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At least 451 records · Page 25
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

Search for Majorana neutrinos exploiting millikelvin cryogenics with CUORE

The possibility that neutrinos may be their own antiparticles, unique among the known fundamental particles, arises from the symmetric theory of fermions proposed by Ettore Majorana in 1937. Given the profound consequences of such Majorana neutrinos, among which is a potential explanation for the matter–antimatter asymmetry of the universe via leptogenesis, the Majorana nature of neutrinos commands intense experimental scrutiny globally; one of the primary experimental probes is neutrinoless double beta (0νββ) decay. Here we show results from the search for 0νββ decay of 130 Te, using the latest advanced cryogenic calorimeters with the CUORE experiment3. CUORE, operating just 10 millikelvin above absolute zero, has pushed the state of the art on three frontiers: the sheer mass held at such ultralow temperatures, operational longevity, and the low levels of ionizing radiation emanating from the cryogenic infrastructure. We find no evidence for 0νββ decay and set a lower bound of the process half-life as 2.2 × 10 25 years at a 90 percent credibility interval. We discuss potential applications of the advances made with CUORE to other fields such as direct dark matter, neutrino and nuclear physics searches and large-scale quantum computing, which can benefit from sustained operation of large payloads in a low-radioactivity, ultralow-temperature cryogenic environment.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Demonstration of improved laser preheat with a cryogenically cooled magnetized liner inertial fusion platform

We report on progress implementing and testing cryogenically cooled platforms for Magnetized Liner Inertial Fusion (MagLIF) experiments. Two cryogenically cooled experimental platforms were developed: an integrated platform fielded on the Z pulsed power generator that combines magnetization, laser preheat, and pulsed-power-driven fuel compression and a laser-only platform in a separate chamber that enables measurements of the laser preheat energy using shadowgraphy measurements. The laser-only experiments suggest that ~89% ± 10% of the incident energy is coupled to the fuel in cooled targets across the energy range tested, significantly higher than previous warm experiments that achieved at most 67% coupling and in line with simulation predictions. The laser preheat configuration was applied to a cryogenically cooled integrated experiment that used a novel cryostat configuration that cooled the MagLIF liner from both ends. Furthermore, the integrated experiment, z3576, coupled 2.32 ± 0.25 kJ preheat energy to the fuel, the highest to-date, demonstrated excellent temperature control and nominal current delivery, and produced one of the highest pressure stagnations as determined by a Bayesian analysis of the data.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2024

Exploring mounting solutions for cryogenically cooled thin crystal optics in high power density x-ray free electron lasers

This study investigates three mounting methods—clamping, soldering, and a hybrid clamping–soldering approach—for cryogenically cooled thin diamond crystals crucial to stable operation of X-ray Free Electron Laser (XFEL) systems. While clamping methods exhibit temperature resilience and flexibility, meticulous design is required to prevent stress-induced warping and reduce thermal contact area. Soldering methods offer reliable mechanical and thermal bonding but encounter challenges due to the coefficient of thermal expansion mismatch at cryogenic temperatures. The hybrid method, integrating clamping and soldering with strain relief cuts, effectively mitigates overall distortion caused by mounting and XFEL thermal loads. These findings offer a novel mounting solution for high-performance x-ray optics in XFEL research and applications, ensuring stability and optimal functionality in cryogenic conditions.

Instruments & Instrumentation↗
DOE OSTI2025

Ultracold cryogenic TEM with liquid helium and high stability

Cryogenic transmission electron microscopy has revolutionized structural biology and materials science. To image below liquid nitrogen temperatures, various liquid helium stages have been constructed but have proven to be complex and unstable, making high-resolution imaging challenging. This problem is even more pronounced in side-entry specimen holders common on modern transmission electron microscopes. Here, we introduce an ultracold liquid helium transmission electron microscope side-entry specimen holder, featuring continuous cryogen flow and vibration decoupling. This instrument is compatible with modern aberration-corrected microscopes and achieves sub-25 K base temperature, ±2 mK thermal stability over many hours, and atomic resolution—setting the stage for a new era of cryogenic electron microscopy.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2022

Status of LBNF/DUNE near site liquid argon proximity and external cryogenics systems development.

The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) near site located at Fermilab will host the neutrino beam complex. It includes a high voltage liquid argon time projection chamber located 60-meter underground used as beamline instrumentation. The LAr cryogenic system provided by the Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility (LBNF) regulates thermohydraulic conditions of the membrane cryostat hosting the detector with 285 Ton purified LAr. The purification system uses molecular sieve and copper oxide pellets to manage the argon contamination below 100 ppt (parts per trillion) oxygen equivalent. The detector and its cryogenics are capable to move a stroke of 30 meters on/off beam. The cryogenic system modes of operation include the cryostat pressure test, purge in open loop, detector cooldown, cryostat fill, closed loop purification, liquid empty, and purification system activation/regeneration process. The system design status and schedule, and technical details such as operating modes and interfaces are reported in this paper.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Operational experience with the Proto-DUNE NP02 and NP04 large volume liquid argon cryostats and their cryogenic systems at CERN

The far Detector of the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) will be housed in several large volume (about 12.500 m$^{3}$) liquid argon cryostats. The design principle of these large cryostats, and of the cryogenic system belonging to them, are investigated through the design, construction and operation of a series of prototype installations.The Neutrino Platform 02 (NP02) and 04 (NP04) cryostats, placed at CERN, contain DUNE proto-type detectors, each of them housed in an about 600 m$^{3}$ liquid argon bath. These cryostats, based on the membrane cryostat principle, and their cryogenic systems have been designed according to the DUNE principle. Measurements performed in these test stands shall confirm the foreseen heat loads into the cryostat systems entering via its walls, via detector cabling and via the cold electronics, shall confirm the low temperature gradient over the active detector volume and shall certify the liquid argon purification principle.This paper introduces the requirements for the NP02 and NP04 cryostats and their cryogenic systems, describes the design principle applied to these two systems and gives an overview of the different modes in which the two systems have been operating. The experimental results are presented and discussed, and “lessons learned” for future installations are dawn.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Thermal and Electrical Properties of Isocyanate Derived Organic Aerogels for Cryogenic Insulation Applications

The use and storage of cryogens such as liquefied nitrogen, helium, hydrogen among others requires reliable and efficient thermal insulation systems. Passive insulation from high performance materials that are well-known for their inherent low thermal conductivity would reduce the overall costs involved in design, manufacture and maintenance of such systems. One such class of materials are referred to as aerogels. These materials are known for their low density, high mesoporosity, high surface areas, low thermal conductivity and high acoustic impedance. Aerogels were invented by S.S. Kistler in 1931 and the most common type are those made of silica. However, the inherent fragility of silica aerogels makes them hard to mass produce, and therefore applications have been limited. A major breakthrough was introduced by our team almost 20 years ago with the invention of polymer crosslinked silica aerogels. Those materials shifted attention to all-polymer aerogels that have overcome all fragility issues associated with their inorganic counterparts. This study focuses on such polymeric aerogels that can be mass produced as large monoliths while maintaining the low thermal conductivity of traditional silica aerogels over a wide temperature range. Manufacturing flexibility of polymeric aerogels allows fabrication of blocks and sheets that can be applied in various configurations to insulate cryogenic and superconducting devices. The thermal conductivity with 80 K and room temperature boundary are reported as well as other properties (electrical), that need to be considered when designing devices for cryogenic applications.

Churu, Gitogo↗
DOE OSTI2026

A cryogenic muon tagging system based on kinetic inductance detectors for superconducting quantum processors

Ionizing radiation has emerged as a potential limiting factor for superconducting quantum processors, inducing quasiparticle bursts and correlated errors that challenge fault-tolerant operation. Atmospheric muons are particularly problematic due to their high energy and penetration power, making passive shielding ineffective. Therefore, monitoring the real-time muon flux is crucial to guide the development of alternative error-correction or mitigation strategies. We present the design, simulation, and first operation of a cryogenic muon-tagging system based on kinetic inductance detectors (KIDs), developed as a stand-alone cryogenic particle-tagging module for superconducting quantum processors. The system consists of two KIDs arranged in a vertical stack and operated at ∼20 mK. Monte Carlo simulations based on Geant4 guided the prototype design and provided reference expectations for muon-tagging efficiency and accidental coincidences due to ambient γ-rays. We observed a muon-induced coincidence rate among the top and bottom detectors of (192 ± 9) $\times\,10^{-3}$ events s$^{−1}$, in excellent agreement with the Monte Carlo prediction. The prototype achieves a muon-tagging efficiency of about 90% with negligible dead time. These results demonstrate the feasibility of operating a muon-tagging system at millikelvin temperatures and represent a key step toward the integration of cryogenic veto systems with multi-qubit chips to mitigate muon-induced errors.

Mariani, Ambra [INFN, Rome] (ORCID:000000028184857↗
DOE OSTI2024

Transient Optimization of the Cryogenic Moderator System Controller at the Spallation Neutron Source for Improved Performance

The high-energy neutron beam generated at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory is moderated to use cold (slow) neutrons for scientific discoveries. The Cryogenic Moderator System (CMS) removes heat from the neutron beam using cryogenic hydrogen (H 2 ) moderators connected via heat exchangers to a helium (He) refrigeration loop that dissipates heat using a compressor-brake system. However, the CMS is affected by sporadic losses in beam power, referred to as "beam trips," as these events generate significant disturbances in cooling requirements. To accommodate the heat load transients during beam trips, the CMS uses a decentralized control strategy consisting of four flow valves and one electric heater adjusted by independent proportional-integral (PI) controllers. During the CMS’s initial commissioning, the PI gains were calibrated based only on tracking performance, overlooking their effectiveness in disturbance rejection. A data-driven, control-oriented closed-loop model was developed to recalibrate the PI gains and minimize the transient disturbances caused by beam trips. The model consists of three main components: (1) a physics-based model of the He refrigeration loop, (2) a machine-learning model of the cryogenic H 2 cooling trains, and (3) the control logic used for feedback set-point tracking. Experimental results showed that the recalibrated gains obtained in this study improved the CMS’s transient response during beam trips.

Maldonado Puente, Bryan↗
DOE OSTI2021

Effect of hydrogen on tensile properties of 304L stainless steel at cryogenic temperatures

Safe and efficient hydrogen storage and distribution are key attributes to realizing hydrogen as an alternative energy carrier. To this end, cryogenic liquid and cryo-compressed gaseous hydrogen are considered high energy density alternatives to ambient temperature gas. However, these alternatives have significant material demands to overcome extreme temperature (20 K) and pressure (700 bar) as well as hydrogen effects. Austenitic stainless steels are widely used for cryogenic pressure vessels owing to relatively high ductility even at 4 K. However, the influence of hydrogen on mechanical properties at cryogenic temperatures has rarely been studied. In this study, the tensile properties of 304L austenitic stainless steel with internal hydrogen were evaluated at 20 K, 77 K, and 113 K. Test specimens were saturated with internal hydrogen to concentration of 140 wtppm in a high pressure environment at elevated temperature, a process called thermal precharging. While lower temperature in known to increase strength properties and reduced elongation at fracture, the presence of internal hydrogen increased both strength and elongation at fracture, but reduced ductility. Magnetic evaluation of the uniformly strained region of the test specimens suggest that hydrogen mitigates the strain-induced transformation to a’-martensite. Brittle fracture features and secondary cracking indicative of hydrogen embrittlement were observed on the fracture surfaces of hydrogen-precharged specimens, which is consistent with the loss of ductility.

Merkel, Daniel R.↗
DOE OSTI2026

Pulsed radio frequency power modulation for profile control in cryogenic reactive ion etching of silicon gratings

Cryogenic silicon etching with SF 6 /O 2 plasmas enables vertical sidewalls and smooth surfaces for high–aspect-ratio structures, yet precise control of etched profiles (sidewall angle, lateral etching, and linewidth retention) remains challenging under continuous-wave excitation due to coupling among radical fluxes, ion energy distributions, and in situ passivation dynamics. In this work, we investigated pulsed radio frequency bias delivery as a process knob for profile control during cryogenic silicon etching. Systematic experiments on 500 nm-wide, 1 μm-pitch gratings etched to 0.8–1.1 μm depth at 0.5–2 kHz pulsing frequency and 25%–75% duty cycle revealed strong dependencies of etch rate, linewidth, and sidewall angle on modulation conditions. We proposed a conceptual kinetic picture combined with feature-scale electrostatic analysis to understand the alternation of ion-driven etching and passivation recovery between on/off segments and local electric field shaping and modulation of ion trajectories within the trench. Moderate duty cycles (50%–75%) near 1 kHz achieved a balance between anisotropy and etch rate. These results demonstrate pulsed-bias modulation can be utilized to tune directionality and sidewall preservation in cryogenic SF 6 /O 2 etching, which are relevant to photonic, metrology, and quantum device fabrication.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Separating $${^{39}\hbox {Ar}}$$ from $${^{40}\hbox {Ar}}$$ by cryogenic distillation with Aria for dark-matter searches

Abstract Aria is a plant hosting a $${350}\,\hbox {m}$$ 350 m cryogenic isotopic distillation column, the tallest ever built, which is being installed in a mine shaft at Carbosulcis S.p.A., Nuraxi-Figus (SU), Italy. Aria is one of the pillars of the argon dark-matter search experimental program, lead by the Global Argon Dark Matter Collaboration. It was designed to reduce the isotopic abundance of $${^{39}\hbox {Ar}}$$ 39 Ar in argon extracted from underground sources, called Underground Argon (UAr), which is used for dark-matter searches. Indeed, $${^{39}\hbox {Ar}}$$ 39 Ar is a $$\beta $$ β -emitter of cosmogenic origin, whose activity poses background and pile-up concerns in the detectors. In this paper, we discuss the requirements, design, construction, tests, and projected performance of the plant for the isotopic cryogenic distillation of argon. We also present the successful results of the isotopic cryogenic distillation of nitrogen with a prototype plant.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2025

Cryogenic thermal modeling of microwave high density signaling

Superconducting quantum computers require microwave control lines running from room temperature to the mixing chamber of a dilution refrigerator. Adding more lines without preliminary thermal modeling to make predictions risks overwhelming the cooling power at each thermal stage. In this paper, we investigate the thermal load of SC-086/50-SCN-CN semi-rigid coaxial cable, which is commonly used for the control and readout lines of a superconducting quantum computer, as we increase the number of lines to a quantum processor. We investigate the makeup of the coaxial cables, verify the materials and dimensions, and experimentally measure the total thermal conductivity of a single cable as a function of the temperature from cryogenic to room temperature values. We also measure the cryogenic DC electrical resistance of the inner conductor as a function of temperature, allowing for the calculation of active thermal loads due to Ohmic heating. Fitting this data produces a numerical thermal conductivity function used to calculate the static heat loads due to thermal transfer within the wires resulting from a temperature gradient. The resistivity data is used to calculate active heat loads, and we use these fits in a cryogenic model of a superconducting quantum processor in a typical Bluefors XLD1000-SL dilution refrigerator, investigating how the thermal load increases with processor sizes ranging from 100 to 225 qubits. We conclude that the theoretical upper limit of the described architecture is approximately 200 qubits. However, including an engineering margin in the cooling power and the available space for microwave readout circuitry at the mixing chamber, the practical limit is approximately 140 qubits.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2021

Cryogenic control system operational experience at SNS

Abstract The helium cryogenic system at Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) provides cooling to 81 superconducting radio frequency cavities. To support the operation of the cryogenic facility, a highly reliable control system consisting of software, hardware, and Human Machine Interface (HMI) has been developed and improved during the first fifteen years of operation. Integrating the cryogenic control system with other subsystems of the SNS complex is an important aspect to the success of the operation. The operating experience, lessons learned and recommendations to consider for future facilities will be detailed in this paper.

Howell, M. (ORCID:0000000310360707)↗
DOE OSTI2023

Investigation of modified uni-traveling carrier photodiode for cryogenic microwave photonic links

Quantum devices present the potential for unparalleled computing and communications capabilities; however, the cryogenic temperatures required to successfully control and read out many qubit platforms can prove to be very challenging to scale. Recently, there has emerged an interest in using microwave photonics to deliver control signals down to ultracold stages via optical fiber, thereby reducing thermal load and facilitating dense wavelength multiplexing. Photodetectors can then convert this optical energy to electrical signals for qubit control. The fidelity of the quantum operations of interest therefore depend heavily upon the characteristics of the photodiode, yet experimental demonstrations of fiber-coupled photodetection systems at low temperatures are relatively few in number, leaving important open questions regarding how specific detectors may perform in real-world cryogenic settings. In this work, we examine a highly linear modified uni-traveling carrier photodiode (MUTC-PD) under C-band illumination (1530–1565 nm) at three temperature regimes (300 K, 80 K, and ∼4 K) and multiple bias conditions. Our findings of reduced responsivity but preserved bandwidth are consistent with previous studies, while our saturation tests suggest a variety of potential applications for MUTC-PDs in cryogenic microwave photonics with and without electrical bias. Overall, our results should provide a valuable foundation for the continued and expanding use of this detector technology in quantum information processing.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2019

Cryogenic specimens for nanoscale characterization of solid–liquid interfaces

We report new cryogenic characterization techniques for exploring the nanoscale structure and chemistry of intact solid–liquid interfaces have recently been developed. These techniques provide high-resolution information about buried interfaces from large samples or devices that cannot be obtained by other means. These advancements were enabled by the development of instrumentation for cryogenic focused ion beam liftout, which allows intact solid–liquid interfaces to be extracted from large samples and thinned to electron-transparent thicknesses for characterization by cryogenic scanning transmission electron microscopy or atom probe tomography. Future implementation of these techniques will complement current strides in imaging of materials in fluid environments by in situ liquid-phase electron microscopy, providing a more complete understanding of the morphology, surface chemistry, and dynamic processes that occur at solid–liquid interfaces.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2019

UPGRADES TO CRYOGENIC CAPABILITIES FOR CRYOMODULE TESTING AT JLAB

The cryogenic facilities for cryomodule testing at Jefferson Lab (JLab) have been modified and to enable testing of Linear Coherent Light Source-II (LCLS-II) cryomodules. Temporary changes in u-tube connec-tions at the Cryogenic Test Facility (CTF) has enabled rates of cavity cooling that are a factor of 10 higher than previously achieved. Cryogenic connections at JLab?s Low Energy Recirculator Facility (LERF) have been repurposed to enable two LCLS-II cryomodules to be tested in series. This testing shares the helium space with the Central Helium Liquefier (CHL) that is also used by the Continuous Electron Beam Accelera-tor Facility (CEBAF). Cryomodule testing can occur while beam operation is ongoing at CEBAF. Improve-ments to these facilities have allowed the testing of the JLab?s highest ever performing cryomodules.

Huque, Naeem↗
DOE OSTI2025

Lessons from commissioning of the cryogenic system for the Short-Baseline Neutrino Detector at Fermilab

Results from commissioning and first year of operations of the cryogenic system of the Short-Baseline Neutrino Detector (SBND) and its membrane cryostat installed at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory are described. The SBND detector is installed in a 200 m$^3$ membrane cryostat filled with liquid argon, which serves both as target and as active media. For the correct operation of the detector, the liquid argon must be kept in very stable thermal conditions while the contamination of electronegative impurities must be consistently kept at the level of small fractions of parts per billion. The detector is operated in Booster Neutrino Beams (BNB) at Fermilab for the search of sterile neutrinos and measurements of neutrino-argon cross sections. The cryostat and the cryogenic systems also serve as prototypes for the much larger equipment to be used for the LBNF/DUNE experiment. Since its installation in 2018-2023 and cooldown in spring of 2024, the cryostat and the cryogenic system have been commissioned to support the detector operations. The lessons learned through installation, testing, commissioning, cooldown, and initial operations are described.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗