Lake Shore Cryotronics offers a comprehensive suite of cryogenic temperature sensors engineered for precise measurement in low-temperature and demanding scientific environments. These sensors are used in research, cryogenics, superconductivity, space, and other high-performance applications where accurate and stable temperature measurement is critical. Each sensor type targets specific ranges and conditions — from near-absolute zero to several hundred kelvins — with unique strengths in sensitivity, robustness, magnetic field performance, and environmental compatibility.
Typical Operating Ranges
Cernox® Sensors
At the heart of Lake Shore’s portfolio are Cernox® resistance temperature detectors (RTDs). These thin-film sensors are optimised for cryogenic environments with a wide measurement range from ~0.1 K up to 420 K, excellent stability, rapid thermal response, and minimal magnetic field-induced errors. Cernox sensors are also radiation-resistant, making them ideal for research involving high magnetic fields or radiation exposure, such as accelerator cryogenics and superconducting magnet systems.
Silicon Diode Sensors
Silicon diode sensors (e.g., DT-670 series) provide reliable temperature measurement from approximately 1.4 K up to 500 K. They conform to standard voltage-versus-temperature response curves and are valued for robustness, interchangeability, and general-purpose cryogenic performance where magnetic field effects are modest. Options like the DT-670E-BR bare die emphasise compactness and fast response, while SD-packaged versions focus on durability and wide calibration.
Germanium Sensors
Please be aware that Germanium sensors are temporarily unavailable, but we can recommend Cernox Sensors as an alternative
The Germanium resistor sensors are traditionally known as “Secondary Standard Thermometers.” They offer very high sensitivity and reproducibility, especially at very low temperatures below ~30 K. While currently less emphasised (and sometimes listed as temporarily unavailable), germanium sensors remain excellent where sub-mK accuracy at ultra-low temperatures is required, though they are less suited to magnetic field environments.
Rox™ Sensors
The portfolio also includes Ruthenium Oxide (Rox™) RTDs, with both Ultra-Low Temperature (ULT Rox™) and Interchangeable Rox™ options. These are designed for millikelvin cryogenic environments — with ULT versions measuring down to around 5 mK — and interchangeable models that simplify installation and replacement without sacrificing performance.
Platinum RTDs
For applications that extend into higher temperature regimes, Platinum RTDs cover from around 14 K up to 873 K. They conform to international standards and deliver high reproducibility and repeatable accuracy across broad temperature ranges where research or industrial systems traverse from cryogenics into ambient and elevated conditions.
Thermocouple Wire & Capacitance Sensors
Complementing the core RTD families are thermocouple wires (Type E and K) suitable for broad temperature spans (from cryogenic to very high temperatures), and capacitance sensors that boast excellent magnetic field tolerance and stability in cryogenic conditions, although they require pairing with another sensor to provide definitive temperature.
HR Series Sensors
Finally, the HR Series offers high-reliability, space-ready sensors with enhanced traceability and ruggedised designs for mission-critical applications where standards compliance and reduced life-cycle risk are paramount.
Cryogenic Temperature Sensor Comparison Table
| Sensor Type | Temp. Range | Best for | Magnetic Field Performance | Radiation Resilience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cernox® | ~0.10 K – 420 K | Broad cryogenic use; high accuracy | Good in most fields | Excellent |
| Silicon Diode (DT-670) | ~1.4 K – 500 K | General cryogenic sensing | Fair above ~60 K | Moderate |
| Germanium | ~0.05 K – 100 K | Sub-mK low-T precision | Not recommended | Good |
| ULT Rox™ | ~5 mK – 40 K | Ultra-low temperature cryogenics | Moderate | Moderate |
| Interchangeable Rox™ | ~0.05 K – 40 K | Swappable cryogenic sensors | Moderate | Moderate |
| Platinum RTD | ~14 K – 873 K | Wide range including high T | Fair above ~30 K | Moderate |
| Thermocouple Wire | ~1.2 K – 1543 K | Broad industrial & cryogenic | Fair | Low |
| Capacitance | ~1.4 K – 290 K | High field stability | Excellent | Moderate |
| HR Series | ~20 K – 420 K | High reliability / space | Excellent | Excellent |
Still undecided?
Get in touch with our Technical Sales Engineer, Michael Barr, by email below or call (01372) 378822
