ILL provides 60 cryostats, 16 cryofurnaces, and 12 3He and dilution refrigerators. Recently, two new dilution inserts have been introduced.

Carbon probes replaced with Cernox thermometers

The replacement of the Carbon sensors with Cernox CX1050 thermometers is complete. 220 sensors have been calibrated and more than 160 are installed. For each cryostat, the calibration data file to be uploaded to the temperature controller is available from the cryostat web page. A curve is also displayed for convenience. As regards the cryofurnaces and cryomagnets, we also provide the calibration curves of the RhFe sensors.

Lakeshore Model 340 replaces ILLSEC controllers

The replacement of the ILL temperature controllers (called ILLSEC) with LakeShore 340 controllers is complete. Because of the lack of heating power available, Kepco power amplifiers are plugged between the LakeShore and the cryostats. For setting the controller, we invite you to read our procedures [Learn more...].

Cryogen-free cryostats

In order to simplify the use of the cryostats and decrease the liquid helium consumption, we have built four 2K cryostats for Eulerian cradles and a cryogen-free Orange cryostat. The 2K cryogen-free cryostats are used on D9, D10 and D15. The forth one for D19 is available for commissioning.

Dilution refrigerators

We have also built two new dilution inserts to be used inside the ILL variable temperature inserts of some of our cryomagnets. They both reach temperatures of about 40mK. Two others are in construction for the new cryomagnets.

Liquid helium distribution

All requests for liquid helium should be made at least 48 hours in advance. Please arrange with your local contact to order your helium. If you are not familiar with transferring liquid helium between dewar and cryostat, please do not hesitate to call for assistance from your local contact or directly from the Low-Temperature Laboratory.