Modular Cryogenic Test Platform With Reconfigurable Vacuum Chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryogenic measurement systems are inflexible, expensive, and lack sufficient internal volume and temperature control, making them unsuitable for a wide range of cryogenic physical property measurements.
Innovation Solution
A modular cryogenic test stand using standard vacuum hardware, with a refitted cryogenic pump to transform the cold finger into a test platform, enabling adjustable cryogenic temperatures and versatile measurement setups, including laser-induced temperature changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a traditional cryogenic cooling system with large compressor and vacuum chamber is used, then cryogenic temperatures can be achieved, but the setup becomes complicated and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential cooling function from the complex traditional cryogenic system by using a small portable cryocooler instead of a large compressor and vacuum chamber system. The cold finger is removed from its original enclosure and adapted as a standalone test platform, eliminating the need for vacuum chambers and complex thermal isolation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses commercially available off-the-shelf components including a small portable cryocooler and standard vacuum chamber parts, replacing expensive custom-built cryogenic systems. This approach prioritizes cost-effectiveness and ease of acquisition over long-term durability, allowing rapid prototyping and modification.
2Reliability
If custom-built cryogenic chambers are used, then specific tests can be performed, but flexibility and adaptability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a universal test platform using a standard vacuum chamber that can accommodate multiple types of measurements and sample configurations. The chamber is designed with flexible mounting options and can be reconfigured for different experiments, unlike custom-built chambers that are optimized for specific tests. The cold finger adapter provides a standardized interface that works with various sample types and measurement techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic reconfigurability to the test setup, allowing the vacuum chamber and cold finger assembly to be easily modified and reconfigured for different measurement needs. Components can be added, removed, or adjusted without requiring custom fabrication, enabling the system to adapt to new measurement requirements.
3Temperature
If fixed temperature cryogenic platforms are used, then specific temperature points are achieved, but temperature adjustment capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements dynamic temperature control by adding heating elements to the cold finger adapter, enabling active temperature adjustment rather than relying on fixed cooling stages. This allows the platform to reach and maintain various cryogenic temperature points by balancing cooling power with controlled heating, providing flexibility for experiments requiring specific temperature ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the thermal parameters of the system by introducing controllable heating elements that modify the heat balance equation. By adjusting the heating power in conjunction with the cryocooler operation, the system can maintain stable temperatures at multiple cryogenic points, transforming the temperature control from a passive fixed-state system to an active adjustable system.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates flexible and cost-effective cryogenic property measurements across various temperatures, allowing for precise assessment of laser-induced heating or cooling effects on samples.
Implementation Method 1
A standard cryogenic pump is refitted to transform the central cold finger into a test platform... cooled to various cryogenic temperatures... range of 4-77K, or the temperatures of liquid helium and nitrogen, respectively
Implementation Method 2
Heating elements on the cold finger underneath the top platform enables equilibrium temperatures at a variety of cryogenic temperatures
Implementation Method 3
A high thermal resistivity insulator separates the OUT and the cold finger. This prevents the cryostat cooling effects from immediately overwhelming any heating or cooling effects from the method under test
Implementation Method 4
Temperature changes can be produced by, but not limited to, laser cooling or heating... a first mirror and second mirror both secured to one of the rings on the frame, wherein the first mirror is positioned to reflect a laser beam passing through the introduction viewport into a sample on the sample block
Implementation Method 5
This requires a vacuum chamber to mitigate thermal leakage into the cryostat chamber and maintain cryogenic temperatures
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is disclosed for a flexible, easily reconfigured vacuum chamber capable of physical property measurement at cryogenic temperatures. The chamber is easily constructed from existing cryogenic pumps. The cryostat cold finger forms a cryogenically-cooled stage, upon which a wide variety of experiment test setups can be placed for measuring many different properties at cryogenic temperatures. The lid and feedthrough ports are reconfigurable to obtain measurements and interact with samples inside the vacuum. Attached heating elements enable testing at many possible cryogenic temperatures. The specific case of laser cooling at cryogenic temperatures is presented as an example, along with necessary lid and interior components. Viewports allow a laser beam into the chamber, while mirrors redirect this into the sample. Temperature diodes and laser power meters measure any heating or cooling effects.