STM & SPM cryogenic cable
Vibration isolation for moving stages
Experiments that involve physically scanning over sample surfaces with the sub-micron resolution are extremely sensitive to mechanical vibrations, which distort the final image and limit spatial resolution. It is therefore vital to make sure that the setup is mechanically decoupled from the experimental environment by using a thin cryogenic cable. In scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) applications, a small tip is scanned across a sample with piezo actuators.
Atomic resolution can be obtained when the vibration isolation is sufficient. By attaching an antenna to the scanning tip, the effects of applying a microwave drive to a sample can be studied in detail. However, conventional semi-rigid coaxial cables introduce a mechanical connection to vibrating parts of the setup that degrades the measurement. Therefore, we have developed a special RF STM thin cryogenic cable with the unprecedented compact form factor.
Other applications might require a microwave connection to samples that are mounted on movable platforms such as a piezo stage. Rigid coaxial cabling limits the movement of such a stage, and thus requires a more flexible and thin cryogenic cabling solution.
Cri/oFlex® solution for scanning probes
Thanks to our Cri/oFlex® 2 thin cryogenic cables, vibration-sensitive experiments requiring applied microwaves become easy to carry out due to their:
- Unparallel flexibility
- Vibration decoupling
- Compact form factor
In addition, our ultra-thin Cri/oFlex® 1 cables are specifically engineered for those use-cases in which an even higher degree of mechanical decoupling is required.
Want to know more?
Ask one of our engineers how Cri/oFlex cabling can improve your setup!
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google
Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Recommended Product Lines
Our Cri/oFlex® cable for scanning probes and moving stages
Our Cri/oFlex® 1 and Cri/oFlex® 2 product lines enable microwave signal input and output for STM and other moving stages


Ultimate cryogenic flexibility
Ultra-flexible microwave i/o for scanning probe microscopes and other vibration sensitive instruments. The thinnest and the most flexible cryogenic RF cable allows you to transmit your signal while offering extreme vibrational decoupling.
- Up to 18 GHz
- < 4 μW/channel (3K - 0.7K)
- Up to 60 cm length
- Customizable connectors
- < 1 mm Bending radius
- Single channel
- UHV compatible


The new cryogenic microwave standard
Single channel microwave i/o for densely-packed sample spaces in the refrigerators. Simple installation, small form-factor and reduced thermal loads, allow an increased number of microwave lines in cryostats. This flexible cryogenic cable is a new standard.
- Up to 26,5 GHz
- < 8 μW/channel (3K - 0.7K)
- Up to 100 cm length
- Customizable connectors
- 2 mm Bending radius
- Single channel
- Ultra durable