The University is soliciting prospective proponents to submit proposals for a Helium Gas Cryogenic Cooling System.
The Cryogenic Cooling System will be used to cool a laser amplifier. The laser crystals, which need to be cooled to ~70 K, are mounted on cold fingers located in a vacuum chamber, which itself needs to operate at ~ 70 K. The low-temperature helium gas from the proposed Cryogenic Cooling System runs through the cold fingers. The thermal load generated by the laser crystals is 800 W, which can be supported by a solution consisting of either one or two helium cryogenic coolers. The helium transfer line should not cause large vibration to the cold finger. The stability of the temperature should be less than 10 K. The coolers should operate without using liquid nitrogen. The instrument must operate for 24 consecutive hours; 7 days per week (24/7), outside of planned shutdowns for annual maintenance.
In the cooling system, helium gas is cooled at the cold head to ~70 K and transferred into the helium cycling pump for pressurization. The low temperature helium gas will then be outputted onto the laser crystals for one-way cooling. The returned helium is finally then cooled down again for cycling.
Mandatory Requirements:
1.Helium Gas Cryogenic Cooling System
1.1 Proposed solution must be composed of one of the following:
- One (1) unit with a maximum cooling power using circulated helium gas of 800 W or higher at 70 K; or
- Two (2) units, each with a maximum cooling power using circulated helium gas of 400 W or higher at 70 K.
1.2 The cold finger must reach ~70 K (+/- 10 K) within 3 hours.
1.3 The cold finger must run continuously at ~70 K (+/- 10 K) wihout the use of liquid nitrogen.
1.4 Cold finger temperature fluctuation must be ≤10 K under a full thermal load (800 W) once the temperature has been set at 70 K.
1.5 Cold finger peak-to-peak vibration stability must be ≤ 100 nm.
1.6 The cold heads and compressors must be capable of being located up to 25 ft away from the cold finger. All connectors (tubes, hoses, other) must be a minimum of 40 ft in length in order to achieve this distance without impeding movement in the lab space.
1.7 The proposed solution must be capable of full automation during cooldown, temperature stabilization and warmup.
1.8 The instrument must be able to operate for 24 consecutive hours; 7 days per week (24/7), outside of planned shutdowns for maintenance once per year.
1.9 The compressors must operate on 480 V, 3 phase, 60 Hz power.
- If the proposed solution consists of one (1) unit, the maxium power must be ≤36 kW.
- If the proposed solution consists of two (2) units, the maximum power for each unit must be ≤18 kW.
1.10 The compressors must be water cooled. Regardless of the solution proposed, the total flow must not exceed 12 Gallons per Minute (GMP) at 15C.
2. Other Requirements
2.1 Online video conferencing/Telephone conversation assistance must be included for installation by the user.
2.2 Must include a minimum of three (3) days of virtual training for a minimum of three (3) users. A day is defined as eight (8) hours with a one (1) hour lunch.
2.3 Must include a minimum of one (1) year of warranty on parts and labor.
2.4 Must be capable of providing up to a total of five (5) years of extended warranty.
2.5 All electrical components are preferred to have CSA (Canadian Standards Association) certification or accepted equivalent as per Electrical Safety Authority Recognized Certification Mark at the following link: https://esasafe.com/electrical-products/recognized-certification-marks/ Otherwise, all electrical components must be able to undergo the applicable electrical inspection, and/or, certification, without voiding the system warranty.
