ABSTRACT
The cryostat is a device designed to hold a sample and apparatus at cryogenic temperature while providing all the interfaces (cryogen feeding, powering, diagnostics instruments, safety devices, etc.) for reliable testing or performing special tasks. The design, configuration, and operation of cryostats are strong demonstrations of various technologies in cryogenic heat management. The temperature of the samples and apparatus in the cryostats is maintained by cryogenic liquids, cryocoolers, and mixed cooling methods. Normally, the samples and apparatus with cryogens or cryocoolers are assembled in the vacuum vessel of the cryostat to minimize unexpected heat flows from the ambient environment. From a broad perspective, cryostats have numerous applications within science, engineering, and biomedicine. Therefore, cryostats have a great number of designs, structures, and functions for various unique applications. The focus is on cryostats developed for special application within the domains of laboratories and space exploration. Commercially available cryostats are briefly addressed, with brief discussions of design considerations and methodologies, a series of representative examples of advanced cryostats are presented with their design schematics, operational techniques, and performance data.
