Superconducting magnet systems

DryMag™

Standard superconducting magnet system features:

  • Top sample loading and exchange at all temperatures
  • Effortless sample rotation and translation about the vertical axis at all temperatures, with options for rotation about a horizontal axis
  • Field-independent thermometry
  • The SuperVariTemp system, with provision for a temperature control thermometer at the heat exchanger
  • Vapor-cooled/superconducting high-current magnet leads
  • Superconducting magnets with persistent mode operation providing field stabilities of 20 ppm/h
  • Carefully designed magnet support inside the helium reservoir, with optical access through the Dewar vacuum space (OptiMag and SuperOptiMag systems)
  • Built-in superconducting liquid helium level sensors, providing continuous or timed level monitoring
  • Readily accessible and interchangeable sample chambers

Complete superconducting magnet systems include:

Lake Shore — environment by JANIS
ModelSample environmentOperating temperatureMagnetic fieldOptical access
Cryogen-free systems
DryMag™Vacuum or exchange gas1.5 K to 420 K0 to 12 TYes*
He-4 systems
SuperVariMagFlowing helium vapor or vacuum/UHV1.5 K to 325 K (options to 400 K)6 to 12 TNo
OptiMagFlowing helium vapor or vacuum/UHV1.5 K to 325 K6 to 12 TYes
SuperOptiMagFlowing helium vapor or vacuum/UHV1.5 K to 325 K7 TYes
Room temperature systems
Room temperature boreDetermined by the cryostat used in the magnet bore**Determined by the cryostat used in the magnet bore**6 to 12 TYes*
Special systems
MicroscopyVacuum/UHV3.5 K to 450 K0 to 7 TYes
*With optical field access the maximum field is 7 T
**Room temperature bore systems can be combined with variable temperature cryostats to operate in temperature ranges between 1.5 K and 800 K


With over four decades of experience and a worldwide installation base, we are a recognized leader in the design and manufacture of superconducting magnet systems. Our renowned SuperVariTemp insert operates from 1.5 K to 325 K, and is featured in the SuperVariMag, OptiMag, and SuperOptiMag systems, and is also available as an independent insert for use with existing magnets. We also offer a variety of superconducting magnet systems that offer a room temperature bore (with inserts that reach 800 K) along with a variety of other systems that are designed for specific applications. These state-of-the-art systems feature integrated designs for the cryostat, magnet, temperature controller, and programmable power supply, together with a complete line of ancillary equipment. Our approach to superconducting magnet system design provides a variety of technical and cost benefits.

By maintaining flexibility over the specification and integration of the magnet, electronics, temperature controller, and cryostat, we are able to offer magnet systems with performance characteristics tailored to individual experimental and budgetary requirements.

Our staff of physicists and engineers has extensive experience in the design and operation of superconducting magnet systems and are uniquely qualified to assist you with every step of your system purchase, from experimental design to post-installation support. All systems are fully integrated and liquid helium tested at our Woburn, Massachusetts facility; installation, start-up, and training are available.

Let us know what you need

This magnet requirements questionnaire contains several questions that will help our engineers determine the best system for your requirements. Please take a moment to fill it out and email it back to sales@lakeshore.com

Independent SuperVariTemp inserts

Superconducting Magnet SVT Insert

The Lake Shore SuperVariTemp (SVT) cryostat is a key component of all SuperVariMag, OptiMag, and SuperOptiMag superconducting magnet systems. By controlling the temperature of the flowing helium vapor in which samples are immersed, the SVT allows for precise monitoring and control of sample temperature over a 1.5 to 325 K range while eliminating the need for thermal anchoring and sample mount heating. The helium flow rate and heater are balanced to provide operation over the range of 4.2 K to 325 K; automatic temperature controllers equipped with field-independent thermometers provide accurate and precise temperature control.

The SVT cryostat allows full use of the cooling power of escaping helium vapor as it exits the sample chamber. The superconducting magnet system sample chamber is thermally isolated from the helium reservoir by the Dewar vacuum, thereby eliminating heat conduction into the reservoir. Precise sample temperature is measured using a thermometer attached to the sample holder. Operation to 1.5 K is made possible by immersing the sample in liquid helium and reducing the pressure with a mechanical vacuum pump. The SVT's unique design also allows sample cooling in flowing helium vapor to approximately 2 K for extended operation below 4.2 K without the need to monitor or replenish the helium level in the sample chamber. For optical experiments, this presents the least interference to the incoming and scattered beams.

The SVT insert is available as an accessory for existing superconducting magnets. A custom-designed SVT cryostat can be matched to the dimensions of an existing open-neck Dewar and magnet bore. Drawing liquid helium from the main magnet reservoir, the SVT insert will provide temperatures of 1.5 K to 325 K without the need for pumping on the main reservoir.

A superconducting magnet insert is also available in a high-stability or a high-temperature static gas insert option for applications requiring a high-stability region and continuous operation above 100 K for high-sensitivity experiments that preclude locating the sample in flowing helium vapor. Special sample positioners can also be supplied for temperatures of 400 K or higher, along with optional wiring and cold, detachable wiring stages.

What is a superconducting magnet used for?

This type of magnet is used as part of a measurement platform for characterizing samples as a function of magnetic field as well as variable temperature.