Abstract: A cryostat (10) is disclosed having a multistage cryocooler (20) with at least first and final cooling stages (22,32), and first and final stage heat exchangers (24,34) thermally coupled to the corresponding cooling stages for cooling a cryogen passing along a cooling path (15). The cooling path (15) further comprises a terminal cooling chamber (40) arranged to receive the cryogen from the final stage heat exchanger (34). The terminal cooling chamber (40) is also thermally coupled to the final cooling stage (32) so as to further cool the cryogen. The terminal cooling chamber (40) may include baffles (210) for directing the cryogen along an extended path through the terminal cooling chamber (40).

Abstract: A cryostat assembly comprises a liquid coolant containing vessel; a mechanical cooler having at least one cooling stage located above the vessel; and a channel for conveying gaseous coolant from the vessel to the cooling stage where the coolant is condensed in use and then returns through the channel to the vessel. An acoustic wave attenuator is located in the channel for attenuating the passage of acoustic energy originating from the mechanical cooler and propagating through the gaseous coolant, while permitting flow of gaseous coolant to the cooling stage and flow of condensed coolant to the vessel.

Abstract: Cooling apparatus comprises a vacuum chamber, an inner chamber positioned within the vacuum chamber adapted to contain a coolant for cooling target apparatus, and a mechanical refrigerator for refrigerating the coolant and having at least one cooled part in contact with the coolant. The mechanical refrigerator is coupled to one or each of the vacuum chamber and inner chamber through vibration-reducing couplings, so as to reduce the effect upon the target apparatus of vibrations from the mechanical refrigerator.

Abstract: A cryostat assembly comprises a liquid coolant containing vessel; a mechanical cooler having at least one cooling stage located above the vessel; and a channel for conveying gaseous coolant from the vessel to the cooling stage where the coolant is condensed in use and then returns through the channel to the vessel. An acoustic wave attenuator is located in the channel for attenuating the passage of acoustic energy originating from the mechanical cooler and propagating through the gaseous coolant, while permitting flow of gaseous coolant to the cooling stage and flow of condensed coolant to the vessel.

Abstract: Cooling apparatus comprises a cooling system defining a closed path around which a coolant flows. The system includes a pump for causing coolant flow, a supply line extending from the pump to a cold location, positioned in a cryostat, in order to cool that location, and a return line extending from the cold location to the pump. The pump is located externally of the cryostat. A first heat exchanger is positioned within the cryostat and links the supply and return lines to allow heat exchange therebetween such that coolant flowing in the supply line is cooled by coolant flowing in the return line. A refrigerator is provided having a cooling stage within the cryostat and coupled to the supply line downstream of the first heat exchanger such that coolant reaching the first cooling stage has been precooled by the first heat exchanger.

Abstract: Cooling apparatus comprises a vacuum chamber, an inner chamber positioned within the vacuum chamber adapted to contain a coolant for cooling target apparatus, and a mechanical refrigerator for refrigerating the coolant and having at least one cooled part in contact with the coolant. The mechanical refrigerator is coupled to one or each of the vacuum chamber and inner chamber through vibration-reducing couplings, so as to reduce the effect upon the target apparatus of vibrations from the mechanical refrigerator.