The majority of the pressure cells used to determine a variety of physical properties are build up and continuously improved in house.

Measurements of the specific heat under pressure (piston-cylinder pressure cells) are performed under hydrostatic conditions at pressures up to p = 2.5 GPa down to minimum temperatures below 50 mK. We are utilizing liquids as pressure transmitting media. This allows for measuring small samples (several mg) under hydrostatic conditions. In addition to heat-capacity experiments we are using miniature pressure cells for magnetization measurements in a Faraday magnetometer (T > 0.05 K and B < 12 T).

Magnetic susceptibility is measured in nonmagnetic piston-cylinder cells utilizing fluids as pressure transmitting media. Pressures of up to p = 3 GPa can be achieved and the minimum temperature here is T = 0.05 K. In addition, an external magnetic field of up to B = 14 T can be applied.

Electrical resistivity is determined in nonmagnetic piston-cylinder cells utilizing fluids as pressure transmitting media (p < 3 GPa; T > 0.05 K; B < 20 T). Up to five samples of small dimensions (typical: 0.5 x 0.1 x 0.1 mm3) can be investigated at a time. Electrical contacts to the sample are made by spot welding, which reduces significantly, self heating effects within the contacts. In addition to the electrical resistivity magnetoresistance and Hall effct can be measured. Using Bridgman-type pressure cells, the electrical resistivity can be determined up to p = 20 GPa.