A rapid sample-exchange mechanism for cryogen-free dilution refrigerators compatible with multiple high-frequency signal connections

Researchers attempting to study quantum effects in the solid-state have a need to characterise samples at very low-temperatures, and frequently in high magnetic fields. Often coupled with this extreme environment is the requirement for high-frequency signalling to the sample for electrical control or measurements. Cryogen-free dilution refrigerators allow the necessary wiring to be installed to the sample more easily than their wet counterparts, but the limited cooling power of the closed cycle coolers used in these systems means that the experimental turn-around time can be longer. Here we shall describe a sample loading arrangement that can be coupled with a cryogen-free refrigerator and that allows samples to be loaded from room temperature in a matter of minutes. The loaded sample is then cooled to temperatures ∼10 mK in ∼7 h. This apparatus is compatible with systems incorporating superconducting magnets and allows multiple high-frequency lines to be connected to the cold sample.