Cryogen Free Ultra-Low Temperature Cryostat for Neutron Scattering Experiments

Most ultra-low temperature (below 1K) experiments at advanced neutron facilities are based on dilution and 3He refrigerator inserts used with Orange cryostats, or similar systems. However recent increases in liquid helium costs; caused by global helium supply problems, has raised significant concern about the affordability of such cryostats. Here we present the design and test results of a cryogen free top-loading cryostat which provides neutron scattering sample environment within the temperature range 1.25 – 300 K. The high cooling power of the cryostat 0.23 W at 1.9 K enables the operation of a dilution refrigerator insert in a continuous regime; which expands the low temperature margin of the temperature range to 35 mK. The cooling time of the dilution refrigerator insert is similar to one operated in an Orange cryostat. The main performance criteria such as base temperature, cooling power, and circulation rate are compatible with the technical specification of a standard dilution refrigerator. In fact the system offers operating parameters very similar to those of an Orange cryostat, but without the complication of cryogens. The first scientific results obtained in an ultra-low temperature neutron scattering experiment with this system are also going to be discussed.