Amidst the global launch of a new ultra-compact dilution refrigerator, Finnish cryogenics developer Bluefors is expanding rapidly in North America via the establishment of a new cryo research service lab in Chicago and 45% expansion to its production facility for dilution refrigerators in Syracuse,New York, making it the largest producer of dilution refrigerators on the continent.
As reported in an earlier article in Magnetics Magazine, the cryogenic measurement systems, cryocoolers and other cryogenic product lines of Bluefors are finding robust placement in the fields of quantum technology, fundamental physics research, life sciences and clean energy as demand grows for ultra-low temperature cooling solutions. Among the offerings are integrated cryogen-free superconducting magnets for its cryogenic measurement systems with a wide variety of solenoid and vector magnets.
The Chicago move brings the company’s lab service to the U.S. for the first time,
providing startups, research groups and other organizations with to a cryogenic measurement system through a service-based model. Customers can work with quantum technology to test hardware and software solutions without the need to invest in a complete cryogenic measurement system of their own. They can receive consultation and support with their experiments assisted by Bluefors specialists who operate the cryogenic measurement system. It is modeled on the first Bluefors Lab which was opened in Delft, Netherlands in 2023. Chicago is a global hub for quantum research and development.
“The opening of our Chicago lab marks a significant milestone for Bluefors, expanding our innovative lab-as-a-service concept to a global network that brings together promising innovators in cryogenics and quantum technology. This new hub will help foster groundbreaking advancements in the U.S. and around the world. By broadening our lab offering, we not only enhance our global service offering, but also accelerate learning and continuous developments in the quantum space,” said Anssi Salmela, Chief Technical Operations Officer at Bluefors.
Equipment for Quantum R&D
The equipment provided at the Chicago facility includes a full-scale Bluefors LD400 dilution refrigerator utilizing the company’s new Gas Handling System Generation 2. The LD400 system features optical access to the experimental space and is equipped with a cryogen-free superconducting 3D vector magnet. The cryogenic measurement infrastructure includes RF coaxial wiring, DC twisted pair wiring, and HEMT amplified readout lines.
Crafting more dilution refrigerators and R&D in Syracuse
Last Fall, Bluefors opened the expanded facility in Syracuse, increasing the production capacity for its Cryomech-branded cryocoolers, enhancing its R&D operations and enabling Bluefors to begin manufacturing dilution refrigerators at the site – for the first time in the USA. Built in 2020, now it is 45% larger.
“Our expansion in Syracuse makes Bluefors the biggest manufacturer of dilution refrigerators in the United States,” said CEO Jonas Geust. “With this investment, we are strengthening our production capabilities and skills to support the growth of the quantum sector and helping to advance the industrial development of quantum technologies in North America.”
Quantum computers require cryogenic systems, as quantum chips need temperatures as low as 10 millikelvin (near absolute zero or -459.67 Fahrenheit, -273.15 Celsius) to perform precisely. The global quantum technology market is expected to grow by an annual rate of 17 % towards 2040, meaning the demand for dilution refrigerators and cryocoolers is rapidly increasing. At the same time, access to cryocoolers that provide stable, cool environments at higher temperatures are critical for other fields which Bluefors serves such as medical and life sciences, and academic research.
Rich Dausman, president of Bluefors’ Syracuse operations, added: “This expansion will enable us to increase Cryomech cryocooler production here in Syracuse, and continue pushing the boundaries of cryogenics.” Bluefors, acquired Cryomech, a developer and manufacturer of cryocooler technology based in Syracuse, in 2023.
Meanwhile, Bluefors announced in February the immediate availability of their new Ultra-Compact LD dilution refrigerator system – an all-in-one, compact cryogenic measurement system ideal for lab environments with limited space. Based on the company’s trademark Blufors LD measurement system and cryostat, it provides a compact system that incorporates generous rack space for measurement electronics, and can be placed virtually anywhere in a lab or in quantum computing centers. For more info, see www.bluefors.com.
