The Cryorefrigerators and Space Cryogenics Laboratory (LCCS) is dedicated to the development of cryorefrigerators—systems designed to cool to cryogenic temperatures (below 120K)—and specific components (thermal switches, multiphase thermal links, etc.). The work focuses on small-scale systems, typically designed to meet the needs of laboratories, small-scale physics experiments, or satellite coolers. The emphasis is on developing innovative systems or systems that meet very specific needs, such as operation in space or on isolated telescopes. 

​Various types of refrigerators have been developed in the past, and our activities are now focused on two main temperature ranges: refrigeration from 4 K to 120 K, for which pulsed gas tubes are a highly suitable technology, and the sub-Kelvin range. For the latter, our work includes adsorption refrigerators and adiabatic demagnetization.

 
Pictures. Left: two-stage pulse tube. Right: 50 mK Hybrid Cooler.

In addition to cryocooler developments, our work includes specific research on multiphase thermal links, including ambient temperature operation.

Finally, we are developing specific cryostats and working on the integration of cryogenic components into larger scale designs, such as space instruments. (picture below: cryostat).



In summary, our actions range from the research on the concept to the production and validation of laboratory prototypes to the involvement in large scientific projects and the production of flight models. We seek when possible to transfer our developments to the industry for a space application or generic ground needs. The specificity of these developments is the great variety of skills involved including in addition to thermal and cryogenics, magnetism, mechanics of solids and fluids and many more.

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