To cool quantum computing components, researchers use machines called dilution refrigerators. Researchers and engineers from the SQMS Center are building Colossus, the largest, most powerful refrigerator at millikelvin temperatures ever made. The new machine will enable new physics and quantum computing experiments.
Cryogenics is the science of cold. But how cold is cold? In this video, Fermilab scientist Don Lincoln tells us about some of the most amazing achievements in cryogenic science. And there is no truth to the rumor that he sings at the end.
From SLAC, August 31, 2022: Fermilab researchers worked with a team of 20 operators and engineers at SLAC on cryogenics to build a helium-refrigeration plant to lower the LCLS-II accelerator to superconducting temperatures. Now, it only takes one and a half hours to make a superconducting particle accelerator at SLAC colder than outer space.
In mid-May, Fermilab welcomed LBNF/DUNE collaborators from Brazil for a four-day visit to observe the project’s cryogenics prototyping efforts and other liquid argon detectors and research facilities at the lab.
Watch highlights of the popular cryogenics show for kids and adults with Fermilab’s Mr. Freeze: cool demonstrations with liquid nitrogen to explore the properties and effects of extreme cold.
A little over a year into construction, the structure of the building that will house the cryogenic equipment for the PIP-II particle accelerator is largely complete.
From the DOE Office of Science, Aug. 25: The DOE Office of Science announced 10 DOE national laboratory projects, including one led by Fermilab, have been selected to receive funding as part of research related to microelectronics co-design. Senior engineer Davide Braga’s work on hybrid cryogenic detector architectures for sensing and edge computing enabled by new fabrication processes was chosen as one of the 10 awards.
The Cryogenic Society of America has awarded Benjamin Hansen its Award for Excellence in Cryogenic Operations and Support. Head of Fermilab’s Cryogenics Operations Department, he received the award for his leadership maintaining and operating six helium cryogenic test facilities.
The Cryogenic Engineering Conference has awarded Jay Theilacker the 2021 Samuel C. Collins Award. Theilacker is the Cryogenic Sector head in the Applied Physics and Superconducting Technology Division at Fermilab.
The Technical Division has been making great strides in SRF, magnet development and cryogenics, and our recent reorganization reflects the division’s primary capabilities.