Cryocooler conduction cooling: a review of applications and prospects

Abstract

Conduction cooling of cryogenic devices and instruments using closed-cycle cryocoolers are fast gaining popularity as a pathway to \invisible" cryogenics. The technique comprises direct mechanical coupling of the device/instrument to the cryocooler and the apparatus enclosed in a high-vacuum environment, without convectively contacting any cryogenic liquid or gas. In this contribution, common applications of cryocooler conduction cooling are reviewed to understand the current state of the technology. Three devices are considered - superconducting magnets, accelerator cavities, and sub-Kelvin refrigerators that use closed-cycle cryocoolers for pre-cooling. Thereafter, basic heat transfer topics are described that require further research for better optimization of the conduction cooling technique. These include thermal contact resistance, cooldown time modeling, and exible thermal linkages. This contribution is especially helpful for cryocooler developers/researchers who are interested in exploring potential applications of their cryocoolers.