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Cryogenic Electronics: Part 1

This is the first part of a two-part article about cryogenic electronics, the operation of electronic devices, circuits and systems at temperatures considerably below the “standard” electronics lower limit of −55° C. Alternative names are cryoelectronics, cold electronics and low-temperature electronics. Presented by Dr. Randall Kirschman.

In Memoriam: Brian Dudley

CSA regrets to report the loss of one of our own. Former Cold Facts editor Brian Dudley passed away peacefully in Tallahassee FL on January 9, 2021. He was 45.

Cornell Researchers Create ‘Beautiful Marriage’ of Quantum Enemies

Cornell scientists have identified a new contender when it comes to quantum materials for computing and low temperature electronics. Using nitride-based materials, the researchers created a material structure that simultaneously exhibits superconductivity—in which electrical resistance vanishes completely—and the quantum Hall effect, which produces resistance with extreme precision when a magnetic...

Air Liquide Acquires Majority Stake in Cryoconcept, Strengthens Expertise in ‘Extreme’ Cryogenics

Air Liquide Advanced Technologies (CSA CSM) has acquired 80% capital of the French company Cryoconcept, which specializes in dilution refrigeration technology reaching extremely low temperatures. This transaction enables Air Liquide to strengthen its expertise in the field of ultralow temperature—close to absolute zero—cryogenics, propose a broader offering and accelerate the...

SuperNode’s Subsea Superconducting Cable System Secures DNV GL Feasibility Statement

In early December, DNV GL, a Norway-based, internationally accredited registrar and classification society, awarded a Dublin-based SuperNode Limited with a Statement of Feasibility for its “Subsea Superconducting Cable System” concept—technology that aims to connect renewable generation sources, increase grid interconnection in mature markets and decarbonize the electricity system.

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Refrigerators and Liquefiers

Two of the most common terms used in cryogenics are “refrigerator” and “liquefier.” These terms describe similar and, as will be seen, in some cases identical components. A refrigerator provides cooling (that is, absorbs heat) at cryogenic temperatures. Refrigerators typically put a working fluid (such as helium) through one of...

Air Separation

Air separation is one of the largest, as well as earliest, industrial applications of cryogenics. In this process, cryogenic temperatures are used to separate air into its constituent gases: nitrogen (78.08%), oxygen (20.95%), argon (0.93%) and carbon dioxide (0.3%). Trace gases such as krypton, neon, xenon and helium total far...

Coefficient of Performance and Figure of Merit

The coefficient of performance (COP) is used to describe the effectiveness of refrigerators, including those operating at cryogenic temperatures. The COP is defined as the amount of heat removed at the cryogenic operating temperature of the refrigerator divided by the amount of work that must be applied to remove the...

Magnets

From “Superconductivity: Present and Future Applications” by the Coalition for the Commercial Application of Superconductors. Particle physics uses accelerators to recreate the conditions of the early universe in an attempt to piece together the complex puzzle of how we got to where we are today. These huge machines are used...

Energy Storage

From “Superconductivity: Present and Future Applications” by the Coalition for the Commercial Application of Superconductors. With power lines increasingly congested and prone to instability, strategic injection of brief bursts of real power can play a crucial role in maintaining grid reliability. Small-scale Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) systems, based on...

Astronomy

ASTRONOMY IN SPACE by Peter V. Mason, retired,  Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and Visiting Associate, California Institute of Technology. Pmason@alumni.caltech.edu In thinking about the reasons to perform astronomy in space, we first consider the effect of the earth’s atmosphere.  On a scale of decreasing energy, gamma rays, cosmic rays, X-rays and...

Cryocoolers

What is a Cryocooler? A mechanism that can extract heat from an object (cooler) and by doing so draw its temperature down below approximately 150 Kelvin (cryo). — (Courtesy Dr. Willy Gully) What is the difference between a Cryocooler and a Cryostat? A cryostat is any device designed to maintain...

An Issue of Pressure and Flow Rate in a Supply Tank

Please help solve this problem: A supply tank requires a vaporizer to generate sufficient pressure to pump stored fluid up into a vehicle or tank. The available head is limited as the tank level falls and it is important to minimize the system pressure drop to maintain the desired flow...

Using MLI on VJ Line Joints or Cryo Storage Tanks

When installing Multi Layer Insulation (MLI) blankets on VJ line joints or cryo storage tanks should they be wrapped and tied down tight or loose? These are usually pre-cut to size. Also should they have an access hole at the point of where the molecular sieve is installed to help...