Accelerating
Quantum
Innovation

Our Mission

Enabling the advancement of cryogenic electronics for the quantum era with probe stations that precisely meet the needs of both hardware and researchers

Our Story

Rooted in academic excellence and driven by a passion for technological advancement, our journey began in 2019 at the Physics Department of the University of Basel, Switzerland. Faced with the need for high-throughput device testing at temperatures below 2 Kelvin in our own research and finding no suitable cryogenic probe stations on the market, we developed our own solution.

Building on this innovation [de Kruijf et al., Rev. Sci. Instrum. 94, 054707 (2023)], we took a major step forward in 2024 by bringing our cryo-prober to market. Early development was supported by the SPINnovate Grant of the NCCR SPIN and the Propelling Grant of the University of Basel.

Today, our team of experienced researchers and engineers is dedicated to delivering cutting-edge technology to the scientific and R&D communities. Based in Switzerland, we adhere to the highest standards of quality, precision, and engineering excellence in everything we do.

Join us on this journey as we continue to innovate and push the boundaries of what is possible in cryogenic probing and beyond.

Our Technology

The development of microelectronic devices relies on rapid feedback from electrical characterization measurements. At room temperature, high-throughput device testing is performed using a probe station. This process involves gently pushing electrical probes into contact with each device on a wafer, testing them one by one as the probes move from device to device. The procedure can be fully automated, enabling efficient collection of statistical data on device performance.

Cryogenic electronics are devices that require operation at extremely low temperatures to unlock novel functionalities. Examples include superconducting or spin qubits, which are the fundamental building blocks of quantum computers. Efficient development of these devices requires rapid acquisition of characterization data at their operational temperatures.

We rethink the traditional cryogenic probe station to enable device probing down to mK temperatures–an operating regime previously inaccessible. At the core of our technology is a compact probing unit that, when mounted inside a cryostat, forms a complete cryogenic probe station.

The design of our probing units allows seamless integration into standard cryostats, eliminating the need for custom designs. Cryostats from providers such as Bluefors and ICEOxford can be easily upgraded with probing capabilities using our cryo-prober technology, available as the 1 K prober and 100 mK prober. In addition, we offer complete probe stations–a 4 K probe station and a mK probe station–based on state-of-the-art optical table-top cryostats.

Our Team

Andreas Kuhlmann

Andreas has over 15 years of experience in the design, manufacturing, and characterization of semiconductor devices, with a specialization in cryogenic environments. He is widely recognized for his pioneering work in developing innovative cryogenic measurement setups. His extensive publication record in high-impact scientific journals and successful patent applications highlight his ability to transform innovative ideas into valuable intellectual property. Andreas holds a PhD in Experimental Physics from the University of Basel.

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Clemens Suter-Spinnler

Clemens brings over 7 years of experience in electrical, optical, and mechanical characterization of semiconductor devices. He has a proven track record of publishing in leading scientific journals and excels in designing and building complex measurement setups. With strong hands-on skills, Clemens is committed to advancing technology. He holds a Master’s degree in Nanosciences and a PhD in Experimental Physics from the University of Basel.

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Richard Warburton

Richard has a distinguished 30-year career in semiconductor physics, with experience in UK, Germany and Switzerland. He is renowned for pioneering research in developing low-noise quantum dots and open microcavities. His general expertise lies in the electronic and optical characterization of nanostructures and semiconductor devices, with a focus on quantum technologies. Richard is a Professor of Experimental Physics at the Physics Department of the University of Basel.

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Sascha Martin

Sascha brings over 28 years of experience in designing and manufacturing custom measurement systems for the challenging conditions of cryogenic temperatures and ultra-high vacuum environments. His innovative work is evidenced by numerous patents and scientific publications. Sascha heads the mechanical workshop at the Physics Department of the University of Basel and serves as a business mentor, providing expertise in company and product development to start-ups.

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Get in touch with us

    Contact details

    qprobe
    Klingelbergstrasse 82
    CH-4056 Basel

    +41 61 207 66 90
    info@qprobe.ch