- Email: [email protected]
The Industry
crya~@mlG Emws . the industry-previews-research
l
the industry High performance gaussmeters and Hall probes Lake Shore’s 400 series gaussmeters offer a broad range of solutions for magnetic field test and measurement applications. With emphasis placed on measurement stability and ease of use, each instrument model offers performance and function features unmatched in competitive products. The 400 series gaussmeters are accompanied by Lake Shoreproduced Hall probes available in a variety of configurations for use from - 269 to 75OC (4 to 350 K). The 400 series gaussmeter programme offers easily transported hand-held and bench-top instruments capable of measuring magnetic fields from 0.02 G (0.002 PT) to 300 kG (30 T). The new instruments will offer a variety of display technologies ranging from a custom liquid crystal display, a 20 character x2 line vacuum fluorescent messagebased display and an analogue display. Resolutions range from 3% digits in the hand-held unit to 4% digits in the high performance models. All units offer a fullfunction keypad that rapidly accesses (1 - 2 keystrokes) all operating and programming functions. Other features include: ability to display and capture maximum a.c. and d.c. amplitude; programmable corrected analogue output; probe excitation using a
Model 450 and model 410 gaussmeters
distortion-free sinusoidal current reducing measurement source, drift and noise; autoranging; low and high alarm set-points; interchangeable probes; and IEEE-488 and RS-232 interfaces. Lake Shore’s introduction of the 400 series gaussmeters and Hall probes complements its magnetic measurements group products suscepa.c. include which tometers/d.c. magnetometers, true four quadrant magnet power supplies and 4in variable gap laboratory electromagnets. For more information on the new gaussmeters, call or write to Karen Lint, Lake Shore Cryotronics, Inc., 64 East Walnut Street, Westerville, OH 43081-2399, USA, Tel: (614) 891-2243.
SMART Ltd
Award
for Cryogenic
Cryogenic Ltd have been awarded the much coveted SMART Award (Small Firms Merit Award for Research and Technology). This is a competitive award which, as part of the UK’s Enterprise initiative, aims to encourage innovation. The objectives of the Award are to stimulate small businesses to develop and market new science and technology-based products, to encourage and facilitate the formation of these businesses and to contribute to a climate which encourages investment in highly innovative technology. Cryogenic Ltd is a small physicsbased company recently formed to continue the activities previously carried out by Cryogenic Consultants Limited. The SMART Award will help launch Cryogenic’s first major new project hopefully to achieve international acknowledgement for UK technology exploitation. Without the award, the launch would have been delayed for at least two years. Cryogenic Ltd’s project is to build a new type of magnet for
use in medical resonance imaging considered to be the systems, most important development in diagnostic medicine since the invention of the X-ray. Only the high cost of the systems, inevitable due to the expense of the magnets which critical to the are technology, has limited universal acceptance by hospitals. Cryogenic’s invention will overcome previous problems by a radical design of a superconducting dramatically which magnet reduces the size, weight, materials and running costs of the units. In addition, the requirement for liquid helium is eliminated, making the machine easier to use and less expensive to run in all parts of the world. There is a significant and growing market worldwide for advanced instrumentation based on the company’s technology. The company’s policy has been to sell into this market while developing new products for industrial and commercial applications based on its core technology. For further information, please Corinne Potter at contact Ltd, Metrostore Cryogenic Building, 231 The Vale, London W3 7QS, UK, Tel: (081) 743 6049; Fax: (081) 749 5315.
Helium level monitor with integrated alarm functions This microcontroller-based instrument employs a sensing probe incorporating a Nb-Ti superconducting filament to monitor liquid helium levels. The sensor probe calibration is made from the instrument front panel and is performed in either inches or centimetres of active probe length. Level readings can be taken in inches, centimetres or per cent of probe length. The front panel features a 3% digit custom LCD display with annunciators for measurement units,
Cryogenics
1993
Vol 33, NO 6
659
(EryqgprnflG rn@WS. cmyD~@mtc m@ws the industry-previews-research
l
the industry-previews-research
Model 241 liquid helium level meter
alarm set-points/status and calibration values. Integrated alarm functions provide local and remote status of level conditions. The audible alarm is activated if the liquid level is below a minimum preset value or above a maximum level monitor point during a fill sequence. If the probe lead connection is broken or the probe filament wire is open or in the event of a zero level condition the alarm will be activated. The desired alarm set-point values can be entered and read either from the instrument front panel or over a computer interface. In order to minimize liquid helium loss, the 241 employs an ‘on-time’ feature that applies current to the superconducting filament for only 5 s when a reading is taken. Readings can be manually keyed from the instrument front panel or can be taken automatically at sample intervals selected from the front panel or over an interface. Display resolution is 0.1% and instrument accuracy is 1% of full scale. The instrument supports standard sensor probes up to 89 cm (35in) in length and includes an RS-232C interface. For more information on Lake Shore’s Model 241 liquid level monitor call or write to Lake Shore Cryotronics, Inc., 64 East Walnut Street, Westerville, OH 430812399, USA, Tel: (614) 891-2243.
Cryopump for semiconductor applications The KelVac 2002, an 8in, high speed, high capacity cryopump that provides ultraclean vacuum for contamination-free operation has been introduced by Balzers. With a capacity of 1200 bar dm3 of
660
Cryogenics
1993
Vol 33, No 6
High speed, high capacity 8in cryopump for semiconductor applications
argon and 30 bar dm3 of hydrogen, and a throughput of 13.5 mbar dm3 s-’ of argon and 12 mbar dm3 s -’ of hydrogen, this pump meets the stringent requirements of microelectronics fabrication lines. The KelVac 2002 is equipped with a high capacity, cryogenic refrigerator offering users more time between regeneration cycles. The KelVac 2002 is available with a three-year warranty and a worry-free maintenance and support programme. In addition, the compressor is specifically designed for helium service for maximum reliability and uptime. The Cryopump is available in three flange sizes: IS0 (8in), ANSI (6in) and CF (4in). For more information, contact Jean-Claude Christeler, Marketing Manager, Cryogenics, Balzers, 8 Sagamore Park Road, Hudson, NH 03051, USA, Tel: (603) 8896888; Fax: (603) 889-8573.
Cryo-preparation in situ specimen
chamber for preparation
Accurate in situ cryopreparation is now possible using Balzers’ BalTee SCU 020 chamber. Innovative specimen handling techniques permit investigations at the highest resolutions in medical, biological and environmental applications. With easy mounting on nearly all SEM types, the SCU 020 incorporates an independent turbomolecular pumping stand, preventing interaction with the vacuum and control system of the SEM. The antivibration device
Bal-Tee SCU 020 cryopreparation chamber for in situ specimen preparation
allows investigation at the highest resolution. Preparation and specimen chambers are separated by a gate valve. Specimens remain under high vacuum during the entire preparation time. The cooling table is controllable to within f 1 OC in the range + 50 to - 1 50°C, and incorporates a motor driven fracturing microtome and an anticontamination device. Planar magnetron sputtering and evaporation can be carried out and monitored via a quartz crystal monitor. The SCU 020 incorporates its own temperature controlled SEM table. Table movements of f 10 mm are possible in X, Y and Z directions. Rotation is possible &45” and tilting between 0 and 450, with an anticontamination device fitted as standard. Further details, including a brochure, price and availability are available direct from Balzers High Vacuum Limited, Bradbourne Drive, Tilbrook, Milton Keynes, MK7 8AZ, UK, Tel: (0908) 373333, Fax: (0908) 377776.
Rhodium-iron temperature
resistance sensors
The RF-100 series, thin film rhodium-iron resistance thermometers are the result of SBIR Phase I and II research funding by the National Science Foundation and corresponding Phase III investment by Lake Shore. These thin film sensors offer significant advantages over comparable wirewound resistance sensors. The
lmws cBIyq@D~c rn@WB (EPyag@mfiG .
the industry-previews-research
new thin film sensors offer a smaller package size which makes them useful in a much broader range of experimental mounting schemes and they are available at a much lower cost. Additionally, they have proven to be very stable over repeated thermal cycling and under extended exposure to ionizing radiation. Rhodium-iron temperature sensors offer a positive temperature coefficient, good stability, monotonic response over a wide temperature range and high resistance to ionizing radiation. Hence, they have been widely used as secondary temperature standards by many national standards laboratories. The RF-1 00 series sensors are fabricated from a rhodium-iron film deposited on a sapphire substrate. Standard mounting is in a sealed copper canister, 0.120in diameter x0.33in long, which suspends the chip in a strain-free manner within the canister. The unpackaged chip (0.05 x 0.150 X 0.020in) is available for users interested in small sensor size, fast thermal response or maximum heat transfer. Resistance of the new sensor is 100 f 1 Q at the ice point (273 K) and 10 f 2 R at 4.2 K. Stability after 200 thermal cycles is f 0.015 K over the temperature range 1.4325 K. Exposure to a full-spectrum neutron fluence of 10” n cm-’ and an associated gamma dose of 30 grey has produced a shift less than 0.020 K the temperature range over 1.4- 325 K. For more information on Lake Shore’s series RF-100 thin film rhodium-iron temperature sensors, call or write to Lake Shore Cryotronics, Inc., 64 East Walnut
Rhodium-iron
thin film temperature
sensor
l
the industry-previews-research
Street, Westerville, OH 4308 l2399, USA, Tel: (614) 891-2243.
Cost-effective system
cryotest
The Model 130-68 is a costeffective, cryogenic test Dewar system configured for high throughput testing of 68-pin leadless chip carrier (LCC) devices at liquid nitrogen temperature or colder. With the included transfer line, cool-down of the test devices to < 80K is = 10 min and 20 min to 20 K with LHe. Using Lake Shore’s Model 330 autotuning temperature controller with a 50 W output power stage, the system room warmed to can be temperature in 20 min. The small, easy-to-handle MTD130-68 is mounted to a gimbal base so it can be rotated to operate in a downward-facing or horizontal The quick release orientation. vacuum shroud cover offers quick and easy access to the device under test (DUT). The modular design also reduces the time required for device changing or swapping and cycle testing. The test Dewar can be fitted with break-out modules for buffer amps or special electronics and can be customized to accommodate other device set-ups. signal Sixty-eight microcoaxial
Model
130-68
modular
test
Dewar
lines terminate into four l-/-line (34-pin) high density vacuum feed-through connectors, ensuring vacuum integrity. superior Therefore, performance test quality is not sacrificed. The hig,h quality signal lines are semi-ngrd microcoaxial cabling with 50 Q characteristic impedance and < 15 pfd input capacitance per lead. In addition to the MTD-130, other models are available with a variety of optical configurations, multiple-device test configurations, integrated blackbody sources, etc. Consult Lake Shore for further details. For more information on Lake MTD- 130-68 model Shore’s cryotest system, call or write to Lake Shore Cryotronics, Inc., 64 East Walnut Street, Westerville, OH 43081-2399, USA, Tel: (614) 89 l-2243.
Breakthrough research
in ceramics
Scientists at Loughborough University, UK have developed a method for fabricating ‘preshaped’ ceramic bodies using an electrochemical technique. Whereas previous attempts to generate ceramics electrochemically resulted in the formation of powders or thin adherent films, Loughborough’s technique can produce porous or compact structures, and can be readily extended to multilayer and composite materials. The application of this inherently simple technique to functional ceramics may prove a promising area for future investigation, for example in semiconductors, superconductors and piezoelectrics. Many possible applications also exist in the fields of engineering, for example in wear resistance, heat resistance and cutting tools. This research has created considerable interest since a paper in a recent edition of the journal demonstrated the Nature possibilities the breakthrough opens up. ‘We are confident that
Cryogenics
1993
Vol 33, NO 6
661
(EryuD~@m~~ rn@WS. (ID.Ty@~@rnflC Ell@WS
the industry-previews-research
l
the industry-previews-research Cryogenic data poster
this will prove a fruitful area for future research’, said Geoff Wilcox of the University’s Institute of Polymer Technology and Materials Engineering, one of the originators of the technique. For further information contact Geoff Wilcox or P.J. Mitchell, Tel: (0509) 263171, ext. 3173.
Dataprinting the cost-effective way Cost-effective pricing and high quality instrumentation a& combined in Digitron’s SP3 series handheld dataprinters. The SP3T dataprinter is a single channel temperature instrument, whilst the SP3R dataprinter monitors relative humidity and temperature simultaneously. With the SP3 series a major advantage is that more precise readings are obtained than with the use of chart recorders. Both instruments are ideal for spotchecks as well as unsupervised monitoring. The SP3T temperature dataprinter has an excellent system accuracy of +0.5OC between &lOC -20 and + 25”C, elsewhere. It is priced at only f 170 (instrument, general purpose/food probe and protective pouch). In addition an air/fridge probe is also available to increase the versatility of the dataprinter. The temperature range of the SP3T is -25.0 to + 60.0°C. Priced at only f 179, which also includes the instrument, probe and protective pouch, the SP3R has a temperature range of -20.0 to + 60.0°C and a humidity range of 2- 98% RH. System accuracies for each of the parameters are: temperature + 1 OC (between 0 and 40°C) and for RH &5% (between 40 and 80%). There is an automatic memory storage of maximum and minimum records of both temperature and humidity since the last memory reset, useful for comparative measurements. Both dataprinters are compact and lightweight, as well as being
662
Cryogenics
1993
Vol 33, No 6
SP3 series dataprinters
simple to operate, so helping to eliminate the problems of human error. They have a key-lock facility to disable all key functions and prevent accidental key activation therefore avoiding unwanted readings. Instant and interval dataprinting are available, with the facility to set unsupervised automatic printing from 1 min to 99 h 59 min. All printouts are time and date stamped for easy identification and there is an internal lithium battery to ensure uninterrupted measurement during battery replacement. All these features equate to easy to operate, yet highly versatile dataprinting instrumentation. Useful applications include monitoring in air conditioning systems, archives, art galleries, catering establishments, clean rooms, food production, hospitals, laboratories, museums, paper manufacturing, for energy management purposes or in any environment where temperature and relative humidity monitoring is necessary. For further information contact Gillian Pugh, Marketing Assistant, Digitron Instrumentation Ltd, Technology House, Mead Lane, Hertford, Hertfordshire SG 13 7AW, UK, Tel: (0992) 587441; Fax: (0992) 500028.
APD Cryogenics of Aldermaston, UK has produced a two colour cryogenic data poster displaying various thermal conductivity charts and other pertinent data. The chart is available free from APD Cryogenics. The poster contains many graphical and tabulated properties of commonly used materials. For more information and to obtain one of the posters contact APD Cryogenics, lntermagnetics General (Europe) Ltd, 5 Jupiter House, Calleva Industrial Park, Aldermaston, Berkshire RG7 4QW, UK, Tel: (0734) 819371; Fax: (0734) 817601.
Multichannel cryogenic data acquisition in CAMAC or VME Highland Technology, Inc. now has available a six-panel, two colour brochure (no. 91 1122) which describes a three-module (CAMAC or VME) family of precision electronic instrumentation for data acquisition systems from room temperature to that of liquid helium. The M460 intelligent analogue scanner, the M520 helium level module and the M550 eight-channel LVDT scanner fulfil the need for a uniform solution for data multichannel cryogenic acquisition. The brochure describes how a single Highland Technology mainpopulated with these frame, ‘smart’ modules, can interface hundreds of temperature, level and displacement sensors to most computers or programmable controllers. A schematic illustrates application of these instruments in the Helium Liquefaction Facility at the Magnet Test Laboratory of the Superconducting Super Collider in Texas. For further information contact David Taeler, Highland Technology, Inc., 320 Judah Street, San Francisco, CA 94122, USA, Tel: (415) 753 5814; Fax: (415) 753-3301.
l
the industry High performance gaussmeters and Hall probes Lake Shore’s 400 series gaussmeters offer a broad range of solutions for magnetic field test and measurement applications. With emphasis placed on measurement stability and ease of use, each instrument model offers performance and function features unmatched in competitive products. The 400 series gaussmeters are accompanied by Lake Shoreproduced Hall probes available in a variety of configurations for use from - 269 to 75OC (4 to 350 K). The 400 series gaussmeter programme offers easily transported hand-held and bench-top instruments capable of measuring magnetic fields from 0.02 G (0.002 PT) to 300 kG (30 T). The new instruments will offer a variety of display technologies ranging from a custom liquid crystal display, a 20 character x2 line vacuum fluorescent messagebased display and an analogue display. Resolutions range from 3% digits in the hand-held unit to 4% digits in the high performance models. All units offer a fullfunction keypad that rapidly accesses (1 - 2 keystrokes) all operating and programming functions. Other features include: ability to display and capture maximum a.c. and d.c. amplitude; programmable corrected analogue output; probe excitation using a
Model 450 and model 410 gaussmeters
distortion-free sinusoidal current reducing measurement source, drift and noise; autoranging; low and high alarm set-points; interchangeable probes; and IEEE-488 and RS-232 interfaces. Lake Shore’s introduction of the 400 series gaussmeters and Hall probes complements its magnetic measurements group products suscepa.c. include which tometers/d.c. magnetometers, true four quadrant magnet power supplies and 4in variable gap laboratory electromagnets. For more information on the new gaussmeters, call or write to Karen Lint, Lake Shore Cryotronics, Inc., 64 East Walnut Street, Westerville, OH 43081-2399, USA, Tel: (614) 891-2243.
SMART Ltd
Award
for Cryogenic
Cryogenic Ltd have been awarded the much coveted SMART Award (Small Firms Merit Award for Research and Technology). This is a competitive award which, as part of the UK’s Enterprise initiative, aims to encourage innovation. The objectives of the Award are to stimulate small businesses to develop and market new science and technology-based products, to encourage and facilitate the formation of these businesses and to contribute to a climate which encourages investment in highly innovative technology. Cryogenic Ltd is a small physicsbased company recently formed to continue the activities previously carried out by Cryogenic Consultants Limited. The SMART Award will help launch Cryogenic’s first major new project hopefully to achieve international acknowledgement for UK technology exploitation. Without the award, the launch would have been delayed for at least two years. Cryogenic Ltd’s project is to build a new type of magnet for
use in medical resonance imaging considered to be the systems, most important development in diagnostic medicine since the invention of the X-ray. Only the high cost of the systems, inevitable due to the expense of the magnets which critical to the are technology, has limited universal acceptance by hospitals. Cryogenic’s invention will overcome previous problems by a radical design of a superconducting dramatically which magnet reduces the size, weight, materials and running costs of the units. In addition, the requirement for liquid helium is eliminated, making the machine easier to use and less expensive to run in all parts of the world. There is a significant and growing market worldwide for advanced instrumentation based on the company’s technology. The company’s policy has been to sell into this market while developing new products for industrial and commercial applications based on its core technology. For further information, please Corinne Potter at contact Ltd, Metrostore Cryogenic Building, 231 The Vale, London W3 7QS, UK, Tel: (081) 743 6049; Fax: (081) 749 5315.
Helium level monitor with integrated alarm functions This microcontroller-based instrument employs a sensing probe incorporating a Nb-Ti superconducting filament to monitor liquid helium levels. The sensor probe calibration is made from the instrument front panel and is performed in either inches or centimetres of active probe length. Level readings can be taken in inches, centimetres or per cent of probe length. The front panel features a 3% digit custom LCD display with annunciators for measurement units,
Cryogenics
1993
Vol 33, NO 6
659
(EryqgprnflG rn@WS. cmyD~@mtc m@ws the industry-previews-research
l
the industry-previews-research
Model 241 liquid helium level meter
alarm set-points/status and calibration values. Integrated alarm functions provide local and remote status of level conditions. The audible alarm is activated if the liquid level is below a minimum preset value or above a maximum level monitor point during a fill sequence. If the probe lead connection is broken or the probe filament wire is open or in the event of a zero level condition the alarm will be activated. The desired alarm set-point values can be entered and read either from the instrument front panel or over a computer interface. In order to minimize liquid helium loss, the 241 employs an ‘on-time’ feature that applies current to the superconducting filament for only 5 s when a reading is taken. Readings can be manually keyed from the instrument front panel or can be taken automatically at sample intervals selected from the front panel or over an interface. Display resolution is 0.1% and instrument accuracy is 1% of full scale. The instrument supports standard sensor probes up to 89 cm (35in) in length and includes an RS-232C interface. For more information on Lake Shore’s Model 241 liquid level monitor call or write to Lake Shore Cryotronics, Inc., 64 East Walnut Street, Westerville, OH 430812399, USA, Tel: (614) 891-2243.
Cryopump for semiconductor applications The KelVac 2002, an 8in, high speed, high capacity cryopump that provides ultraclean vacuum for contamination-free operation has been introduced by Balzers. With a capacity of 1200 bar dm3 of
660
Cryogenics
1993
Vol 33, No 6
High speed, high capacity 8in cryopump for semiconductor applications
argon and 30 bar dm3 of hydrogen, and a throughput of 13.5 mbar dm3 s-’ of argon and 12 mbar dm3 s -’ of hydrogen, this pump meets the stringent requirements of microelectronics fabrication lines. The KelVac 2002 is equipped with a high capacity, cryogenic refrigerator offering users more time between regeneration cycles. The KelVac 2002 is available with a three-year warranty and a worry-free maintenance and support programme. In addition, the compressor is specifically designed for helium service for maximum reliability and uptime. The Cryopump is available in three flange sizes: IS0 (8in), ANSI (6in) and CF (4in). For more information, contact Jean-Claude Christeler, Marketing Manager, Cryogenics, Balzers, 8 Sagamore Park Road, Hudson, NH 03051, USA, Tel: (603) 8896888; Fax: (603) 889-8573.
Cryo-preparation in situ specimen
chamber for preparation
Accurate in situ cryopreparation is now possible using Balzers’ BalTee SCU 020 chamber. Innovative specimen handling techniques permit investigations at the highest resolutions in medical, biological and environmental applications. With easy mounting on nearly all SEM types, the SCU 020 incorporates an independent turbomolecular pumping stand, preventing interaction with the vacuum and control system of the SEM. The antivibration device
Bal-Tee SCU 020 cryopreparation chamber for in situ specimen preparation
allows investigation at the highest resolution. Preparation and specimen chambers are separated by a gate valve. Specimens remain under high vacuum during the entire preparation time. The cooling table is controllable to within f 1 OC in the range + 50 to - 1 50°C, and incorporates a motor driven fracturing microtome and an anticontamination device. Planar magnetron sputtering and evaporation can be carried out and monitored via a quartz crystal monitor. The SCU 020 incorporates its own temperature controlled SEM table. Table movements of f 10 mm are possible in X, Y and Z directions. Rotation is possible &45” and tilting between 0 and 450, with an anticontamination device fitted as standard. Further details, including a brochure, price and availability are available direct from Balzers High Vacuum Limited, Bradbourne Drive, Tilbrook, Milton Keynes, MK7 8AZ, UK, Tel: (0908) 373333, Fax: (0908) 377776.
Rhodium-iron temperature
resistance sensors
The RF-100 series, thin film rhodium-iron resistance thermometers are the result of SBIR Phase I and II research funding by the National Science Foundation and corresponding Phase III investment by Lake Shore. These thin film sensors offer significant advantages over comparable wirewound resistance sensors. The
lmws cBIyq@D~c rn@WB (EPyag@mfiG .
the industry-previews-research
new thin film sensors offer a smaller package size which makes them useful in a much broader range of experimental mounting schemes and they are available at a much lower cost. Additionally, they have proven to be very stable over repeated thermal cycling and under extended exposure to ionizing radiation. Rhodium-iron temperature sensors offer a positive temperature coefficient, good stability, monotonic response over a wide temperature range and high resistance to ionizing radiation. Hence, they have been widely used as secondary temperature standards by many national standards laboratories. The RF-1 00 series sensors are fabricated from a rhodium-iron film deposited on a sapphire substrate. Standard mounting is in a sealed copper canister, 0.120in diameter x0.33in long, which suspends the chip in a strain-free manner within the canister. The unpackaged chip (0.05 x 0.150 X 0.020in) is available for users interested in small sensor size, fast thermal response or maximum heat transfer. Resistance of the new sensor is 100 f 1 Q at the ice point (273 K) and 10 f 2 R at 4.2 K. Stability after 200 thermal cycles is f 0.015 K over the temperature range 1.4325 K. Exposure to a full-spectrum neutron fluence of 10” n cm-’ and an associated gamma dose of 30 grey has produced a shift less than 0.020 K the temperature range over 1.4- 325 K. For more information on Lake Shore’s series RF-100 thin film rhodium-iron temperature sensors, call or write to Lake Shore Cryotronics, Inc., 64 East Walnut
Rhodium-iron
thin film temperature
sensor
l
the industry-previews-research
Street, Westerville, OH 4308 l2399, USA, Tel: (614) 891-2243.
Cost-effective system
cryotest
The Model 130-68 is a costeffective, cryogenic test Dewar system configured for high throughput testing of 68-pin leadless chip carrier (LCC) devices at liquid nitrogen temperature or colder. With the included transfer line, cool-down of the test devices to < 80K is = 10 min and 20 min to 20 K with LHe. Using Lake Shore’s Model 330 autotuning temperature controller with a 50 W output power stage, the system room warmed to can be temperature in 20 min. The small, easy-to-handle MTD130-68 is mounted to a gimbal base so it can be rotated to operate in a downward-facing or horizontal The quick release orientation. vacuum shroud cover offers quick and easy access to the device under test (DUT). The modular design also reduces the time required for device changing or swapping and cycle testing. The test Dewar can be fitted with break-out modules for buffer amps or special electronics and can be customized to accommodate other device set-ups. signal Sixty-eight microcoaxial
Model
130-68
modular
test
Dewar
lines terminate into four l-/-line (34-pin) high density vacuum feed-through connectors, ensuring vacuum integrity. superior Therefore, performance test quality is not sacrificed. The hig,h quality signal lines are semi-ngrd microcoaxial cabling with 50 Q characteristic impedance and < 15 pfd input capacitance per lead. In addition to the MTD-130, other models are available with a variety of optical configurations, multiple-device test configurations, integrated blackbody sources, etc. Consult Lake Shore for further details. For more information on Lake MTD- 130-68 model Shore’s cryotest system, call or write to Lake Shore Cryotronics, Inc., 64 East Walnut Street, Westerville, OH 43081-2399, USA, Tel: (614) 89 l-2243.
Breakthrough research
in ceramics
Scientists at Loughborough University, UK have developed a method for fabricating ‘preshaped’ ceramic bodies using an electrochemical technique. Whereas previous attempts to generate ceramics electrochemically resulted in the formation of powders or thin adherent films, Loughborough’s technique can produce porous or compact structures, and can be readily extended to multilayer and composite materials. The application of this inherently simple technique to functional ceramics may prove a promising area for future investigation, for example in semiconductors, superconductors and piezoelectrics. Many possible applications also exist in the fields of engineering, for example in wear resistance, heat resistance and cutting tools. This research has created considerable interest since a paper in a recent edition of the journal demonstrated the Nature possibilities the breakthrough opens up. ‘We are confident that
Cryogenics
1993
Vol 33, NO 6
661
(EryuD~@m~~ rn@WS. (ID.Ty@~@rnflC Ell@WS
the industry-previews-research
l
the industry-previews-research Cryogenic data poster
this will prove a fruitful area for future research’, said Geoff Wilcox of the University’s Institute of Polymer Technology and Materials Engineering, one of the originators of the technique. For further information contact Geoff Wilcox or P.J. Mitchell, Tel: (0509) 263171, ext. 3173.
Dataprinting the cost-effective way Cost-effective pricing and high quality instrumentation a& combined in Digitron’s SP3 series handheld dataprinters. The SP3T dataprinter is a single channel temperature instrument, whilst the SP3R dataprinter monitors relative humidity and temperature simultaneously. With the SP3 series a major advantage is that more precise readings are obtained than with the use of chart recorders. Both instruments are ideal for spotchecks as well as unsupervised monitoring. The SP3T temperature dataprinter has an excellent system accuracy of +0.5OC between &lOC -20 and + 25”C, elsewhere. It is priced at only f 170 (instrument, general purpose/food probe and protective pouch). In addition an air/fridge probe is also available to increase the versatility of the dataprinter. The temperature range of the SP3T is -25.0 to + 60.0°C. Priced at only f 179, which also includes the instrument, probe and protective pouch, the SP3R has a temperature range of -20.0 to + 60.0°C and a humidity range of 2- 98% RH. System accuracies for each of the parameters are: temperature + 1 OC (between 0 and 40°C) and for RH &5% (between 40 and 80%). There is an automatic memory storage of maximum and minimum records of both temperature and humidity since the last memory reset, useful for comparative measurements. Both dataprinters are compact and lightweight, as well as being
662
Cryogenics
1993
Vol 33, No 6
SP3 series dataprinters
simple to operate, so helping to eliminate the problems of human error. They have a key-lock facility to disable all key functions and prevent accidental key activation therefore avoiding unwanted readings. Instant and interval dataprinting are available, with the facility to set unsupervised automatic printing from 1 min to 99 h 59 min. All printouts are time and date stamped for easy identification and there is an internal lithium battery to ensure uninterrupted measurement during battery replacement. All these features equate to easy to operate, yet highly versatile dataprinting instrumentation. Useful applications include monitoring in air conditioning systems, archives, art galleries, catering establishments, clean rooms, food production, hospitals, laboratories, museums, paper manufacturing, for energy management purposes or in any environment where temperature and relative humidity monitoring is necessary. For further information contact Gillian Pugh, Marketing Assistant, Digitron Instrumentation Ltd, Technology House, Mead Lane, Hertford, Hertfordshire SG 13 7AW, UK, Tel: (0992) 587441; Fax: (0992) 500028.
APD Cryogenics of Aldermaston, UK has produced a two colour cryogenic data poster displaying various thermal conductivity charts and other pertinent data. The chart is available free from APD Cryogenics. The poster contains many graphical and tabulated properties of commonly used materials. For more information and to obtain one of the posters contact APD Cryogenics, lntermagnetics General (Europe) Ltd, 5 Jupiter House, Calleva Industrial Park, Aldermaston, Berkshire RG7 4QW, UK, Tel: (0734) 819371; Fax: (0734) 817601.
Multichannel cryogenic data acquisition in CAMAC or VME Highland Technology, Inc. now has available a six-panel, two colour brochure (no. 91 1122) which describes a three-module (CAMAC or VME) family of precision electronic instrumentation for data acquisition systems from room temperature to that of liquid helium. The M460 intelligent analogue scanner, the M520 helium level module and the M550 eight-channel LVDT scanner fulfil the need for a uniform solution for data multichannel cryogenic acquisition. The brochure describes how a single Highland Technology mainpopulated with these frame, ‘smart’ modules, can interface hundreds of temperature, level and displacement sensors to most computers or programmable controllers. A schematic illustrates application of these instruments in the Helium Liquefaction Facility at the Magnet Test Laboratory of the Superconducting Super Collider in Texas. For further information contact David Taeler, Highland Technology, Inc., 320 Judah Street, San Francisco, CA 94122, USA, Tel: (415) 753 5814; Fax: (415) 753-3301.