DESC0024853

The Axilon Chillax provides liquid nitrogen (LN) at 77-100K but costs over $300,000. This creates capital investment problems for users when multiple units are needed. The Axilon Chillax requires heavy plumbing and expensive components as it runs around 500psi. We propose cooling X-ray optics with a low-cost system based on open loop feed of LN and a controlled loop a blend of light hydrocarbons. We will provide the functionality of the Axilon Chillax at a lower cost. Our solution is to replace the working fluid with a eutectic hydrocarbon blend and run an open loop LN drip feed. These low-pressure, hydrocarbon mixtures mean low pressure plumbing and lower cost components, especially pumps. This will produce a solution at a target price of $50K/unit. We will also have a slightly larger temperature range, from 77-150K, very stable at 125K. Specifically, this Phase I SBIR effort will demonstrate technical feasibility: Determine a suitable method for containing, and circulating ProPoly50. Develop a system design for the ProPoly50 cooling loop. The ability to procure cryocoolers at 5x lower costs and significantly lower support costs will allow more institutions to engage in cryo and high energy research. The new unit will offer a wider range of temperatures that can be provided compared to LN continuous flow (CF) cryocoolers, and it will operate at lower pressure yielding reduced vibration. That will allow a broader variety of experiments to be conducted than with current state of the art CF cryocoolers.