Variable-Temperature Analytical Instruments for Sub-Kelvin Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current analytical instruments are limited in achieving temperatures below 10 K, and there is a need to cool samples to even lower temperatures, such as below 2.8 K or 0.8 K, while minimizing laboratory influences like vibrations and ensuring efficient sample analysis.
Innovation Solution
The development of variable temperature analytical instruments that include a heat or cold source, such as a liquefier with multiple stages, and discrete thermal coupling to maintain temperatures as low as 300 mK, using cryofluid sources like helium, and a system for on-demand cooling with flexible configurations to reduce vibrations and enhance sample access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If current analytical instruments are used to cool samples, then samples can be cooled to below 10 K, but it is not possible to achieve temperatures below 2.8 K or 0.8 K
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is divided into multiple discrete stages, each capable of independent operation and optimization. The first stage provides preliminary cooling to around 10 K, while the second stage achieves ultra-low temperatures below 2.8 K. This segmentation allows each stage to be designed for its specific temperature range, overcoming the limitation of single-stage systems that cannot reach temperatures below 0.8 K reliably.
2Temperature
If samples are cooled to cryogenic temperatures, then analysis can be performed at low Kelvin temperatures, but laboratory vibrations and other influences affect the sample and analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The sample environment is extracted from the main laboratory structure by suspending it on vibration isolation elements. The sample holder, cold fingers, and associated components are mechanically decoupled from the laboratory floor and support structures, creating an isolated platform that minimizes the transmission of vibrations and other harmful laboratory influences to the cryogenically cooled sample.
3Device complexity
If a single heat or cold source is used, then the system is simpler, but it cannot maintain multiple discrete temperature levels simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal coupling between stages is made dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. Thermal switches or variable thermal conductance elements allow the operator to adjust the degree of thermal coupling between the first and second stages, enabling flexible configuration for different experimental requirements. This dynamic control provides adaptability for maintaining multiple discrete temperature levels while managing system complexity.
4Temperature
If the instrument is designed for ultra-low temperature operation, then temperatures below 0.8 K can be achieved, but the instrument becomes less flexible and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed with the capability to achieve ultra-low temperatures below 0.8 K using the second stage, but this extreme capability is optional rather than mandatory for operation. The first stage can operate independently for applications requiring only moderate cryogenic temperatures, while the second stage can be engaged when ultra-low temperatures are needed. This partial action approach allows the instrument to achieve extreme temperatures when necessary without requiring the full ultra-low temperature infrastructure to be active for every operation, thereby managing complexity.
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
The instruments achieve low temperatures with high cooling power, reducing heat loads and allowing for more precise and efficient sample analysis, while maintaining flexibility and minimizing vibrations, enabling analysis at extremely low Kelvin temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
discrete instrument portions individually thermally coupled to the at least one source
Implementation Method 2
using cryofluid sources like helium, and a system for on-demand cooling
Data Source
AI summary
Variable temperature analytical instruments are provided that can include: at least one heat or cold source configured to generate a temperature; and discrete instrument portions individually thermally coupled to the at least one source. Methods for maintaining temperatures within variable temperature analytical instruments are also provided. The methods can include providing a plurality of thermal coupling between a plurality of discrete heat or cold sources to a plurality of discrete portions of the instrument.