Compact, portable, automatic sample changer stick for cryostats and closed-cycle refrigerators

Beamlines are facilities that produce and deliver highly focused and intense beams of radiation, typically x rays, synchrotron radiation, or neutrons, for scientific research purposes. Millions of dollars are spent annually to maintain and operate these scientific beamlines, oftentimes running conti...

Full description

Saved in:

Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Review of scientific instruments 2023-08, Vol.94 (8)
Main Authors:	Vong, Daniel, Novak, Eric C., Ruiz-Rodriguez, Mariano M., Elorfi, Saad R., Thomas, Benjamin, Morris, Amanda J., Moulé, Adam J., Daemen, Luke L.
Format:	Article
Language:	eng
Subjects:	Closed-cycle cooling Cryogenics Cryostats Low temperature instruments MATERIALS SCIENCE Mechanical instruments Neutron beams Neutron scattering spectra Neutrons Operating temperature Particle beams Portability Radiation Refrigerators Sample handling Scientific apparatus & instruments Spallation Spallation neutron source Synchrotron radiation Synchrotrons
Online Access:	Get full text
Tags:	Add Tag No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!

Description
Summary:	Beamlines are facilities that produce and deliver highly focused and intense beams of radiation, typically x rays, synchrotron radiation, or neutrons, for scientific research purposes. Millions of dollars are spent annually to maintain and operate these scientific beamlines, oftentimes running continuously between cycles. To reduce human intervention and improve productivity, mechanical sample changers are often commissioned for use. Designing sample changers is difficult because mechanical parts can be bulky, expensive, and challenging to design for instruments with low volume access, high radiation, and cryogenic environments. We present a portable and inexpensive sample changer stick that can hold and manipulate up to four samples, specifically designed for use with cryogenic closed-cycle refrigerators. The sample changer stick enables rapid and efficient exchange of samples without manual intervention, and is compatible with standard sample mounts such as vanadium cans. The sample changer stick includes a motorized rotation and lancing mechanism, which enables the precise positioning of each sample in the neutron beam, while ensuring compatibility with the operating temperatures and vacuum conditions required for closed-cycle refrigerators. The design has been successfully tested at the VISION beamline at the Spallation Neutron Source. The mechanical action and software controls are detailed. The sample changer stick is a valuable tool for scientists working with cryogenic closed-cycle refrigerators.
ISSN:	0034-6748 1089-7623