simple to use - turn-key cryocooler solution.
Fast (de)installation (30min.)
with minimal demands.
CryoFox, a turn-key cryo system.
The cryocooler operates as a stand-alone system that effortlessly integrates with your microscope. This makes it extremely suitable for applications that require microscope cooling without major modifications to the existing setup.
where the CryoFox stands out.
vibration
< 1 nm p2p with
< 3 nm min-1 drift.
Extreme low vibration and drift performance.
wide temperature range: < 100 – 475 Kelvin ± 10 mK.
Accurate temperature control across the entire range.
cryogen-free system - Low OpEx / no maintenance.
No LN2, no frost, no hassle.
Uses cheap N2 5.0 gas.
move your sample in 6 degrees of freedom.
Cryocooler allows 6 DOF movement.
fully remote control - open software.
Beckhoff / Python compatible control. Click and cool.
installation into the microscope.
Installation and integration with the microscope is straightforward and fast (30 minutes).
1. N2 5.0 gas (lab standard, inexpensive, non-toxic) - cylinder and regulator
2. Advanced base station (integrated control module) or tabletop 19" rack base station
3. Flex cable & 50 mm (or equivalent-sized) flange for gas/electronics feedthroughs
4. Cryogenic sample holder connected by flexible tubing
5. Microscope
how the CryoFox works.
Our cooling solution is built around a miniature Joule–Thomson cryocooler, enabling highly localized cryocooling directly at the sample position. In a Joule–Thomson cryocooler, high-pressure gas is expanded through a very small restriction, causing it to cool rapidly as its pressure drops. This cold gas absorbs heat from the sample, providing efficient cryogenic cooling without moving mechanical parts at the cold stage, resulting in low vibration and highly stable operation.
only cool where it counts.
This targeted cooling approach ensures that only the sample area reaches cryogenic temperatures, while the rest of the system remains at ambient conditions.
The result is a compact, efficient setup with no thermal impact on the microscope and all its interfaces. The setup uses lab-standard (room temperature) nitrogen 5.0 gas. Cheap, non-flammable and non-toxic.
So no need for liquid nitrogen, no frost, no hassle!
technical specifications.
|
Guaranteed |
Expected | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 100 - 473 K | 90 - 473 K |
| Stability | ± 10 mK | ± 5 mK |
| Net cooling power | 100 - 300 mW |
Can be boosted if required |
| Cool down time (unloaded) |
< 1 hr | < 45 min |
| Vibration level | < 1 nm p2p | < 0.5 nm p2p |
| Drift level | < 3 nm/min | < 2 nm/min |
vibration and drift performance graphs.
Engineered for demanding microscopy applications, the cryocooler combines ultra-low vibration levels with outstanding thermal and mechanical stability. This minimizes sample drift and maximizes measurement accuracy during long-term observations and analyses.
temperature performance graphs.
The cryocooler provides stable and precise temperature control from cryogenic temperatures up to elevated setpoints, allowing experiments to be performed under tightly controlled thermal conditions.
control station.
For the highest precision in temperature control (±10 mK), we offer our extended base station. Additionally, the extended base station can be expanded to drive up to three cryogenic sample holders.
A tabletop base station is also available, delivering ±100 mK temperature stability in a more compact form factor. The tabletop version can be rack-mounted (3U) using a dedicated rack-mount kit.
sample holders.
Cryogenic sample holder optimized for your application.
Our cryocooler platform supports a range of sample holders, designed to meet different microscopy and sample-positioning requirements while delivering highly localized cryogenic cooling directly at the sample location.
All sample holders share a common set of key benefits:
- Compact, space-efficient design
- Full multi-axis positioning and rotational freedom
- Localized cryogenic cooling, ensuring only the sample holder reaches cryogenic temperatures while surrounding microscope components remain at ambient conditions
- Automated temperature control, enabling seamless operation from elevated temperatures down to cryogenic conditions
1. SEM/FIB Sample Holder -Provides sample access from the top, bottom, and sides, ideal for comprehensive imaging and processing workflows
2. SEM/RAMAN Sample Holder -Offers top-side sample access, optimized for combined microscopy and spectroscopic analysis.
3. SEM Stub Holder -Compatible with standard AutoGrid and SEM stub workflows for straightforward sample integration.
4. Custom Solutions - Additional sample holder designs can be developed to meet specific application requirements. Custom configurations are available upon request.
flange connection and feedthroughs.
Gas lines and electrical cables are routed through a 50 mm flange connection. The flange is tailored to your specific microscope brand and included with the system. All feedthroughs and gas lines are UHV-compatible.
cryocooler connection.
The cryocooler connects to standard translation stages using M3 screw interfaces. With full six-degree-of-freedom motion, it enables precise alignment with all instruments and lenses, making it suitable for stable microscopy cooling in advanced imaging and analysis workflows.
sample loading.
Use standard COTS loading systems for fast and easy handling, or opt for a custom solution tailored to your application. The cryocooler operates at vacuum levels of ~10⁻⁴ mbar or better, typically provided by the microscope.
load lock system.
The actively cryocooled load-lock system enables the safe transfer of vitrified samples from storage to the cryocooler while maintaining cryogenic temperatures throughout the loading process. By minimizing ice contamination and handling risks, it preserves sample integrity and ensures optimal conditions for high-resolution cryogenic microscopy.
example cryogenic FIB.
The SEM/FIB cryogenic sample holder is optimized for FIB operations within your SEM, enabling nanometer-precision processing under cryogenic conditions.
Custom sample holders can be developed upon request to match your specific process.
what customers say.
Penghan Lu
I really enjoy the collaboration with Demcon kryoz on optimising the design, performance and workflow of such an excellent cryogen-free microcooler for correlative microscopy. Our work is part of the e-impress project together with Maastricht University. Look forward to the next phase development and more applications from this!
demcon kryoz
experience and expertise.
Demcon kryoz combine expertise in cryogenics, precision engineering, vacuum technology, and mechatronic system design to develop advanced cooling solutions for scientific and industrial applications. Backed by the multidisciplinary knowledge and engineering experience of the Demcon Group, we have a strong track record in designing and integrating reliable cryogenic systems for demanding research environments.
By working closely with researchers, engineers, and equipment manufacturers, we create high-performance solutions that combine ease of use, reliability, and precision. Our experience spans applications including electron microscopy, quantum technology, and other advanced scientific fields where stable cryogenic performance is essential.
a demcon group company
beyond your imagination.
Within the Demcon Group, specialist companies combine forces and share expertise, so the right knowledge is available exactly when your project needs it.
With more than 1,100 employees and offices across Europe and Asia, Demcon offers access to a broad network of technical specialists across high-end engineering, system development, industrialisation and production support.
For you, that means one partner who can bring together the right disciplines, technologies and people to support your project from first concept to real-world application.
"sub-nanometer stability"
“Achieving cryogenic temperatures is only half the challenge. Maintaining sub-nanometer stability while giving researchers full control of their sample is what truly sets this platform apart.”
