Cryogenic analytical systems and methods
Cryogenic analytical systems are provided that can include: a cryogenic fluid source; one or more analysis components; at least one cryogenic thermal conduit operably coupled between the cryogenic fluid source and the one or more analysis components; and a pressure control component operably engaged with the cryofluid source. Methods for performing cryogenic analysis are provided. The methods can include adjusting the pressure of cryofluid within a cryogenic fluid source to configure one or more analysis components with a cryogenic temperature. Methods for configuring a cryogenic analytical system to perform cryogenic analysis are also provided. The methods can include: increasing the pressure within a cryogenic fluid source to rapidly cool one or more analysis components to a first temperature; and decreasing the pressure within the cryogenic fluid source to reduce the first temperature of the one or more analysis components.
1 . A cryogenic analytical system comprising:
a cryogenic fluid source;
one or more analysis components;
at least one cryogenic thermal conduit operably coupled between the cryogenic fluid source and the one or more analysis components, the cryogenic thermal conduit configured to convey fluid via the conduit, wherein the conduit is configured as a capillary tube or impedance tube; and
a pressure control component in fluid communication with both the cryogenic fluid source and the at least one analysis component, the pressure control component operably engaged with the cryogenic fluid source to vary the pressure of the cryogenic fluid and vary the flow of cryogenic fluid between the cryogenic fluid source and the at least one analysis component to regulate/control the temperature of the at least one analysis component.
2 . The cryogenic analytical system of claim 1 wherein the cryogenic fluid source is configured to include a bucket configured to collect the cryogenic fluid.
3 . The cryogenic analytical system of claim 1 wherein cryogenic fluid is conveyed between components within a closed loop system.
4 . The cryogenic analytical system of claim 1 wherein the one or more analysis components is configured to regulate sample temperature.
5 . The cryogenic analytical system of claim 1 wherein the one or more analysis components comprises a mass used for radiation shielding, thermal lagging, and/or sample mounting.
6 . The cryogenic analytical system of claim 1 further comprising a fluid inlet operably engaged with the cryogenic fluid source, the pressure control component being operably engaged with the fluid inlet.
7 . The cryogenic analytical system of claim 1 further comprising at least one solid conductive thermal conduit operably coupled between the cryogenic fluid source and the one or more analysis components.
8 . The cryogenic analytical system of claim 7 wherein the cryogenic fluid source is configured as a two stage cryocooler within a bucket.
9 . The cryogenic analytical system of claim 8 wherein the solid conductive thermal conduit is operably coupled to one of two stages of the two stage cryocooler.
10 . The cryogenic analytical system of claim 9 wherein the bucket defines two flanges, one of the two flanges thermally connected with one of the two stages, and the other of the two flanges thermally connected with the other of the two stages.