Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquified gas cryostat which comprises inner and outer walls defining an evacuated housing; a multilayer insulation positioned between the inner and outer walls; and at least one radiation shield circumscribing the inner wall between the inner and outer walls so as to extend over an area of the inner wall which is contacted and cooled by liquified gas in the cryostat when in use, wherein the radiation shield comprises a plurality of rods which are thermally conducting and electrically insulating when the cryostat contains liquified gas.