A fast-cooling sample-positioning probe for low-temperature neutron scattering experiments

Abstract

Top-loading exchange gas cryostats have for a long time been a widely used sample environment device for a variety of neutron scattering experiments. In particular, they allow for simpler and faster changes of samples mounted on sample-positioning probes than is possible with bottom-loading cryostats under vacuum. Here, a new design for sample probes using composite materials is investigated, which significantly decreases the time required to cool a newly installed sample in two different types of closed-cycle exchange gas cryostat.