as you change the gate voltage, create more or fewer carriers. The system’s program mode makes it easy to conduct gated Hall bar measurements. For instance, you can set up a loop with varying temperatures and gate voltages and easily perform a Hall measurement with the software.

Easy setup for running temperature loops

The system supports variable temperature measurements, enabling you to start and end at your convenience. It also enables you to perform time loops, so you can repeat Hall measurements according to a preset schedule. (Manual adjustment of the probe station’s heat switch is required at several temperature points.) You can also program it to insert a resistance measurement into a sequence of Hall measurements.

Creating a new variable temperature Hall measurement can be done with just three clicks of a mouse. Once the measurement is set up, the software continuously monitors the sample temperature, and when it reaches the next trigger temperature, executes the measurements placed inside the temperature loop. While the measurements are in progress, the sample temperature continuously changes.

Commands enable you to “Go to Temperature,” “Go to Field,” and “Go to GBV” (gate bias voltage). You can also program it to “Wait,” that is, start a measurement then have the system pause and settle before continuing. This way, you have the flexibility to automate and customize your experiment procedure.

Toolbox with resistance utility

Example of a DC measurement results screen

Example of an ohmic check

Hall measurement setup is used to define the three basic steps in a Hall measurement. These steps include checking the quality of your sample contacts, measuring the resistivity of your sample and measuring the Hall voltage.

Define your sample geometry and contact arrangement, as well as the maximum voltage and current applied to it. Sample definition parameters include thickness and sample dimensions. You can assign sample identifications and add user comments. An ASTM compliance check can also be performed.