CAL Performing Coolest Experiments in the Universe
NASA's Cold Atom Lab (CAL) is the first facility inside the International Space Station to produce clouds of "ultracold" atoms that can reach a fraction of a degree above absolute zero.
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New Theory Sends Kelvin Temperature Below Current Low
A recent collaboration of researchers has shown that it is possible, in principle, to measure temperatures below a billionth of a kelvin without significantly disturbing the Bose-Einstein condensate used in the study.
Pre-excavation Work Begins on LBNF/DUNE
An international project to build the largest physics experiment ever constructed in the United States took a major step forward as a new phase of work began at the Sanford Underground Research Facility in South Dakota. When completed entirely, a beam of neutrinos will be sent from Fermi National Accelerator...
Concept Design Released for CERN’s Future Circular Collider
Scientists have for some time been planning the post-LHC world at CERN, especially the Future Circular Collider collaboration. FCC members recently discussed and published options for the future large circular collider and more, mixing advancements in physics together with cost and technical challenges.
Nominations Open Now for Several IEEE Awards
IEEE Council on Superconductivity is currently accepting nominations for many awards, including its Wong Award, Swerdlow Award, Rosner Award and the IEEE Award for Continuing and Significant Contributions in the Field of Applied Superconductivity.
Dark Energy Survey Completes Six-year Mission
The Dark Energy Survey's scientific effort to map a portion of the sky in unprecedented detail has come to an end, but the work to learn more about the expansion of the universe has just begun.
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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...
Air Separation and Liquefaction
by Nils Tellier, PE, President, EPSIM Corporation (CSA CSM) nils@epsim.us All illustrations courtesy EPSIM Corporation Background History of Air Separation and Liquefaction This section builds on a rich history of methods to develop deep refrigeration and cryogenic liquefaction during the 19th Century. You are encouraged to read Cryo Central’s History...
Bose-Einstein Condensate
A Bose-Einstein condensate, first proposed in 1925 by Albert Einstein based on work done by Satyendra Nath Bose (the same Bose from whom the term boson is derived), is a super-cold state of matter in which almost all of the individual atoms have “condensed” down to the lowest possible quantum...
Cold Technology for Pest Control
While it does not reach temperatures cold enough to be called cryogenic, carbon dioxide snow is at the heart of a new way of dealing with unwanted pests. It utilizes a quick freezing process that takes advantage of the properties of carbon dioxide snow and has a number of benefits...
Cryogenic Finishing
The following 3 articles discuss the uses and procedures of various type of cryogenic finishing. 1) By Robin A. Rhodes, Cryogenic Institute of New England, Inc. rrhodes@nitrofreeze.com Cryogenic Deflashing is employed to remove undesired residual mold flash that remains on molded parts after they are removed or ejected from the...
Any experience with Tungsten or Tantalum metal springs in a low temp environment?
I would like to use metal springs made of Tungsten or Tantalum in low temperature environment. Does anybody have any experience with such springs? More precisely, I would like to make compression springs by rolling tungsten or tantalum wire on a rod. I expect that, typically, the spring constant will...
Standards & specifications for pipe & tube couplings
I am interested in finding out more about cryogenic applications and what standards, specifications and test methods (ASTM, etc.) are required for qualification of pipe and tube couplings.
Looking for a test house to test the static coefficient of friction under cryogenic conditions
I am looking to find a test house that is capable of testing the static coefficient of friction under cryogenic conditions. We can be flexible on most of the test parameters, including the test coupon configuration, but we’re looking for a test house that can provide the following test environment:...
Approximating pressure changes over time in cryogenic cylinders
I am an Air Resources Engineer with the California Air Resources Board (CARB). My senior management has asked me to investigate approximating pressure changes over time in cryogenic cylinders that contain LNG. So far, I have taken a stab at the problem, seeking to take a back-of-the-envelope approach (as directed...