Neutron scattering sample environment device

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of neutron scattering, in particular to a neutron scattering sample environment device. The neutron scattering sample environment device comprises a first container, a second container and a connecting piece, the first container and the second container are provided with inner cavities, the inner cavities are used for being filled with paramagnetic materials, and the first container and the second container are used for being arranged at the first end and the second end of a sample tube respectively and are provided with heat conduction faces making contact with the sample tube to conduct heat. The connecting piece is connected between the first container and the second container so as to clamp and fix the sample tube. According to the neutron scattering sample environment device, the containers are provided with the inner cavities for containing the paramagnetic materials, the two containers are located at the two ends of the sample tube respectively and clamp and fix the sample tube, and the containers make full contact with the sample tube, so that heat conduction is facilitated; the whole device is put into a superconducting magnet, and the paramagnetic material is magnetized and demagnetized, so that an ultralow-temperature environment can be provided for a sample in the sample tube.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of neutron scattering technology, specifically to a neutron scattering sample environment device. Background Technology

[0002] Quantum technology is based on the quantum effects of particles, and all materials exhibiting quantum effects discovered so far require ultra-low temperature environments. Neutron scattering can study the crystal structure, magnetic structure, and dynamic properties of matter, and can investigate the structure and properties of matter under different environments, making it an important experimental method for studying quantum effects. To conduct neutron scattering experiments in ultra-low temperature environments, major neutron scattering platforms have established various extreme sample environment devices, such as high temperature, low temperature, high pressure, strong magnetic field, and other extreme condition sample environment devices.

[0003] For cryogenic sample environment equipment for neutron scattering, the most widely used are currently helium-3 cryogenic inserts and dilution refrigerators. However, both of these types of cryogenic equipment suffer from high production costs and complex operation. Compared to the above two technologies, cryogenic equipment based on magnetocooling technology is inexpensive and easy to operate, making it a valuable option for neutron scattering experiments that do not require continuous cooling. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a neutron scattering sample environment device suitable for magnetic cooling.

[0005] According to a first aspect, one embodiment provides a neutron scattering sample environment device, including a first container, a second container, and a connector. The first container and the second container are provided with an inner cavity for filling with a paramagnetic material. The first container and the second container are respectively disposed at a first end and a second end of a sample tube and have a heat-conducting surface that contacts the sample tube for heat transfer. The connector is connected between the first container and the second container to clamp and fix the sample tube between the first container and the second container.

[0006] In some embodiments, at least one end of the connector is provided with an adjustment structure to adjust the distance between the first container and the second container.

[0007] In some embodiments, the connector includes at least two connecting rods arranged circumferentially around the first container, with the two ends of the connecting rods respectively connected to the first container and the second container.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first container and the second container are provided with flanges, and the flanges are provided with connecting holes, and the end of the connecting rod is connected to the flange through the connecting holes.

[0009] In some embodiments, the connecting hole is a threaded hole, and the end of the connecting rod is provided with an external thread adapted to the threaded hole.

[0010] In some embodiments, the connector has a strip-shaped hole at at least one end, the first container or the second container has a fixing hole, the connector further includes a fastener, the position of the fastener in the strip-shaped hole is adjustable, and the fastener is used to engage in the fixing hole to press the connector onto the container.

[0011] In some embodiments, the connector includes a first ring portion, a second ring portion, and a connecting portion, the connecting portion being connected between the first ring portion and the second ring portion, the first ring portion and the second ring portion having internal or external threads, respectively threadedly connected to the two containers.

[0012] In some embodiments, the connection includes a first part and a second part arranged circumferentially around the first container, with a clearance space between the first part and the second part for the neutron beam to pass through.

[0013] In some embodiments, both the first container and the second container include a body portion and a cover, the inner cavity being formed in the body portion, and the cover being connected to the side of the body portion away from the sample tube to close the inner cavity.

[0014] In some embodiments, a fixing part is provided on the lid of the first container, the fixing part being used to fix the neutron scattering sample environment device.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first container is made of copper or graphite, and / or the second container is made of copper or graphite.

[0016] According to the neutron scattering sample environment device of the above embodiment, the container has an inner cavity for accommodating paramagnetic material, two containers are respectively located at both ends of the sample tube and clamp the sample tube in place, and the container and the sample tube are in full contact through the heat-conducting surface, which is conducive to heat conduction; the entire device is placed in a superconducting magnet, and by magnetizing and demagnetizing the paramagnetic material, an ultra-low temperature environment can be provided for the sample in the sample tube; the overall structure of the device is simple and the operation is convenient. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a front view of one embodiment of the neutron scattering sample environment device of this utility model;

[0018] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Right view of the neutron scattering sample environment device in the image;

[0019] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the neutron scattering sample environment device in the image;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a front view of another embodiment of the neutron scattering sample environment device of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Right view of the neutron scattering sample environment device in the image;

[0022] Figure 6 for Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the neutron scattering sample environment device in the image;

[0023] Figure 7 This is a front view of yet another embodiment of the neutron scattering sample environment device of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 8 for Figure 7 Right view of the neutron scattering sample environment device in the image;

[0025] Figure 9 for Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the neutron scattering sample environment device.

[0026] Figure label:

[0027] 1. First container; 11. Inner cavity; 12. Main body; 13. Cover; 131. Fixing part; 14. Heat-conducting surface; 15. Flange; 16. Fixing hole; 2. Second container; 3. Connector; 31. Connecting rod; 311. External thread section; 32. Clearance space; 33. First ring body; 34. Second ring body; 35. Connecting part; 36. Connecting piece; 361. Strip hole; 37. Fastening screw. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Similar elements in different embodiments are referred to by related similar element reference numerals. In the following embodiments, many details are described to facilitate a better understanding of the present application. However, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that some features may be omitted in different situations, or may be replaced by other elements, materials, or methods. In some cases, certain operations related to the present application are not shown or described in the specification. This is to avoid obscuring the core parts of the present application with excessive description. For those skilled in the art, detailed description of these related operations is not necessary; they can fully understand the related operations based on the description in the specification and general technical knowledge in the art.

[0029] Furthermore, the features, operations, or characteristics described in the specification can be combined in any suitable manner to form various embodiments. At the same time, the steps or actions in the method description can be rearranged or adjusted in a manner obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the various orders in the specification and drawings are only for the clear description of a particular embodiment and do not imply a necessary order, unless otherwise stated that a particular order must be followed.

[0030] The serial numbers assigned to components in this document, such as "first" and "second," are used only to distinguish the described objects and have no sequential or technical meaning. The terms "connection" and "linkage" used in this application, unless otherwise specified, include both direct and indirect connections (linkages).

[0031] Magnetic refrigeration equipment is low-cost and simple to operate. Its principle involves magnetizing a paramagnetic material, cooling it to a certain temperature, and then removing the magnetic field under adiabatic conditions. Since the demagnetization process absorbs heat, a cooling effect is generated. In neutron scattering experiments, an adiabatic demagnetizing component is typically placed inside a superconducting magnet to magnetize the paramagnetic material, lower its temperature to below 2.0 K, then evacuate to a high vacuum, and finally demagnetize, thus achieving a temperature below 0.1 K.

[0032] To utilize the aforementioned magnetic cooling to provide a low-temperature environment for neutron scattering, a neutron scattering sample environment device can be used. The device includes a container holding paramagnetic material, which is fixed in contact with the sample tube. The entire device is placed in a superconducting magnet, and the sample tube is cooled through magnetization and demagnetization processes.

[0033] like Figures 1-3 As shown, one embodiment provides a neutron scattering sample environment device including: a first container 1, a second container 2, and a connector 3.

[0034] The first container 1 and the second container 2 are provided with an inner cavity 11, which is used to fill the paramagnetic material. The first container 1 and the second container 2 can be cylindrical or prismatic. Since the first container 1 and the second container 2 need to be placed in the sample cavity of the supermagnetic conductor, their specific shape and size can be determined according to the sample cavity of the supermagnetic conductor.

[0035] For the cylindrical first container 1 and second container 2, the wall thickness can be 0.5-5 mm, and the outer diameter can be 20-90 mm. For example, in this embodiment, the first container 1 and second container 2 are cylindrical with an outer diameter of 48 mm and a height of 65 mm. In other embodiments, the first container 1 and second container 2 have an outer diameter of 45 mm and a height of 100 mm; or an outer diameter of 42 mm and a height of 90 mm.

[0036] The first container 1 and the second container 2 are respectively disposed at the first and second ends of the sample tube and have heat-conducting surfaces 14 that contact the sample tube for heat transfer. Specifically, the side of the first container 1 and the second container 2 facing the sample tube contacts the sample tube, serving to conduct heat, i.e., the heat-conducting surface 14. The shape of the heat-conducting surface 14 can be circular or rectangular. For example, when the first container 1 and the second container 2 are cylindrical, the corresponding heat-conducting surface 14 is circular. The type of heat-conducting surface 14 can also be a plane, curved surface, stepped surface, etc., as long as it can make sufficient contact with the sample tube. The material of the first container 1 and the second container 2 can be copper or graphite, which have good thermal conductivity.

[0037] Connector 3 is connected between the first container 1 and the second container 2 to clamp and fix the sample tube in the first container 1 and the second container 2. Specifically, connector 3 can be a connecting rod 31. By setting connector 3, not only can the sample tube be fixed, but the contact between the first container 1, the second container 2 and the sample tube is also made tighter, resulting in better heat transfer.

[0038] In some embodiments, at least one end of the connector 3 is provided with an adjustment structure to adjust the distance between the first container 1 and the second container 2. The adjustment structure allows for convenient adjustment of the distance between the first container 1 and the second container 2, facilitating the installation or removal of the sample tube. It also facilitates adjusting the clamping force of the first container 1 and the second container 2 on the sample tube, ensuring a tight fit between the first container 1, the second container 2, and the sample tube. The distance between the heat-conducting surfaces 14 of the first container 1 and the second container 2 can be 5-80 mm. The adjustment structure can take several forms.

[0039] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the connector 3 includes two connecting rods 31, which are arranged circumferentially around the first container 1. The two ends of each connecting rod 31 are connected to the first container 1 and the second container 2, respectively. A clearance space 32 is formed between the connecting rods 31 to avoid the neutron beam. The first container 1 and the second container 2 are provided with flanges 15. The outer diameter of the flanges 15 can be 3-6 mm larger than the outer diameter of the main body of the first container 1 and the second container 2. A connecting hole is provided on the flange 15, and the end of the connecting rod 31 is connected to the flange 15 through the connecting hole. The connecting hole is a threaded hole, and the end of the connecting rod 31 is provided with an external thread section 311 adapted to the threaded hole. By rotating the connecting rod 31, the distance between the first container 1 and the second container 2 can be adjusted.

[0040] In other embodiments, the connecting hole can also be a light hole, and the end of the connecting rod 31 is installed in the connecting hole by a nut, and the distance between the first container 1 and the second container 2 can be adjusted by rotating the nut.

[0041] In some embodiments, such as Figures 4-6As shown, the connector 3 includes a first ring portion 33, a second ring portion 34, and a connecting portion 35. The connecting portion 35 connects the first ring portion 33 and the second ring portion 34. The first ring portion 33 and the second ring portion 34 have internal threads, and the outer peripheries of the first container 1 and the second container 2 are provided with matching external threads. The first ring portion 33 is threadedly connected to the first container 1, and the second ring portion 34 is threadedly connected to the second container 2. By rotating the first container 1 or the second container 2, the distance between the first container 1 and the second container 2 can be adjusted.

[0042] In other embodiments, the first ring portion 33 and the second ring portion 34 have external threads, and the first container 1 and the second container 2 may be provided with matching internal threads. The first ring portion 33 is threadedly connected to the first container 1, and the second ring portion 34 is threadedly connected to the second container 2. By rotating the first container 1 or the second container 2, the distance between the first container 1 and the second container 2 can also be adjusted.

[0043] In some embodiments, such as Figures 4-6 As shown, the connecting part 35 includes a first part and a second part arranged circumferentially along the first container 1, with a clearance space 32 formed between the first part and the second part to allow the neutron beam to pass through. The clearance space 32 facilitates neutron scattering experiments.

[0044] In some embodiments, such as Figures 7-9 As shown, the connector 3 is a connecting piece 36, one end of which is provided with a strip hole 361. The first container 1 is provided with a fixing hole 16. The connector 3 also includes a fastener, the position of which is adjustable within the strip hole 361. The fastener is used to engage with the fixing hole 16 to press the connector 3 onto the container. Specifically, the fastener can be a fastening screw 37.

[0045] In other embodiments, the first container 1 and the second container 2 are provided with fixing studs. The fixing studs are installed in the strip hole 361 and can move within the strip hole 361. The fastener is a nut, which is assembled on the stud to fix the position of the connector 3 with the first container 1 and the second container 2.

[0046] In other embodiments, both ends of the connector 3 are provided with strip holes 361.

[0047] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3As shown, both the first container 1 and the second container 2 include a main body 12 and a cover 13. An inner cavity 11 is formed in the main body 12, and the cover 13 is connected to the side of the main body 12 away from the sample tube to close the inner cavity 11. Setting the first container 1 and the second container 2 in the form of a main body 12 and a cover 13 facilitates the filling of paramagnetic material into the inner cavity 11. In this embodiment, the cover 13 is a nut-type cap, meaning that the opening of the main body 12 has external threads, and the cover 13 has internal threads that are compatible with the main body 12.

[0048] In other embodiments, the cover 13 may also be a screw-type seal, that is, the cover 13 is provided with external threads, and the opening of the main body 12 is provided with internal threads that are compatible with the cover 13.

[0049] In some embodiments, a fixing part 131 is provided on the cover 13 of the first container 1. The fixing part 131 is used to fix the neutron scattering sample environment device. Specifically, the fixing part 131 is used to connect the sample rod. The fixing part 131 can be a screw protrusion provided on the cover 13, and the end of the sample rod is connected to the cover 13 through the screw protrusion. During use, the neutron scattering sample environment device is placed in the sample cavity of the supermagnetic conductor by the sample rod.

[0050] Since the sample rod is connected to the cover 13 of the first container 1, heat transfer between the sample rod and the cover 13 is easy, affecting the cooling effect. Therefore, the cover 13 can be made of insulating material to reduce heat transfer between the sample rod and the first container 1, which is conducive to the formation of an ultra-low temperature environment.

[0051] The following describes the method of using the neutron scattering sample environment device of this invention.

[0052] Before use, paramagnetic material is filled into the inner cavity 11 of the first container 1 and the second container 2. Then, the distance between the first container 1 and the second container 2 is adjusted by the adjustment structure of the connector 3 to clamp the sample tube between the heat-conducting surfaces 14 of the first container 1 and the second container 2.

[0053] The first container 1 and the sample rod are fixedly connected via the fixing part 131 on the cover 13 of the first container 1. Then, the sample tube and the neutron scattering sample environment device are placed as a whole into the sample cavity of the supermagnetic conductor. After magnetization and demagnetization, the sample cavity reaches the required ultra-low temperature environment. Then, the neutron beam is directed towards the sample box in the clearance space 32, and the neutron scattering experiment can be carried out.

[0054] The above-described specific examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this invention. Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains can make various simple deductions, modifications, or substitutions based on the concept of this invention.

Claims

1. A neutron scattering sample environment apparatus, characterized in that, The utility model relates to a neutron scattering sample environment device, comprising: a first container and a second container, the first container and the second container are provided with an inner cavity for filling paramagnetic material, the first container and the second container are respectively arranged at the first end and the second end of a sample tube and have a heat-conducting surface in contact with the sample tube for heat transfer; a connecting piece connected between the first container and the second container to clamp and fix the sample tube.

2. The neutron scattering sample environment apparatus of claim 1, wherein, At least one end of the connecting piece is provided with an adjusting structure to adjust the distance between the first container and the second container.

3. A neutron scattering sample environment apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein, The connecting piece comprises at least two connecting rods arranged along the circumference of the first container, and the two ends of the connecting rods are respectively connected to the first container and the second container.

4. A neutron scattering sample environment apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein, The first container and the second container are provided with flanges, the flanges are provided with connecting holes, and the ends of the connecting rods are connected to the flanges through the connecting holes.

5. The neutron scattering sample environment apparatus of claim 4, wherein, The connecting hole is a threaded hole, and the end of the connecting rod is provided with an external thread matched with the threaded hole.

6. The neutron scattering sample environment apparatus of claim 3, wherein, At least one end of the connecting piece is provided with a strip-shaped hole, the first container or the second container is provided with a fixing hole, the connecting piece further comprises a fastener, the position of the fastener in the strip-shaped hole can be adjusted, and the fastener is used to fit in the fixing hole to press the connecting piece on the container.

7. The neutron scattering sample environment apparatus of claim 2, wherein, The connecting piece comprises a first ring body, a second ring body and a connecting part, the connecting part is connected between the first ring body and the second ring body, the first ring body and the second ring body have internal threads or external threads and are respectively threadedly connected to two containers.

8. The neutron scattering sample environment apparatus of claim 7, wherein, The connecting part comprises a first part and a second part arranged along the circumference of the first container, and an avoidance space for passing a neutron beam is formed between the first part and the second part.

9. The neutron scattering sample environment apparatus of any one of claims 1-8, wherein, The first container and the second container each comprise a main body and a cover, the inner cavity is formed in the main body, and the cover is used to connect to the side of the main body away from the sample tube to close the inner cavity.

10. The neutron scattering sample environment apparatus of claim 9, wherein, The cover of the first container is provided with a fixing part for fixing the neutron scattering sample environment device.

11. A neutron scattering sample environment apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The material of the first container is copper or graphite, and / or the material of the second container is copper or graphite.

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