Temperature

Closed-cycle refrigerators 

Our closed-cycle refrigerators (CCRs) can be used to cool samples to temperatures below room temperature (300 K). As they are "dry" systems, there is no need to replenish them with cryogenic fluids. CCRs which can also access temperatures above room temperature are classified as cryofurnaces. 

Cryofurnaces

A range of cryofurnaces are available for use on many of the neutron scattering instruments. These are generally closed cycle refrigerators set up with heaters and sensors to span from cryogenic to furnace temperatures. An exception to this is the Oxford Cryosystems Cobra system, which is a non-liquid nitrogen cryostream. 

Cryostats

Our cryostats are "wet" systems which require the use of cryogenic fluids to cool samples below room temperature. 

Furnaces

A variety of furnaces are available to heat samples above room temperature, under vacuum, atmosphere or with gas delivery. Please note that devices which can reach both cryogenic and furnace temperatures are considered to be cryofurnaces.

Low-temperature inserts

Low-temperature inserts are used to extend the temperature range of cryocoolers and magnets to below 1.5 K. These inserts must be used in conjunction with a cryostat or magnet, and they also act as sample positioning sticks. 

Temperature baths

We have several Julabo and Huber temperature baths, using a variety of fluids including glycol and silicon oil, available for use with sample environment equipment. Please contact the Sample Environment group for more information.