A cleaned-up sketch from 2004 that spawned the design of the Model 102 ADR Cryostat. Credit: Danaher Cryogenics
In December, Danaher Cryogenics marked a significant milestone by completing the acquisition of the adiabatic demagnetization refrigerator (ADR) Cryostat product line from FormFactor. Originally developed by FormFactor’s subsidiary, High Precision Devices (HPD), the ADR product line has garnered a strong reputation among researchers and experimentalists worldwide. These advanced cryostats, many of which are still in service at leading institutions, represent a critical tool for cutting-edge research in a variety of fields.
Danaher Cryogenics is both honored and excited to continue the legacy of HPD, making this exceptional family of cryostats available to scientists working in quantum, astronomy, nuclear forensics, material science and other specialized domains that require sub-kelvin cooling platforms. With cooling capabilities as low as 50 mK, these cryostats provide the precision and reliability needed for the most demanding experimental environments.
The Story Behind the ADR Product Line
The history of the ADR cryostat family begins in 2004 when Dr. Joel Ullom of NIST Boulder approached HPD with a request for a compact ADR cryostat design. During their initial phone conversation, Charlie Danaher and Bill Hollander sketched out what they understood was needed. This sketch manifested as the Model 102 Denali ADR Cryostat. This collaboration laid the foundation for the ADR series, which grew to include several models, each improving upon the last in terms of cooling architecture, size and functionality. Models 102, 103, 104, 106 and 107 were developed over the years, each iteration offering unique features to meet the evolving needs of the scientific community.
The development of the ADR product line was greatly supported by NIST Boulder, a partnership that played a key role in advancing the capabilities of the ADR systems. These cryostats have since become integral to research in areas such as quantum computing, low temperature physics and materials science, where ultralow temperatures are essential for precise measurements and experiments.
Complementing Danaher’s Existing Product Line
Before acquiring the ADR family, Danaher Cryogenics had already offered a diverse portfolio of cryogenic systems, including large dilution refrigerator cryostats and sorption cooler-based systems, featuring Chase Research Cryogenics (CSA CSM) sorption coolers.
By integrating the ADR product line into its offerings, Danaher Cryogenics now boasts a comprehensive portfolio that spans the full sub-kelvin temperature range, from 1 K clear down to 10 mK.
A line-up of product family members, showing the different chassis sizes, as well as illustrating the modular integration of multiple cooling stages for ultralow temperature applications. Credit: Danaher Cryogenics
A Critical Mass of Expertise and Capabilities
Danaher Cryogenics has carefully assembled a team of engineers and scientists with over 50 years of combined experience in sub-kelvin cryogenics. This deep expertise underpins the company’s ability to develop highly specialized cryogenic systems that are at the forefront of technology. The integration of the ADR product line enhances this capability, positioning Danaher Cryogenics as a leader in the sub-kelvin cryogenics space.
Beyond just providing products, Danaher Cryogenics is committed to engaging with customers to fully understand their unique challenges. Often, the solution to a problem is not immediately apparent, and it requires a collaborative approach to define the right solution. By working closely with research teams, Danaher Cryogenics can not only deliver off-the-shelf products but also develop tailored systems that address complex, project-specific requirements.
A consolidated overview of the DC cryogenic product line, displaying the full suite of offerings from compact inserts to high-performance systems used across scientific and industrial research. Credit: Danaher Cryogenics
Transcending the Customer-Vendor Relationship
Danaher Cryogenics views its relationship with customers not merely as a transaction but as a partnership. The company understands that in the world of scientific research, particularly in cryogenics, the ultimate solution may be a product that has yet to be fully conceptualized. The company’s approach involves not just delivering existing products but also guiding customers through the design and implementation phases to help develop bespoke solutions that best meet their specific needs. This customer-centric philosophy is what sets Danaher Cryogenics apart as a trusted partner in the field.
Optimism for the Future
The future of cryogenics is exceptionally bright. New applications and discoveries are being made every day, expanding the need for advanced cryogenic systems capable of meeting the evolving demands of science and technology. From quantum computing to deep space exploration, Danaher Cryogenics is poised to lead the way in providing the solutions that will enable the next generation of scientific breakthroughs.
With the acquisition of the ADR cryostat product line, Danaher Cryogenics is more committed than ever to supporting the global research community. By leveraging decades of expertise, a growing portfolio of products and a deep understanding of the evolving needs of researchers, Danaher is well equipped to meet the future challenges of cryogenic technology and continue its legacy as a leader in the sub-kelvin cryogenics industry.
