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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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Two-Phase Flows

Two-phase flows are those flows in which there is a mixture of two physical states (solid, liquid or vapor). In cryogenic applications, such flows are almost always a mixture of a cryogenic liquid along with its corresponding vapor. A mixture of liquid helium and helium vapor would be a typical...

Supercritical Fluids

A supercritical fluid is defined as a substance whose temperature and pressure exceed those of its critical point. Every pure substance has a critical point that is defined in thermodynamic space by a critical temperature and a corresponding critical pressure. For example, the critical point for helium has a critical...

Brayton Cycle

The Brayton cycle is one of the many thermodynamic cycles used to generate cooling at cryogenic temperatures. Strictly speaking, when referring to cooling we should call this the reverse Brayton cycle as the original Brayton cycle describes the process of power generation or propulsion via a gas turbine. In many...

History of Cryogenics

From the Fall 1999 issue of Cold Facts magazine Millennium Breakthroughs A variety of CSA members give different perspectives on the past millennium: What were the most significant breakthroughs in cryogenics during the past millennium? Prof. R.G. Scurlock, Kryos Technology, scurlock@soton.ac.uk (“Breakthrough” = way through obstacles — Oxford English Dictionary)...

Cryobiology

Andreas Sputtek Past President Society for Cryobiology sputtek@uke.uni-hamburg.de or http://www.sputtek.de/. The word cryobiology (from the Greek words “cryo” = cold, “bios” = life, and “logos” = science) literally signifies the science of life at low temperatures. In practice, this field comprises the study of any biological material or system (e.g.,...

Cryogenic Insulation

James E. Fesmire Cryogenics Test Laboratory NASA Kennedy Space Center james.e.fesmire@nasa.gov Introduction In today’s world, the use of cryogenics and low-temperature refrigeration is taking a more and more significant role. From the food industry, transportation, energy, and medical applications to the Space Shuttle, cryogenic liquids must be stored, handled, and...

Cryogenic Treatment of Materials

F.J. Diekman Controlled Thermal Processing, Inc. info@metal-wear.com Cryogenic Processing (also called cryogenic treatment, and incorrectly “cryogenic tempering”) is a process that uses cryogenic temperatures to modify materials to enhance their performance. Cryogenic Processing involves the slow reduction in temperature of the material to at least -300°F (-185°C) and holding the...

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...