Experimental Techniques for Low-temperature Measurements 

The purpose of this web site is to provide supplemental information and updates for the book Experimental Techniques for Low-temperature Measurements: Cryostat Design, Materials Properties, and Superconductor Critical-Current Testing, which was published by Oxford University Press in 2006, 2007, and 2011. 

The site provides: 

• • Tables of cryogenic materials data (electrical, mechanical, thermal, magnetic, and superconducting), especially appendix 6
  • Enlarged pdf files of figures for easy reading and data interpolation
  • Errata 

The book is now in its 4th printing.  As of May 2011, all data tables have been updated and are available in English and translated into Chinese by Dr. Xi Chuanying with assistance from Dr. Bruce Brandt.  Also, all figures have now been posted, including captions and figure references to data sources.

Figures posted on this site include:

Part I: 
Cryostat design and materials selection

• Chapter 1:  Cryostat examples and cryogenic liquid data
• Chapter 2:  Heat-transfer data
• Chapter 3:  Construction and vacuum-system design data
• Chapter 4: Wiring data
• Chapter 5: Thermometer-sensor information
• Chapter 6: Properties of solids at low temperatures

Part II: 
Electrical transport measurements

• Chapter 7: Sample holder construction techniques
• Chapter 8: Sample contact methods

Part III:
Superconductor critical-current measurements and data analysis 

• Chapter 9: Examples of critical-current measurement cryostats
• Chapter 10: Data figures of critical current vs. magnetic field, temperature, and strain

Appendix:
Tables of low temperature properites of materials and cyrostat design data

I hope you find the material useful. Comments, suggestions, or enquiries can be sent to Dr. Jack Ekin at jackekin@researchmeasurements.com

About the Book:

This book presents a highly integrated, step-by-step approach to designing and constructing low-temperature test apparatus in general, and conducting superconductor critical-current measurements in particular. It is effectively two books in one: A textbook on cryostat design techniques and an appendix data handbook that provides materials-property data for carrying out that design.

The main text encompasses a wide range of information, written for specialists, without leaving beginning graduate students behind. After summarizing cooling methods, Part I provides core information in an accessible style on techniques for cryostat design and fabrication, including heat-transfer design, selection of materials, construction techniques, wiring, and thermometry, accompanied by many graphs, data, and clear examples. Part II gives a practical user’s perspective of sample mounting methods and contact technology. Part III presents in-depth techniques for the measurement and analysis of critical current, including the latest performance data for high-Tc superconductors and recent developments in scaling theory.

The appendix is a ready reference handbook for cryostat design, encompassing seventy data tables compiled from contributions of experts and over fifty years of literature.