Cryogen-free low temperature sample environment for neutron scattering based on pulse tube refrigeration

Recent rapid progress in cryogen-free technology has become possible due to a new generation of commercial cryo-coolers developed during the last decade. The most successful example is the pulse tube refrigerator (PTR). A unique feature of the PTR is the absence of cold moving parts. This considerably reduces the generated noise and vibration and increases the reliability of the cold head, as expensive high-precision seals are no longer required and the cold head can be operated without service inspection. In this paper we present preliminary test results of a development system, based on the PTR, which provides a low temperature sample environment for neutron scattering experiments. The main aim of the development is to create a cryogen-free system suitable as a substitute for the conventional ILL-type Orange cryostat, the cryogenic workhorse of the neutron community for many years.