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Sub-millikelvin stabilization of a closed cycle cryocooler
Guy Dubuis1, Xi He1, Ivan Božović1
1Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York 11973-5000, USA.
The Review of Scientific Instruments
|November 3, 2014
Summary
A novel thermal damping system stabilizes cryocooler temperature oscillations, reducing sample temperature fluctuations to less than 1 mK across a wide temperature range. This inexpensive, retrofittable system enhances measurements of temperature-sensitive properties without compromising cooling power.
Area of Science:
- Cryogenics
- Materials Science
- Physics Instrumentation
Background:
- Closed cycle cryocoolers exhibit intrinsic temperature oscillations up to 1 K.
- Precise temperature control is crucial for sensitive physics measurements.
- Existing cryocooler systems may require improved thermal stability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a simple thermal damping system for cryocoolers.
- To significantly reduce intrinsic temperature oscillations in closed cycle cryocoolers.
- To assess the impact of the damping system on cooling power and measurement capabilities.
Main Methods:
- Implementation of a passive thermal damping system using three distinct materials.
- Materials selected based on varying thermal conductivity and specific heat.
- Testing the system's performance across a temperature range of 4 K to 300 K.
Main Results:
- Stabilized temperature oscillations with amplitude reduced to below 1 mK.
- Effective damping achieved across the 4 K to 300 K temperature range.
- Cooling power of the cryocooler remained virtually undiminished.
Conclusions:
- The developed thermal damping system effectively stabilizes cryocooler temperature.
- The system is compact, cost-effective, and easily retrofittable.
- This technology can enhance precision in measurements of temperature-sensitive physical properties.
