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A Top-Loading Point-Contact Spectroscopy Probe with In-Situ Sample Exchange for Dilution Refrigerators

Superconductivity 2026-04-07 v1

Abstract

We report the design and implementation of a point-contact spectroscopy (PCS) system integrated with a dilution refrigerator, enabling measurements down to 30 mK. The setup employs a needle-anvil geometry with a cryogenic piezo-driven nanopositioner for in-situ formation of mesoscopic point contacts. We discuss the thermal anchoring strategies that enable efficient cooling of the probe to ultra-low temperatures and reliable measurements. We also address positioner-related challenges and the solutions implemented to ensure stable operation at millikelvin temperatures. The performance of the probe is demonstrated through point contact spectroscopy on Ta-doped TiSe2_2 (Tax_xTi1x_{1-x}Se2_2, x=0.2x = 0.2), a superconductor with Tc2.3T_c \approx 2.3 K. The spectra exhibit well-defined superconducting features that systematically diminish with increasing temperature and magnetic field. The platform provides a robust and versatile tool for spectroscopic investigations of superconductors and other quantum materials at millikelvin temperatures and high magnetic fields.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.2604.03821,
  title  = {A Top-Loading Point-Contact Spectroscopy Probe with In-Situ Sample Exchange for Dilution Refrigerators},
  author = {Ghulam Mohmad and Atanu Mishra and Goutam Sheet},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2604.03821},
  year   = {2026}
}

Comments

9pages ,6 figures