Innovation portfolio

CryoTherm

Coulomb Blockade Thermometer (CBT) for accurate cryogenic temperature measurement.
The low-temperature plate inside of the refrigerator. The team attaches their bolometers here. Credit: Aalto University.

Status:

Pre-business

SDGs:

Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Industry:

Microtech, nanotech and materials

Impact:

Energy transition

Origin:

Research to Business

School:

School of Science

Established:

2025

The solution is a primary thermometer, the Coulomb Blockade Thermometer (CBT), first experimentally verified by Jukka Pekola on 1994 and then later developed at both Aalto and VTT. However, early progress was slow due to limitations in material science and measurement techniques, restricting its use primarily to research labs. In recent years, advances in fabrication and measurement techniques have allowed us to overcome the key barriers that have previously hindered the wider adoption of the CBT. These innovations will allow us to outperform other cryogenic thermometer solutions in the market. 

Compared to other solutions, the CBT is easy to operate, robust in high magnetic fields (a challenge for most other options), and maintains high accuracy even at the lowest temperatures. Laboratory tests have demonstrated that the CBT can cover the entire cryogenic temperature range down to the microkelvin scale, where much of the cryogenic industry and research labs operate. In this project, we aim to leverage our extensive research experience in cryogenic thermometry and validate our CBT technology applicable for commercial use.

In short, the invention is to measure a temperature dependent resonance frequency in the cooled structure instead of a physical core characteristics like resistance, capacitance or inductance.

Read more about innovation services

News from innovation ecosystem

Old cream building beside modern beige block with many tall windows and a rust-coloured sculpture in front
Appointments, Cooperation Published:

Teaching and collaborating across Europe: Aalto researchers at TU Darmstadt

Hear from Aalto researchers about their experience at TU Darmstadt.
Finger touches glowing purple sphere linking tech icons above a city skyline, with the word “unite!”
Cooperation, Studies, University Published:

Recent Advances and Research Trends in AI, Energy & Industry (Online Lecture Series)

Lecture series for doctoral students focusing on artificial intelligence, energy, and Industry 4.0. Register by 31 March.
Two women smiling talking to each other at one of Aalto Startup Center's event
Campus, Press releases Published:

Startups succeed despite headwinds – revenue of Aalto Startup Center’s high-growth companies increased by 355% in three years

Growth companies emerging from Aalto Startup Center continue to expand strongly despite a challenging economic environment. The combined revenue of the fastest-growing companies increased to EUR 56.95 million in 2024.
Two people making a presentation in front of school pupils. A screen shows investment strategies with piggy bank images.
Cooperation, University Published:

Aalto University Junior brings lessons on saving and investing to schools with the support of OP Uusimaa

With the support of donations from OP Uusimaa, Aalto University Junior has developed the Juniorpörssi learning platform, which is used in Invest in Your Future workshops delivered to lower secondary and upper secondary schools. The activities have now also been expanded to include Money Moments workshops organised in primary schools.
  • Updated:
  • Published:
Share
URL copied!