DESC0024858

The next generation of X-ray beamlines are optimized to deliver photon energies between 400 to 1400 eV with full polarization control. The silicon mirrors and crystals used in such demanding beamlines must be capable of maintaining their ideal shapes to nanometer tolerance under powers greater than 250 W. The optics used in the beamline to manipulate the incoming beam are efficient only at cryogenic temperatures. Existing cooling solutions use pumped single-phase liquid nitrogen (LN) to reject heat via a cryo-cooler or a chiller to maintain the set point temperature. This presents significant challenges in terms of cost, size, and long-term maintenance requirements to implement along multiple beamlines. We proposed to develop an alternative low-cost cryogenic cooling system for thermal management of high power X-ray optics used in beamlines. The proposed thermal management system involves the use of a novel cryogenic thermosyphon to extract, transfer, and reject waste heat from the X-ray optics. In the Phase I program, the feasibility of the proposed cryogenic thermosyphon cooling system for X-ray optics will be demonstrated through design and analysis, and the fabrication and testing of a prototype. This includes material selection that considers size, thermal management, and the vibration requirements. A cost-benefit analysis for a full-scale prototype comparing the developed technology to existing commercially available solutions proposed system will also be performed. If successful, the technology developed in the Phase I and Phase II programs will provide a low-cost technology that is easily accessible to a wider range of research institutions and facilities that use beamlines, thereby helping to increase the pace of scientific discovery. The proposed system is also easily adaptable to thermal management of terrestrial and space applications such as cryopreservation, cryogenic propellant zero boil off tanks, observation satellites and permafrost applications.