At Demcon Kryoz, we offer an ultra-low-vibration miniature cryogenic cooler that makes cryo-microscopy for biological and materials research more accessible and easy to use. Designed for reliable cryogenic cooling in demanding research environments, the system integrates seamlessly into standard SEM/FIB and other microscopy platforms, occupying only a single flange on your microscope.
Combining ultra-stable performance, cryogen-free operation, and advanced motion control, this cryocooler sets a new standard for high-resolution microscopy. It is more than a cooling system, it is a precision platform that enables your next breakthrough.
What makes it special? The combination of extremely low vibrations, high temperature stability, and ease of use.
The system achieves vibrations of less than 1 nanometer peak-to-peak, a drift of less than 3 nanometers per minute, and temperature stability down to ±10 millikelvin. This level of temperature control supports stable imaging and processing at cryogenic conditions. Additionally, the sample remains fully positionable in six degrees of freedom, enabling precise alignment in complex microscopy setups.
The cryocooler operates as a stand-alone system that effortlessly integrates with your microscope. This makes it suitable for applications that require microscope cooling without major modifications to the existing setup.
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
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.
Cryogenic sample holder optimized for your application.
The cryogenic sample holder functions as a compact cryo stage for precise sample positioning and localized sample cooling inside the microscope.
1. SEM/FIB holder - Sample accessible from top and bottom
2. SEM/RAMAN holder - Sample accessible from the top
3. SEM stub holder - Cryocooler compatible with an auto-grid stub.
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.
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.
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.
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.
| Garanteed | 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 |
I really enjoyed the collaboration with Pieter-Paul Lerou and Bart Rooijmans from Demcon kryoz on optimising the design, performance and workflow of such an excellent cryogen-free microcooler for correlative microscopy. This is also part of the thesis work of our PhD student Rakshith Manjunatha (together with Maastricht University) funded by e-impress project. Look forward to the next phase development and more applications from this!
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.
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.
“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.”
