Skip to research
stock3dby Fynca
Explore in 3D

COMPANY RESEARCH / PFV.DE

Pfeiffer Vacuum Technology

Turbopumps and gauge controller for dilution refrigerators

Published by FyncaResearch checked How we research

Where it fits in a quantum computer

Bluefors’ BF-LD user manual (v1.5.0, January 2016) lists a Pfeiffer HiPace 400 turbopump (two on the larger BF-LD400) as the dilution-circulation pump that moves helium-3 around the circuit, and a Pfeiffer Vacuum MaxiGauge TPG 256 six-channel controller that reads the gas handling system’s pressure gauges. Pfeiffer also sells dry scroll pumps such as the HiScroll 46 for laboratories, research facilities and cryogenic processes.

What the evidence establishes

Quantum-computing evidence

Partner-disclosed: Bluefors’ dilution-refrigerator manual names Pfeiffer HiPace turbopumps and a Pfeiffer MaxiGauge controller in its gas handling system.

An explicit quantum-computing product, design-in, supply role, program or partnership, such as a part sold for quantum computers or a named quantum-computer customer. For a maker, it means the company’s own quantum computers or processors. This does not establish revenue, market share, volumes or future sourcing.

Component roleTurbopumps and gauge controller for dilution refrigerators
EvidencePartner-disclosed: Bluefors’ dilution-refrigerator manual names Pfeiffer HiPace turbopumps and a Pfeiffer MaxiGauge controller in its gas handling system.
How we knowPartner-disclosed A named partner, customer or platform owner’s document names the company. The scope is that document’s system or program, not a general supply relationship.
Primary sourcePfeiffer Vacuum Technology — supporting disclosure
Company or official disclosure; vendor claims are attributed to their source.
Checked. This is the research review date, not the source publication or quote time.

Keep in perspective

The manual is from 2016, Bluefors’ Gen 2 system (2024) does not name its pump or gauge makers, and Pfeiffer publishes no quantum-computing customer. Busch Group’s Pangea GmbH controls Pfeiffer under a domination and profit-and-loss transfer agreement registered on May 16, 2023, which offered outside shareholders €133.07 per share in cash or a guaranteed annual compensation payment in place of dividends, and the remaining shares trade thinly on Xetra.

Diversified business exposure. This describes the breadth or role of the business; it is not an investment rating. A quantum-computing product, design-in or partnership does not by itself establish material quantum revenue, market share, or future returns.

Connections to the assembly

These links explain the technology relationship. The model is illustrative and does not represent an actual manufacturer’s bill of materials.

Turbomolecular pumps

High-speed turbine pumps that draw helium-3 vapour from the still and evacuate the vacuum can to a high vacuum.

Scope of the company links: Turbomolecular pumps on the still line draw helium-3 vapor out of the dilution unit and hand it to the backing pumps, and a turbopump also evacuates the vacuum can. Bluefors’ 2016 BF-LD manual lists one or two Pfeiffer HiPace 400 turbopumps for dilution circulation and an optional Agilent V301 service turbopump; Leybold (Atlas Copco) markets TURBOVAC turbopumps for dilution refrigerators without a named customer. Bluefors’ current Service Booster is a dedicated turbopump whose maker is not named, and other refrigerator makers do not disclose theirs. Shimadzu and Ebara make turbopumps, but no dilution-refrigerator source was found, so they are not mapped.

Backing pumps

Oil-free scroll or multistage roots pumps that exhaust the turbomolecular pumps and push the circulating gas back toward the refrigerator.

Scope of the company links: Oil-free backing pumps behind the turbos compress the returning mixture and rough out the system. Bluefors’ 2016 manual lists Edwards (Atlas Copco) XDS35i or nXDS15i scroll pumps for dilution circulation, an Agilent SH-110 scroll for service roughing and an Agilent IDP-3 scroll used as the helium compressor. Its Gen 2 system (2024) replaced the scroll pump with a multistage roots pump rated for six maintenance-free years and does not name the maker; Leybold (Atlas Copco) markets ECODRY plus multistage roots pumps and Pfeiffer its HiScroll range for such uses. Anest Iwata, a pioneer of dry scroll pumps, has no dilution-refrigerator source and is not mapped.

Gauges & controllers

Pressure gauges and flow meters on every line, read by the controller that sequences cooldowns and watches for leaks.

Scope of the company links: Pressure gauges on each line, a flow meter on the circulation path and a controller that switches valves and pumps run the gas handling system. Bluefors’ 2016 manual reads its gauges through a Pfeiffer MaxiGauge TPG 256 six-channel controller and switches valves and reads the flow meter through a National Instruments USB-6008 data-acquisition device; National Instruments is now part of Emerson. Its Gen 2 system (2024) moved to a PLC with EtherCAT and ‘latest generation’ gauges whose makers are not named. INFICON and MKS sell vacuum gauges and controllers to research labs without a documented dilution-refrigerator role.

Related research

Companies with overlapping sector exposure. Their products and evidence may differ; this is not a list of equivalent investments.

Suggest a correction · Research and market-data disclosures