Latching Permanent Magnet Electro-Mechanical Heat Switch for Cryogenic Applications

Authors

Stephen Thomas Boyd, University of New MexicoFollow
Felix Till Jaeckel, University of New Mexico
Linh Nhat Le, University of New Mexico
Kyle William Martin, University of New Mexico

Document Type

Other

Publication Date

5-2012

Abstract

Invention disclosure to University of New Mexico, 5/2012

In low-temperature research and applications it is often required to reversibly and controllably change the thermal conductance between two parts of an apparatus. Classic examples where this is required include adiabatic heat capacity measurements and the adiabatic demagnetization refrigerator. In this disclosure we describe a solenoid-driven latching mechanical thermal switch. Solenoid actuation eliminates the need for a cryogenic mechanical drivetrain to actuate the switch. Instead, only two wires are required. Latching action is provided by a pole piece including a permanent magnet. The latching action means that the switch is only powered during brief changes of state, from “on” to “off” or vice-versa. This minimizes the heat load to the cryogenic stages.

DOI

10.25827/P1NA-N038

Recommended Citation

Boyd, S. T., Jaeckel, F. T., Le, L. N., & Martin, K. W. (2012). Latching Permanent Magnet Electro-Mechanical Heat Switch for Cryogenic Applications. University of New Mexico. https://doi.org/10.25827/P1NA-N038