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Improved LUX sensitivity helps redefine dark matter search parameters

Scientists working on the Large Underground Xenon (LUX) dark matter experiment are closer to ruling out the possibility of dark matter detections at low-mass ranges. The new findings come after researchers enhanced LUX's ability to look for WIMPS, or weakly interacting massive particles, and thereafter reexamined data collected during LUX's...

TRIUMF and KEK strengthen partnership to advance physics research

At a signing ceremony hosted on December 4 at the Canadian Embassy in Japan, the heads of Canada’s TRIUMF and Japan’s KEK signed a new partnership agreement to enhance research collaborations between the two centers and promote joint projects in the areas of subatomic physics, accelerator science and materials science.

Researchers developing shoebox-sized particle accelerator

The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation in November awarded $13.5 million to Stanford University for an international effort, including key contributions from the Department of Energy’s SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, to build a working particle accelerator the size of a shoebox. The technique, based on a technology known as “accelerator...

Innovation boosts study of fragile biological samples at SLAC’s LCLS

Researchers at the Department of Energy's SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have found a simple new way to study very delicate biological samples—like proteins at work in photosynthesis and components of protein-making machines called ribosomes—at the atomic scale using SLAC's Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) X-ray laser.

SCOAP3 outlines its impact on open access publishing

The SCOAP3 (Sponsoring Consortium for Open Access Publishing in Particle Physics) executive committee on November 18 held an online forum to discuss the partnership’s impact since its founding in nearly two years ago. SCOAP3 members include libraries, publishers, funding agencies and research centers in more than 40 countries with CERN...

Worthington acquires Taylor Wharton’s CryoScience business

Worthington Industries, Inc., announced its cryogenics business in the pressure cylinders segment is purchasing the assets of the global CryoScience business of Taylor Wharton Cryogenics, including a manufacturing facility in Theodore AL. Worthington will also acquire certain other intellectual property and manufacturing assets of Taylor Wharton focused on the cryogenic...

Latest in Defining Cryogenics

Dewar

A dewar is a type of cryostat named after Sir James Dewar, the researcher who first developed the concept of a vacuum insulated container with silvered walls to reflect thermal radiation. Dewar was the first to liquefy hydrogen, and he created the device to store his discovery. The thermos bottle...

Stirling and Gifford-McMahon Cryocoolers

Stirling and Gifford-McMahon (GM) cryocoolers are two of the most commonly used cryocoolers in cryogenics. Both devices have a significant industrial base and operate at a wide range of temperatures and capacities. The thermodynamic cycles for both of these cryocoolers are quite similar. The Stirling cycle consists of a compressor,...

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)

A significant commercial application of cryogenics is the liquefaction, transport and storage of natural gas. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is generally 95 percent methane with a few percent ethane and much lower concentrations of propane and butane. LNG liquefies at 111.6 K. Unlike many applications of cryogenics, the motivation for...

Latest in Cryo Central

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...

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