The Lake Shore 8600 Series VSM System is a fully integrated vibrating sample magnetometer designed to characterize the DC magnetic properties of materials as a function of magnetic field, temperature, orientation, and time. These systems are sensitive, low-noise floor electromagnet-based VSMs that feature a broad temperature range capability, making them ideal tools for demanding materials research and quality control of magnetic materials.
Function Description:
The VSM system operates by inducing a dipole moment in a point sample placed in a uniform magnetic field. When the sample undergoes sinusoidal motion, it induces an electrical signal in suitably located stationary pick-up coils. This signal, proportional to the magnetic moment, vibration amplitude, and frequency of the sample, is then amplified and processed digitally to reveal a digital representation of the sample's dipole moment. The system is calibrated using a reference sample (e.g., Nickel standard) of known magnetic moment to determine a moment per unit voltage calibration constant.
The 8600 Series VSM system offers advanced measurement performance with high sensitivity and rapid measurement speed. It is specifically designed for First Order Reversal Curve (FORC) measurements, which provide unprecedented insight into the magnetic properties of materials, including the distribution of switching and interaction fields, and distinguishing between multiple phases in composite or hybrid materials. The FORC data acquisition feature allows users to set up and run complex FORC measurements efficiently, with resulting data sets importable into popular FORC analysis software packages like FORCinel and VARIFORC.
The system's software is Windows®-based, simplifying data acquisition and providing a flexible environment for monitoring real-time performance and constructing measurement sequences from predefined controls. It features a menu-driven graphical user interface (GUI) for controlling field and temperature parameters, and includes advanced data processing capabilities such as expanding and offsetting data, correcting for demagnetization and slope factors, normalizing for sample mass and volume, subtracting substrate corrections and backgrounds, and calculating derivative curves.
In addition to standard magnetization curves, the 8600 Series VSM supports various measurements including:
- Hysteresis loops
- Isothermal remnant magnetization
- DC demagnetization remanence
- Minor loops
- FORC
- M(T)—temperature dependent magnetization
- M(Θ)—rotational hysteresis and anisotropy
Important Technical Specifications:
- Noise Floor: 0.15 × 10⁻⁷ emu at 10 s/pt
- Data Acquisition Rate: 10 ms/pt
- Field Ramp Rate: 10,000 Oe/s
- Temperature Stability: ±0.05% per day
- Temperature Range: 4.2 K to 1273 K (with options)
- Electromagnet Configurations: Available for 4 in, 7 in, or 10 in (100 mm, 175 mm, or 250 mm) magnets, with fields over 3 T.
- Power Requirements: The AC power source must be frequency- and voltage-regulated, and isolated from EMI sources. Ground fault interrupter (GFI) and transient surge protection are strongly recommended.
- Cooling Water Requirements: Electromagnet and power supply require cooling water. The 4-inch magnet is rated for 8 lpm (2 gpm), the 7-inch for 12 lpm (3 gpm), and the 10-inch for 16 lpm (4 gpm). The Model 648 power supply requires 12.7 mm (½ in) hose barb fittings, and the Model 643 power supply requires 9.5 mm (3/8 in) fittings.
- Cryogen Requirements (with options):
- Model 86-SSVT: Liquid nitrogen (78 K – 350 K)
- Model 86/8610-CRYO: Liquid helium (4.2 K – 450 K), Liquid nitrogen (77 K – 450 K)
- Vacuum Requirements (with options): SSVT, cryostat, and oven options require a high-quality vacuum pumping system capable of evacuating to <10⁻³ Torr. The Lake Shore TPS-FRG turbomolecular vacuum pump is preferred for transfer line maintenance, while the E2M rotary pump can also be used for insulating vacuum spaces.
Usage Features:
- Convenient Operation: The system features an ergonomic design with a motorized head that brings the sample to a comfortable height for easy, one-handed exchange of QuickLign™ sample rods.
- Temperature Options: Includes a cryostat, high-temperature oven, and single-stage variable temperature insert, covering a combined temperature range of 4.2 K to 1273 K.
- GlideLOCK™ Alignment System: Options quickly slide into place and are auto-detected by the software, which automatically displays controls for the specific option.
- ExactGap™ Indexed Positioning System: Magnet poles are easily adjusted to one of six repeatable positions, eliminating the need for recalibration after each change.
- Sample Rods and Holders: A variety of QuickLign™ sample rods and holders are available for different sample types and operating environments, including bulk/powder, liquid, gel, and thin-film samples. Integrated rod/holders are also available.
- Autorotation Feature: Offers full software-based control over sample rotation about the z-axis, allowing continuous rotation in either direction.
- Integrated Scripting Tool: Enables users to extend existing routines with an open-ended software scripting language for customized measurement protocols and interfacing with third-party lab equipment.
- Gaussmeter Probe Holder: A Model 86-0911 Hall probe can be mounted onto the right half coil housing for field measurement, snapping into place without angle adjustment.
- System Startup/Shutdown: The system should remain powered on for best performance to maintain thermal stability. For extended shutdowns, the PC and instrument console power should be turned off.
Maintenance Features:
- Preventive Maintenance Schedule: A table is provided to guide users in developing a timetable for component maintenance, including cleaning sample holders, rods, pole caps, lubricating lead screws, and inspecting for condensation.
- Cleaning Procedures:
- Sample Holders: Kel-F® holders can be cleaned with a lint-free cloth and isopropyl alcohol for daily cleaning, or ultrasonic cleaning with detergent/acid for more aggressive cleaning. Boron nitride holders can be cleaned with strong cleaning solutions like hydrochloric and nitric acid.
- Electromagnet Surfaces: Exposed surfaces should be wiped clean with a lint-free cloth. Condensation should be wiped away to prevent corrosion. Foreign matter must be removed from pole caps and the sleeve to prevent operating problems.
- Sliding Plate Track: The anodized aluminum track uses lubricant-free bearing surfaces and should be kept clean with a non-abrasive cloth and isopropyl alcohol.
- Water Filter: Customer-supplied water filters need periodic cleaning according to manufacturer instructions.
- Chiller Maintenance: Refer to the chiller user’s manual for specific maintenance guidelines.
- Vacuum Pump Inlet Filter: The filter housing prevents oil back-streaming and protects the pump from submicron particles. Filter cartridges should be replaced after 12 months of service.
- Calibration: Calibration is managed through the 8600 Series system software.
- Troubleshooting Procedures: Detailed instructions are provided for field troubleshooting, including water flow interruption recovery, magnet power supply interlock troubleshooting, vacuum troubleshooting, and general system issues.
- ESD Precautions: Guidelines for handling electrostatic discharge sensitive components are provided to prevent damage during installation or service.
- Fuse Replacement: Instructions for replacing fuses in the VSM head and Model 737 VSM controller are included.
- Wiring Tables and Diagrams: Comprehensive wiring diagrams and tables for various components and options are provided for reference during installation and troubleshooting.
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