Cryogenic systems for neutron studies

Temperature-controlled environment for neutron scattering

Cryogenic systems for neutron scattering have a number of very specific requirements that are unique to this application. Janis, now Lake Shore Cryotronics, has supplied cryogenic systems configured for neutron scattering to user facilities around the world.

These systems can be versatile for use in multiple experiments or tailored for specific experiments. Just some of the instruments where Janis cryostats can be found include:

• Neutron spin echo
• Triple axis
• High flux backscattering
• Powder diffraction
• Vibrational spectroscopy
• Neutron interferometry

We are happy to work with sample environment teams to alter our designs to meet local dimensional standards or specific experimental requirements.

Lake Shore cryostats for neutron scattering can be configured with any of the following features:

• Sample in vacuum (bottom-loading)
• Sample in static exchange gas (top-loading)
• All top-loading systems include additional protection against pressure buildup in the sample tube caused by ice blockages
• Helium cooled or cryogen-free
• Thin-walled aluminum in the neutron zone
• Vanadium sample tube
• Balloon-style sample tubes to place the sample tube walls as far away from the sample as possible
• Detachable tails (including cold tails with indium-sealed joints), allowing tail sets to be exchanged for different experimental configurations
• Self-supporting designs that may be mounted on a goniometer
• Modified sample interfaces to fit local standard sample cans
• Sample tube sizes up to 100 mm diameter

Lake Shore supplies both closed-cycle and liquid helium-cooled systems for neutron scattering, including 1.5 K continuously operating closed-cycle systems (PTSHI-950T-LT), 4 K closed-cycle refrigerator systems (SHI-950T and SHI-4T), 10 K closed-cycle refrigerator systems (CCS-250 and CCS-950T), 4 K pulse tube-cooled systems (PTSHI-950T), and helium-cooled variable temperature cryostats (SVT-400T-XG).

A wide temperature range is often of interest for neutron scattering. With an optional helium-3 insert in the 1.5 K continuously operating closed-cycle system, we can offer temperatures as low as 300 mK. Maximum temperatures as high as 800 K are available.

Whatever the experimental need, Lake Shore sales and application engineers can work with the sample environment team to provide a customized solution, beginning with an extensive range of proven designs.

For more information, contact us today.

Cryostats for Neutron Studies flyer (PDF, 608 KB)