Low thermal conductivity support systems for cryogenic environments.

Abstract

Techniques are provided to facilitate a low thermal conductivity support system in a cryogenic environment. In one example, a cryostat may include a post and a washer. The post may couple a first thermal stage and a second thermal stage of the cryostat. The washer may be interposed between the post and the first thermal stage. The washer may thermally isolate the post and the first thermal stage.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to cryogenic environments, and more particularly to techniques for facilitating low thermal conductivity support systems within cryogenic environments. [Background technology]

[0002] A cryostat can maintain specimens or devices placed on a specimen mounting surface located within the cryostat at temperatures near absolute zero to aid in the evaluation of such specimens or devices under cryogenic conditions. Cryostats generally achieve such low temperatures by utilizing five thermal stages mechanically coupled to a room-temperature plate in an outer vacuum chamber that encloses the five thermal stages. The five thermal stages of a cryostat include a temperature profile in which the temperature of each subsequent thermal stage is progressively lower than the temperature present in the previous thermal stage.

[0003] Cryostats generally utilize supports to implement a support system that mechanically couples the thermal stage to the room-temperature plate of the outer vacuum chamber and maintains spatial separation between adjacent thermal stages. Such supports may provide a thermal conduction path that aids in the transfer of heat from a hotter thermal stage to a colder thermal stage. Various techniques exist to interrupt the thermal conduction path to reduce the transfer of heat from a hotter thermal stage to a colder thermal stage. For example, some techniques involve introducing holes into the supports to interrupt the thermal conduction path provided by the supports. While such techniques can help reduce the transfer of heat from a hotter thermal stage to a colder thermal stage, introducing holes into the supports can reduce the load-bearing capacity of the supports. Therefore, such techniques may limit the scalability of the cryostat. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The following presents a summary to provide a basic understanding of one or more embodiments of the present invention. This summary is not intended to identify key or critical elements or to delineate the scope of particular embodiments or the scope of the claims. Its sole purpose is to present concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. In one or more embodiments described herein, a system, device, and / or method for facilitating a low thermal conductivity support system in a cryogenic environment is described.

[0005] According to one embodiment, a cryostat may include a support and a washer. The support may couple a first thermal stage and a second thermal stage of the cryostat. The washer may be interposed between the support and the first thermal stage. The washer may thermally isolate the support and the first thermal stage. One aspect of the cryostat is that the cryostat may facilitate a low thermal conductivity support system within a cryogenic environment.

[0006] In one embodiment, the threaded inner wall of the support can receive the threaded shaft of the mounting mechanism through the second thermal stage to couple the support to the second thermal stage. In one embodiment, a polyimide sleeve can be interposed between the threaded shaft of the mounting mechanism and the threaded inner wall of the support. One aspect of the cryostat is that it can help maintain the integrity of the coupling between the support and the second thermal stage by ensuring that the mounting mechanism remains centered within the threaded inner wall of the support.

[0007] According to another embodiment, a cryostat support system may include a tension support and a washer. The tension support may couple a first thermal stage and a second thermal stage of the cryostat. The first thermal stage and the second thermal stage may be coupled to a top plate of the outer vacuum chamber. The washer may be interposed between the tension support and the second thermal stage. The washer may thermally isolate the tension support and the second thermal stage. One aspect of such a cryostat support system is that it may facilitate a low thermal conductivity support system within a cryogenic environment.

[0008] In one embodiment, the washer has a first footprint and can be received in a recess formed in the second thermal stage, the recess reducing the thickness of the second thermal stage within a second footprint of the recess that is larger than the first footprint. One aspect of the cryostat support system is that it can help maintain the structural integrity of the tension column as the shape of the second thermal stage changes due to thermal expansion / contraction.

[0009] According to another embodiment, a cryostat support system may include a compression post and a washer. The compression post may couple a first thermal stage and a second thermal stage of the cryostat. The first thermal stage and the second thermal stage may be coupled to a bottom plate of the outer vacuum chamber. The washer may be interposed between the compression post and the first thermal stage. The washer may thermally isolate the compression post and the first thermal stage. One aspect of such a cryostat support system is that it may facilitate a low thermal conductivity support system within a cryogenic environment.

[0010] In one embodiment, the compression struts transfer at least a portion of the mechanical load on the second thermal stage to the bottom plate. One aspect of such a cryostat support system is that it can help manage weight / load distribution within the cryostat. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an exemplary, non-limiting cryostat according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exemplary, non-limiting close-up view illustrating a column of the cryostat of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is another exemplary, non-limiting close-up view illustrating the support post of FIG. 2 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is an exemplary, non-limiting close-up view illustrating an attachment mechanism for coupling the support column of FIG. 2 to one of the adjacent thermal stages, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is an exemplary, non-limiting close-up view illustrating another attachment mechanism for coupling the support column of FIG. 2 to another of the adjacent thermal stages, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is an exemplary, non-limiting close-up view illustrating a washer that thermally isolates the support post of FIG. 2 from the other thermal stage, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is an exemplary, non-limiting isometric view illustrating the base of the support column of FIG. 2 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an exemplary, non-limiting orthogonal view illustrating the base of FIG. 7 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 9] 8 is an exemplary, non-limiting, vertical cross-sectional view of the base of FIG. 7 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 10] FIG. 3 is an exemplary, non-limiting isometric view illustrating the stem of the support post of FIG. 2 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 11] 11 is an exemplary, non-limiting, side cross-sectional view of the shaft of FIG. 10 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 12] 11 is an exemplary, non-limiting orthogonal view illustrating the shaft of FIG. 10 in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 13] 13 is an exemplary, non-limiting cross-sectional view of the shaft portion of FIG. 10 taken along line AA of FIG. 12 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is an exemplary, non-limiting isometric view illustrating another shaft according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is an exemplary, non-limiting, side cross-sectional view of the shaft of FIG. 14 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 16] 15 is an exemplary, non-limiting cross-sectional view of the shaft of FIG. 14 taken along line AA of FIG. 15 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is an exemplary, non-limiting isometric view illustrating a base-stage washer according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is an exemplary, non-limiting orthogonal view illustrating the base-stage washer of FIG. 17 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 19] FIG. 18 is an exemplary, non-limiting side view of the base-stage washer of FIG. 17 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 20] FIG. 1 is an exemplary, non-limiting isometric view illustrating an axle washer according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is an exemplary, non-limiting orthogonal view illustrating the axle washer of FIG. 20 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 22] FIG. 21 is an exemplary, non-limiting side view of the axle washer of FIG. 20 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 23]FIG. 1 is an exemplary, non-limiting isometric view illustrating a base-mount washer according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is an exemplary, non-limiting orthogonal view illustrating the base-mount washer of FIG. 23 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 25] FIG. 24 is an exemplary, non-limiting side view of the base-mount washer of FIG. 23 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is an exemplary, non-limiting orthogonal view of a recess formed in a thermal stage of a cryostat according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is an exemplary, non-limiting side view of the recess of FIG. 26 according to one or more embodiments described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The following detailed description is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the embodiments or the application and / or uses of the embodiments, nor is it intended to follow any express or implied information presented in the Background or Summary section or the Detailed Description section above.

[0013] One or more embodiments are described herein with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following detailed description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of one or more embodiments. It will be apparent, however, that in various instances, one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an exemplary, non-limiting cryostat 100 according to one or more embodiments described herein. As shown in FIG. 1, the cryostat 100 includes an outer vacuum chamber 110 formed by a sidewall 112 interposed between an upper plate 114 and a lower plate 116. In operation, the outer vacuum chamber 110 can maintain a pressure differential between an ambient environment 120 of the outer vacuum chamber 110 and a chamber 130 of the outer vacuum chamber 110. The cryostat 100 can further include multiple thermal stages (or stages) 140 disposed within the chamber 130 and each mechanically coupled to the upper plate 114. The multiple stages 140 include stage 141, stage 143, stage 145, stage 147, and stage 149.

[0015] Each stage of the plurality of stages 140 may be associated with a different temperature. For example, stage 141 may be a 50 Kelvin (50-K) stage associated with a temperature of 50 Kelvin (K), stage 143 may be a 4 Kelvin (4-K) stage associated with a temperature of 4 Kelvin, stage 145 may be associated with a temperature of 700 milliKelvin (mK), stage 147 may be associated with a temperature of 100 mK, and stage 149 may be associated with a temperature of 10 mK. In one embodiment, stage 145 may be a stationary stage, stage 147 may be a cold plate stage, and stage 149 may be a mixing chamber stage.

[0016] One or more supports (e.g., support 142) may couple multiple stages 140 to top plate 114 of outer vacuum chamber 110. Additionally, each stage of multiple stages 140 may be spatially separated from other stages of multiple stages 140 by multiple supports (e.g., support 144). Some supports may include multiple segments. For example, support 150 includes segments 152, 154, 156, and 158. Segment 152 of support 150 couples stage 141 to top plate 114 of outer vacuum chamber 110, segment 154 couples stage 141 to stage 143, segment 156 couples stage 143 to stage 145, and segment 158 ​​couples stage 145 to stage 147. In one embodiment, supports 142, 144, or 150, or a combination thereof, may comprise stainless steel. In one embodiment, support columns 150 can transfer at least a portion of the mechanical load on stages 141, 143, 145, and / or 147 to top plate 114 of outer vacuum chamber 110. For example, section 158 can transfer at least a portion of the mechanical load on stage 147 to top plate 114 via sections 156, 154, and 152. By transferring at least a portion of the mechanical load on stages 141, 143, 145, and / or 147 to top plate 114 of outer vacuum chamber 110, support columns 150 can help manage weight / load distribution within cryostat 100. Gravity acting on the mass of multiple stages 140 can induce tension on the support columns (e.g., support columns 142) coupling multiple stages 140 to top plate 114 or support columns (e.g., support columns 144 and / or 150) that spatially separate the stages 140. Such struts may be referred to as tension struts.

[0017] 1 , cryostat 100 may further include one or more plates coupled to bottom plate 116 of outer vacuum chamber 110. For example, cryostat 100 may further include thermal plate (or plates) 160, which may help mechanically support a thermal shield associated with stage 141. As another example, cryostat 100 may further include plate 170, which may help mechanically support a thermal shield associated with stage 143. One or more support columns (e.g., support columns 162) may couple plates 160 and / or 170 to bottom plate 116 of outer vacuum chamber 110. Furthermore, plates 160 and 170 may be spatially separated by multiple support columns (e.g., support columns 164).

[0018] As described above, some struts may include multiple segments. For example, strut 180 includes segments 182 and 184. Segment 182 of strut 180 couples plate 160 to lower plate 116 of outer vacuum chamber 110, and segment 184 couples plate 160 to plate 170. In one embodiment, struts 162, 164, and / or 180 may comprise stainless steel. In one embodiment, strut 180 may transfer at least a portion of a mechanical load applied to plates 160 and / or 170 to lower plate 116 of outer vacuum chamber 110. For example, segment 182 may transfer at least a portion of a mechanical load applied to plate 170 to lower plate 116 via segment 184. By transferring at least a portion of the mechanical load on plates 160 and / or 170 to the lower plate 116 of the outer vacuum chamber 110 , the support 180 can help manage weight / load distribution within the cryostat 100 .

[0019] Gravity acting on the mass of plates 160 and / or 170 can induce a compressive force on the struts (e.g., strut 162) that couple plates 160 and / or 170 to the lower plate 116 and / or struts (e.g., struts 164 and / or 180) that spatially separate them. Such struts may be referred to as compression struts.

[0020] As described in more detail below, thermal conduction paths between stages of cryostat 100 can be interrupted using washers comprising a material with low thermal conductivity (e.g., a material with a thermal conductivity of less than 1 watt per meter-Kelvin (W / mK)). In particular, washers comprising a low thermal conductivity material (e.g., a polyimide such as KAPTON or VESPEL, each available from DuPont de Nemours, Inc. of Wilmington, Delaware) can be interposed between the posts to interrupt the thermal conduction paths between stages of cryostat 100. In one embodiment, temperature gradients along posts connecting three or more stages can be minimized by thermally coupling the posts to at least one intervening stage within the three or more stages. For example, post 150 couples stages 141, 143, 145, and 147 to top plate 114 of outer vacuum chamber 110. In this example, sections 154 and / or 156 of support 150 may be thermally coupled to stages 143 and / or 145 .

[0021] 2-5 are exemplary, non-limiting close-up views illustrating the column 142 of the cryostat 100 of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments described herein. With reference to FIGS. 2-3 , the column 142 includes multiple sections with a base 230 and a shaft 240. The base 230 is described in more detail below with respect to FIGS. 7-9 , and the shaft 240 is described in more detail below with respect to FIGS. 10-13 . The top plate 114 can receive multiple attachment mechanisms 260 via clearance holes (e.g., clearance holes 712 in FIGS. 7-8 ) in the base 230 that circumscribe a longitudinal axis (e.g., longitudinal axis 810 in FIGS. 8-9 ) of the base 230 to couple the top plate 114 and the base 230.

[0022] As best shown in Figures 3-4, a base-stage washer 310 may be interposed between the inner side 214 of the top plate 114 and the base 230 to aid in thermal isolation between the top plate 114 and the base 230. The base-stage washer 310 is described in more detail below with respect to Figures 17-19. Figures 3-4 also show that a base-mount washer 320 may be interposed between each mounting feature 260 and the base 230 to aid in thermal isolation between the top plate 114 and the base 230. The base-mount washer 320 is described in more detail below with respect to Figures 23-25.

[0023] An inner threaded wall of the base 230 (e.g., inner threaded wall 740 in FIGS. 7-9 ) can receive the threaded shaft 242 of the shank 240 to couple the base 230 and the shank 240. In one embodiment, the inner threaded wall of the shank 240 can receive the threaded shaft of the base 230 to couple the base 230 and the shank 240. A clearance hole in the base 230 (e.g., clearance hole 750 in FIG. 7 ) can receive the attachment mechanism 340 to help retain the threaded shaft 242 of the shank 240 in the base 230. In one embodiment, the attachment mechanism 340 can be omitted. In one embodiment, a polyimide sleeve (not shown) can be interposed between the threaded shaft of the attachment mechanism 250 and the threaded inner wall of the shank 240. The polyimide sleeve may help maintain the integrity of the bond between the post 142 and the stage 141 by ensuring that the mounting mechanism 250 remains centered within the threaded inner wall of the shaft 240.

[0024] A threaded inner wall of the shank 240 (e.g., threaded inner wall 1012 in FIGS. 10-13 ) may receive a threaded shaft (not shown) of the mounting mechanism 250 through the stage 141 to couple the shank 240 to the stage 141. As best shown in FIG. 6 , a shaft washer 330 may be interposed between the shank 240 and a side 241 of the stage 141 facing the interior 214 of the top plate 114 to aid in thermal isolation between the stage 141 and the shank 240. The shank washer 330 is described in more detail below with respect to FIGS. 17-19 . As best shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 , a shaft washer 330 may also be interposed between the side 243 of the stage 141 opposite the side 241 and the mounting mechanism 250 to aid in thermal isolation between the stage 141 and the mounting mechanism 250. In one embodiment, placing axle washers 330 on opposite sides of stage 141 may help reduce the thermal conduction path between opposite sides of stage 141 .

[0025] FIG. 6 shows that the axial washer 330, interposed between the axial portion 240 and the side 241 of the stage 141 facing the inner side 214 of the top plate 114, can be received in a recess 610 formed in the stage 141. The recess 610 reduces the thickness of the stage 141 within the footprint of the recess 610. The recess formed in the stage and the footprint of the recess are each described in detail below with respect to FIGS. 26-27. The recess 610 can include a footprint defined by a surface area of ​​the stage 141 that includes the reduced thickness to form the recess 610. The axial washer 330 can also include a footprint defined by a surface area of ​​the axial washer 330 contained within an outer wall of the axial washer 330 (e.g., outer wall 2110 of FIG. 21 ). FIG. 6 further illustrates that the footprint of the recess 610 may be larger than the footprint of the shaft washer 330 interposed between the side 241 and the shaft 240 of the stage 141 .

[0026] 3 and 5, the axle washer 330 interposed between the side 243 of the stage 141 and the mounting mechanism 250 can be received in a recess 373 formed in the stage 141. The recess 373 reduces the thickness of the stage 141 within the footprint of the recess 373. The recess 373 can include a footprint defined by a surface area of ​​the stage 141 that includes the reduced thickness to form the recess 373. The axle washer 330 can also include a footprint defined by a surface area of ​​the axle washer 330 contained within an outer wall of the axle washer 330 (e.g., outer wall 2110 of FIG. 21 ). FIGS. 3 and 5 further illustrate that the footprint of the recess 373 can be larger than the footprint of the axle washer 330 interposed between the side 243 of the stage 141 and the mounting mechanism 250.

[0027] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the shape of stage 141 may change as the temperature of stage 141 changes due to thermal expansion / contraction. Receiving each axle washer 330 within a recess in stage 141 having a larger footprint than axle washer 330 may help maintain the structural integrity of posts 142 as the shape of stage 141 changes due to thermal expansion / contraction. For example, the larger footprint of recess 610 may help posts 142 move within recess 610 in response to such changes in the shape of stage 141 to mitigate structural defects of posts 142. As another example, the larger footprint of recess 373 may also help posts 142 move within recess 610 in response to such changes in the shape of stage 141 to mitigate structural defects of posts 142.

[0028] 7-9 are exemplary, non-limiting views of a base 230 according to one or more embodiments described herein. In particular, FIGS. 7-9 show an isometric view 700, an orthogonal view 800, and a cross-sectional view 900 of the base 230, respectively. With reference to FIGS. 7-9, the base 230 may include a base plate 710 and a tapered end 720 opposing the base plate 710. The base 230 may further include a groove 730 extending along a longitudinal axis 810 of the base 230. The groove 730 may be defined by a threaded inner wall 740 of the base 230. The base plate 710 includes a plurality of clearance holes 712 circumscribing the longitudinal axis 810 in a coaxial direction. An outer vacuum chamber plate (e.g., top plate 114 or bottom plate 116, or both, of FIG. 1), a cryostat stage (e.g., stages 141-149), or a cryostat plate (e.g., plates 160 and 170) may receive a mounting mechanism (e.g., mounting mechanism 260, of FIGS. 2-4) through each clearance hole 712 to couple base 230 to that plate and / or stage. Tapered end 720 may include clearance hole 750 that may help retain the threaded shaft of the shaft (e.g., threaded shaft 242 and / or 1420) within base 230.

[0029] 10-13 are exemplary, non-limiting views of a shank 240 according to one or more embodiments described herein. In particular, FIGS. 10-12 show an isometric view 1000, a cross-sectional view 1100, and an orthogonal view 1200 of the shank 240, respectively. FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional view 1300 of the shank 240 taken along line AA in FIG. 11. Referring to FIGS. 10-13, the shank 240 may include a body 1010 and a threaded shaft 242 disposed along a centerline 1110 of the shank 240. The body 1010 may include a groove 1040 extending along the centerline 1110 of the shank 240. The groove 1040 may be defined by a threaded inner wall 1012 of the shank 240. The threaded inner wall 1012 of the shank 240 can receive the threaded shank of a mounting mechanism (e.g., mounting mechanism 250) via an outer vacuum chamber plate (e.g., top plate 114 or bottom plate 116, or both, of FIG. 1 ), a cryostat stage (e.g., stages 141-149), or a cryostat plate (e.g., plates 160 and 170) to couple the shank 240 to that plate and / or stage. The inner threaded wall of the base (e.g., inner threaded wall 740) can receive the threaded shank 242 of the shank 240 to couple the shank 240 to the base. The body 1010 can further include a tooling interface 1030 to aid in installation and / or removal of the shank 240.

[0030] 14-16 are exemplary, non-limiting views of a shank 1405 according to one or more embodiments described herein. In particular, FIGS. 14-15 show an isometric view 1400 and a vertical cross-sectional view 1500 of the shank 1405, respectively. FIG. 16 shows a cross-sectional view 1600 of the shank 1405 taken along line AA in FIG. 15. Referring to FIGS. 14-16, the shank 1405 may include a body 1410 and a threaded shaft 1420 disposed along a centerline 1510 of the shank 1405. The body 1410 may include a groove 1440 extending along the centerline 1510 of the shank 1405. The groove 1440 may be defined by a threaded inner wall 1412 of the shank 1405. The threaded inner wall 1412 of the shank 1405 can receive the threaded shank of a mounting mechanism (e.g., mounting mechanism 250) via an outer vacuum chamber plate (e.g., top plate 114 or bottom plate 116, or both, of FIG. 1 ), a cryostat stage (e.g., stages 141-149), or a cryostat plate (e.g., plates 160 and 170) to couple the shank 1405 to that plate and / or stage. The inner threaded wall of the base (e.g., inner threaded wall 740) can receive the threaded shank 1420 of the shank 1405 to couple the shank 1405 to the base. The body 1410 can further include a tooling interface 1430 to aid in installation and / or removal of the shank 1405.

[0031] Comparing shank 240 and shank 1405, it can be seen that some modifications can be made to the shank to accommodate different cryostat configurations (e.g., spacing between adjacent stages). For example, shank 240 has a length (defined by length 1014 of body 1410 and length 1024 of threaded shaft 242) that is shorter than the length of shank 1405 (defined by length 1414 of body 1410 and length 1424 of threaded shaft 1420). In this example, shank 240 can facilitate coupling adjacent stages and / or plates of cryostats that are relatively closely spaced, while shank 1405 can facilitate coupling adjacent stages and / or plates of cryostats that are relatively far apart. As another example, shank 1405 has a ratio between length 1414 of body 1410 and length 1424 of threaded shaft 1420 that is greater than a comparable ratio for shank 240. This feature indicates that the ratio between body length and threaded shaft length may be varied to allow the shank to accommodate different load-bearing requirements.

[0032] As another example, groove 1040 extends within body 1010 of shank 240 a length 1120 that positions groove 1040 within tool interface 1030. In contrast, groove 1440 extends within body 1410 of shank 1405 a length 1520 that positions groove 1440 outside of tool interface 1430. Comparing FIGS. 13 and 16 shows that some material, including the body 1010 of shank 240, has been removed within tool interface 1030, while tool interface 1430 of shank 1405 remains solid. Thus, a greater amount of torque can be applied to tool interface 1430 of shank 1405 than can be applied to tool interface 1030 of shank 240. This feature illustrates that the length of a groove within a shank can be varied to accommodate different torque requirements.

[0033] 17-19 are exemplary, non-limiting views of a base-stage washer 310 according to one or more embodiments described herein. In particular, FIGS. 17-19 show an isometric view 1700, an orthogonal view 1800, and a side view 1900 of the base-stage washer 310, respectively. Referring to FIGS. 17-19, the base-stage washer 310 may include multiple openings 1710, each of which aligns with a respective clearance hole (e.g., clearance hole 710) in the base plate. In one embodiment, the base-stage washer 310 may include a material with low thermal conductivity (e.g., a material with a thermal conductivity of less than 1 Watt per meter Kelvin (W / mK)). In one embodiment, the base-stage washer 310 may include a polyimide (e.g., KAPTON or VESPEL).

[0034] 20-22 are exemplary, non-limiting views of axial washer 330 according to one or more embodiments described herein. In particular, FIGS. 20-22 show an isometric view 2000, an orthogonal view 2100, and a side view 2200, respectively, of axial washer 330. Referring to FIGS. 20-22, axial washer 330 may include an outer wall 2110 and an inner wall 2120, each circumscribing a centerline 2140 of axial washer 330. Outer wall 2110 may include a surface area that defines a footprint of axial washer 330. Inner wall 2120 may define an opening having a diameter 2130, which may receive a threaded shank of a mounting mechanism (e.g., mounting mechanism 250) that aids in coupling the shank of the column to a cryostat stage and / or plate. In one embodiment, the shaft washer 330 may include a material having a low thermal conductivity (e.g., a material having a thermal conductivity of less than 1 Watt per meter Kelvin (W / mK)). In one embodiment, the shaft washer 330 may include a polyimide (e.g., KAPTON or VESPEL).

[0035] 23-25 ​​are exemplary, non-limiting views of a base-mounting washer 320 according to one or more embodiments described herein. In particular, FIGS. 23-25 ​​show an isometric view 2300, an orthogonal view 2400, and a side view 2500, respectively, of the base-mounting washer 320. Referring to FIGS. 23-25, the base-mounting washer 320 may include an outer wall 2410 and an inner wall 2420, each circumscribing a centerline 2440 of the base-mounting washer 320. The outer wall 2410 may include a surface area that defines a footprint of the base-mounting washer 320. The inner wall 2420 may define an opening having a diameter 2430, which may receive a threaded shaft of a mounting mechanism (e.g., mounting mechanism 260) that aids in coupling the base of the column to a cryostat stage and / or plate. In one embodiment, the base-mount washer 320 may include a material with low thermal conductivity (e.g., a material with a thermal conductivity of less than 1 Watt per meter Kelvin (W / mK)). In one embodiment, the base-mount washer 320 may include a polyimide (e.g., KAPTON or VESPEL).

[0036] 26-27 are exemplary, non-limiting illustrations of a recess 2640 formed in a stage 2605 (or plate) of a cryostat, according to one or more embodiments described herein. In particular, FIGS. 26-27 show an isometric view 2600 and a side view 2700, respectively, of the recess 2640 formed in the stage 2605. Referring to FIGS. 26-27, the stage 2605 can include an outer wall 2620 that circumscribes a centerline 2650 of the stage 2605. As shown in FIGS. 26-27, the recess 2640 can be formed in the stage 2605, reducing the thickness of the stage 2605 within the footprint 2630 of the recess 2640. For example, the stage 2605 can have a thickness 2625 at a surface area 2610 exterior to the recess 2640 that is greater than a thickness 2645 of the stage 2605 within the recess 2640.

[0037] An embodiment of the present invention may be a system, method, or apparatus, or combination thereof, at any possible level of completeness and technical detail. What has been described above includes merely examples of systems, methods, and apparatus. Of course, it is not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or computer-implemented methods for purposes of describing the present disclosure, but one skilled in the art will recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the present disclosure are possible. Furthermore, the word "comprises" is to be construed as a transitional term when used in the claims, such that to the extent words such as "including," "having," "possessing," and the like are used in the detailed description, claims, appendices, and drawings, such words are intended to be as inclusive as the word "comprises."

[0038] Additionally, the word "or" is intended to mean an inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or." In other words, unless otherwise stated or clear from context, "X uses A or B" is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X uses A; X uses B; or X uses both A and B, then "X uses A or B" is satisfied under any of the above-mentioned cases. Furthermore, unless otherwise stated where the singular form is indicated or clear from such context, the articles "a" and "an" when used in this specification and the accompanying drawings should generally be construed to mean "one or more." As used herein, the words "example" and / or "exemplary" are utilized to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." For the avoidance of doubt, the subject matter disclosed herein is not limited by such examples. Additionally, any aspect or design described herein as "example" and / or "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs, and is not meant to exclude equivalent exemplary structures and techniques known to those skilled in the art.

[0039] The description of various embodiments has been provided for illustrative purposes, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terms used herein have been chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, practical applications or technical improvements of existing technologies, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosure pertains to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0040] While certain exemplary embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure herein. Accordingly, nothing in the above description is intended to imply that any particular feature, characteristic, step, module, or block is necessary or essential. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a wide variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes may be made in the form of the methods and systems described herein without departing from the spirit of the disclosure herein. The appended claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as may be within the scope and spirit of the disclosure herein.

Claims

1. A cryostat, a support column connecting the first and second thermal stages of the cryostat; a washer interposed between the support column and the first thermal stage, the washer thermally isolating the support column and the first thermal stage; Equipped with the washer is received in a recess formed in the first thermal stage; the first thermal stage is open through the recess; Cryostat.

2. 10. The cryostat of claim 1, wherein the washer is made of a material having a thermal conductivity of less than 1 watt per meter Kelvin.

3. 3. The cryostat of claim 1, wherein the washer comprises polyimide.

4. A cryostat as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the recess reduces the thickness of the first thermal stage within the footprint of the recess.

5. 5. The cryostat of claim 1, wherein the support column comprises a base plate coupled to the first thermal stage via the washer and a tapered end facing the base plate.

6. 6. The cryostat of claim 5, wherein the pillar includes a groove extending along a longitudinal axis of the pillar from the base plate to the tapered end, the groove being defined by a threaded inner wall of the pillar.

7. 7. The cryostat of claim 5 or 6, wherein the base plate includes a plurality of clearance holes coaxially circumscribing the longitudinal axes of the columns.

8. 8. The cryostat of claim 1, wherein a third thermal stage is interposed between the first and second thermal stages.

9. 9. The cryostat of claim 8, wherein the support pillar is thermally isolated from the second thermal stage and thermally coupled to the third thermal stage.

10. 10. The cryostat of claim 1, further comprising an additional washer interposed between the support column and the second thermal stage, the additional washer thermally isolating the support column and the second thermal stage.

11. 11. The cryostat of claim 1, wherein the support column includes a plurality of sections, the first section being coupled to the first thermal stage and the second section being coupled to the second thermal stage, and a threaded inner wall of the first section receiving a threaded shaft of the second section to couple the first section and the second section.

12. 12. The cryostat of claim 1, wherein a threaded inner wall of the support receives a threaded shaft of a mounting mechanism through the second thermal stage to couple the support to the second thermal stage.

13. 13. The cryostat of claim 12, wherein a polyimide sleeve is interposed between the threaded shaft of the mounting mechanism and the threaded inner wall of the post.

14. 13. The cryostat of claim 12, wherein washers disposed on opposite sides of the second thermal stage reduce a thermal conduction path between the opposite sides of the second thermal stage.

15. 15. The cryostat of claim 1, wherein the support columns comprise stainless steel.

16. 1. A cryostat support system comprising: a tension strut connecting a first thermal stage and a second thermal stage of a cryostat coupled to a top plate of the outer vacuum chamber; a washer interposed between the tension post and the second thermal stage, the washer thermally isolating the tension post and the second thermal stage; Equipped with the washer has a first footprint and is received in a recess formed in the second thermal stage; the second thermal stage is open through the recess; Cryostat support system.

17. 17. The cryostat support system of claim 16, wherein the tensioning struts transfer at least a portion of the mechanical load on the second thermal stage to the top plate.

18. A cryostat support system as described in claim 16 or 17, wherein the recess reduces the thickness of the second thermal stage within a second footprint of the recess that is larger than the first footprint.

19. 19. The cryostat support system of claim 16, further comprising an additional washer interposed between the tension column and the first thermal stage to thermally isolate the tension column and the first thermal stage.

20. 20. The cryostat support system of claim 19, wherein the tension column includes a base plate with a plurality of clearance holes coaxially circumscribing a longitudinal axis of the tension column, and the additional washer includes a plurality of openings each aligned with a respective clearance hole in the base plate.

21. 21. The cryostat support system of claim 16, wherein the tension column includes a plurality of sections, with a first section coupled to the first thermal stage and a second section coupled to the second thermal stage, and a threaded inner wall of the first section receives a threaded shaft of the second section to couple the first section and the second section.

22. 22. The cryostat support system of claim 16, wherein the tension column includes a plurality of sections, including a first section coupled to the second thermal stage and a second section coupled to the first thermal stage, and a threaded inner wall of the first section receives a threaded shaft of the second section to couple the first section and the second section.

23. 1. A cryostat support system comprising: a compression strut connecting a first thermal stage and a second thermal stage of a cryostat coupled to a bottom plate of the outer vacuum chamber; a washer interposed between the compression strut and the first thermal stage, the washer thermally isolating the compression strut and the first thermal stage; Equipped with the washer has a first footprint and is received in a recess formed in the second thermal stage; the second thermal stage is open through the recess; Cryostat support system.

24. 24. The cryostat support system of claim 23, wherein the compression columns transfer at least a portion of the mechanical load on the second thermal stage to the bottom plate.

25. A cryostat support system as described in claim 23 or 24, wherein the recess reduces the thickness of the second thermal stage within a second footprint of the recess that is larger than the first footprint.

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