VersaLab: A cryogen-free material characterization platform for physics teaching labs

Quantum Design's VersaLab [1] combines a research and teaching measurement platform for physics education and student laboratories primarily geared towards solid-state physics and material science. The VersaLab is a portable, cryogen-free cryocooler-based material characterization platform, that allows students to gain hands-on experience in sample testing using an industry leading physical properties measurement system. With a temperature range of 50 – 400 K, this 3 Tesla platform is perfect for accomplishing many types of materials characterization in a limited space, with no requirements for cryogenic liquids or high-power infrastructure.

The VersaLab is also the flagship instrument within the Discovery Lab Initiative [2], which seeks to partner colleges and universities with leading technology companies to develop new curricula emphasizing hands-on experiential learning. By introducing industry-standard research instruments, students are inspired to "take theory into practice," thereby better training themselves to be successful in the next stage of their scientific careers. Over 10 preprepared experimental modules highlighting electrical, thermal, and magnetic measurements using the Versalab are freely available.

[1] https://qdusa.com/products/versalab.html

[2] https://discoveryteachinglabs.com/