An innovative architecture for coordinating low-level measurements from DC to 100 kHz

The Lake Shore MeasureReady™ M81-SSM (Synchronous Source and Measure) system provides a confident and straightforward approach for advanced measurement applications. The M81-SSM is designed to eliminate the complexity of multiple function-specific instrumentation setups, combining the convenience of DC and AC sourcing with DC and AC measurement, including a lock‑in’s sensitivity and measurement performance. Read the related lock-in amplifier app note. 

This extremely low-noise simultaneous source and measure system ensures inherently synchronized measurements from 1 to 3 source channels and from 1 to 3 measure channels per half-rack instrument — while also being highly adaptable for a range of material and device research applications.

Components of the M81-SSM

xxx 5 M81-SSM Synchronous Source Measure System

  • Connect up to three source modules and up to three measure modules
  • Exchange modules and adapt the configuration for each measurement
  • All modules are capable of measuring with DC and AC to 100 kHz
  • All modules are optimized for the highest precision with common amplitude and frequency references

Flexible measurement capabilities

xxx 4 M81-SSM Synchronous Source Measure System

The M81-SSM provides DC and AC stimulus and measurement capabilities for characterizing materials and devices in cryogenic, room temperature, and high-temperature environments.

Choose a combination of differential current source and voltage measurement modules for low-resistance applications requiring a precise stimulus current and the noise-cancellation benefits of balanced (floating) sample connections. Or mix and match with additional voltage source and current measurement modules for complex higher-impedance or gate-biasing applications where precise voltage control and sweeping test regimes are required.

Unlike a narrow-bandwidth DC system, these modules operate from very low frequencies to 100 kHz. You can select a measurement bandwidth to avoid 1/f noise and other bands where test environment noise is highest.

The system’s MeasureSync™ technology samples all sourcing and measurement channels at precisely the same time, enabling multiple DUTs to be tested under identical conditions so you can obtain consistent data.

Lake Shore MeasureLINK™ software can provide configurable measurement scripts and loops to support a variety of applications. It facilitates easy integration with Lake Shore cryogenic probe stations as well as third-party systems.

These combined capabilities make the M81‑SSM a superior solution for characterizing several test structures, including nanostructures, single- and multilayer atomic structures, MEMs, quantum structures, organic semiconductors, and superconducting materials.

The Lake Shore M81-SSM features:

  Unique real-time sampling architecture for synchronous sourcing and measuring
  • MeasureSync™ technology for simultaneous source module update and measure module sampling timing across all channels
  • DC/AC amplitude and phase detection are user-selectable on all measure channels
  • Common DAC/ADC sampling clock ensures highly precise and consistent source/measure timing coordination between 3 sources and 3 measures
  Designed for scientific-grade low-level measurement applications 
  • Linear module power supply architecture for lowest possible source/measure noise
  • Fully analog signal paths between data converters, modules, and the device under test (DUT)
  • Remote modules for the shortest possible signal path to the DUT, which separates sensitive analog circuits from digital circuits and unwanted sources of interference typical of traditional single-enclosure instrument designs
  The absolute precision of DC plus the detection sensitivity performance of AC instrumentation
  • All source and measure channels are capable of DC and AC to 100 kHz signals
  • Optimized for fundamental, harmonic, and phase AC plus DC biased measurements
  • Modularity allows for flexible, user-configured modules to suit a specific application
  Unique, flexible instrument/distributed module architecture
  • Remote-mountable amplifier modules are interchangeable between instruments
  • Modules are dynamically recognized when the system is reconfigured
  • Uses a clean, simple UI and a common programming API for fast setup and a shorter learning curve

DC transport

I-V curves, 4-wire

(VS module + CM module, primarily)

Ideal for: 2D materials, nanowires, organic semiconductors
M81 advantages: Low-voltage source noise, low-current measure noise

AC transport

AC resistance, sheet resistance, and AC current Hall

(BCS module + VM module)

Ideal for: Metal-insulator transitions, 2D materials, superconducting materials
M81 advantages: AC current Hall: synchronous measurement of resistance and Hall voltages; and simultaneous measurement of up to three devices in a cryostat at different frequencies

Photodiodes and phototransistors

(CM module + occasionally VS module)

Ideal for: IR sensitive materials, solar‑blind materials, 2D materials
M81 advantages: Programmable offset voltage source

Spin transport

(DC/AC: BCS module + VM module)

Ideal for: Spin-orbit torque (SOT), non‑local resistance, spin valves
M81 advantages: SOT: synchronous measurement of resistance, Hall voltages, and harmonic Hall voltages

Differential conductance

(VS module + CM module)

Ideal for: MIS junctions, Josephson junctions, defect characterization in transistors
M81 advantages: Junctions: dual DAC AC and DC sourcing (source at appropriate range)

Thermal transport

(AC, BCS module + VM module)

Ideal for: Thermoelectric materials, 1D materials
M81 advantages: Phase-correlated current sources, synchronous harmonic detection

For more information please contact Shayz Ikram on shayz@qd-uki.co.uk or visit

https://qd-uki.co.uk/lake-shore/m81-ssm/

Watch the Video here