Bluefors Makes Dilution Refrigerators Easier To Use With New Software

Insider Brief

• Dilution refrigerators have evolved significantly over the past few years, and now new systems can enhance the control capabilities of these systems.
• The Gas Handling System is the beating heart that powers every Bluefors dilution refrigerator, managing the helium gas circulation throughout the system.
• Bluefors recently launched a Generation 2 Gas Handling System driven by a powerful new Control Software.

The dilution refrigerators vital for cooling quantum computers and other quantum technology have evolved significantly over the past few years, and a significant step has now been taken to enhance the control capabilities of these systems.

The Gas Handling System is the beating heart that powers every Bluefors dilution refrigerator, managing the helium gas circulation throughout the system. At APS March Meeting this year, the company launched a Generation 2 Gas Handling System driven by a powerful new Control Software.

Updating the Control Software began with imagining what a user should be able to achieve with a dilution refrigerator. Bluefors wanted to give users a more intuitive experience that gives them full control over all device parameters, but also makes key tasks much simpler.

The new software offers intelligent automation, so an entire cooldown can be initiated with just a couple of clicks, but is also powerful enough so that experienced users can take a deep dive into all the data and diagnostics they need. A completely redesigned user interface gives a clear representation of the refrigerator states during cooldown.

Utilizing a touch screen UI, users can intuitively access a huge set of device parameters, detect errors and give alerts, utilize an internal database, and enjoy increased automation to free up more time for experimentation.

Based around a live System Dashboard, uses can now see an up-to-date overview of the Cryostat, its current operational status, a temperature history, and any alerts. A fully configurable Data Viewer allows you to track multiple sensors and data points.

An enhanced System Overview shows live system data, allowing valve states and key functions to be individually operated with a single tap. A comprehensive device list provides enhanced data for every gauge, pump, controller, or other device.

Enhanced remote access means you can access your system via a browser, with remote magnet control offered for the first time.

The new Control Software has also been designed to identify any potential issues, and a Maintenance View helps users keep everything up and running, delivering more peace of mind and helping to maintain the long system lifetimes that the company is renowned for.

Promising to ease the development of future quantum technologies, the new Gas Handling System and Control Software work in tandem as an easily upgradable modular platform that gives users next level control and functionality for many years to come.

Contact Bluefors to learn more.