Job Opportunity at CERN

Announcements | December 12th, 2024

CERN is recruiting!

Interested? Check out the job advertisement for a Cryogenic Engineer for Future Circular Collider here.

CEC/ICMC 2025 Abstract Submission Deadline Reminder

Announcements | December 6th, 2024

The abstract submission deadline for the 2025 CEC/ICMC is December 12, 2024.

All abstracts (and papers) must address any aspect of cryogenic engineering and cryogenic materials research. The subject matter should be technically oriented and feature new, original developments in cryogenic engineering and materials.

The 18th CRYOGENICS 2025 Late Abstracts Submission

Announcements | November 16th, 2024

The 18th CRYOGENICS 2025 International IIR Conference & Exhibition is accepting late abstracts submission until October 31, 2024.

Submit your abstract here.  

October 2024 CSE Newsletter

Announcements | October 8th, 2024

The CSE's October Newsletter has been published! Read it here. 

Want to remain up to date with the Cryogenics Society of Europe? Subscribe to our Newsletter!

Guy Gistau-Baguer (1940-2024)

Announcements | September 9th, 2024

The Cryogenics Society of Europe pays tribute to Guy Gistau-Bauger, an emblematic figure of cryogenics, who passed away on 25 August 2024.

The news of Guy Gistau's death both surprised and deeply affected the CSE. Guy has been one of the constants of cryogenics. Upon meeting him a long time ago, he promised that if you dip your finger into cryogenics, it would grab your arm to never release it again. This may not be true for everyone, but it was definitely true for Guy.

Even after his retirement from Air Liquide in 2020, Guy continued to play an active role in cryogenics through his work in Helium refrigeration, the ICEC, his writings and the education of younger scientists. He continued to teach future generations, sharing his knowledge up until his final days. Guy was a CSE member from the foundation of the society and supported students with his active teaching role during the European Cryogenic Days and Cryo-Ops.

Guy was awarded the Mendelssohn award in 2020, a prize awarded every two years by the ICEC (International Cryogenics Engineering Conference) in recognition of his lifetime achievement in helium refrigeration.

His passing leaves an immense void in the scientific community but his heritage continues to live through his indelible contributions to cryogenics. To his wife, Anna, we pass our warmest sympathies. His work will continue to inspire future generations of scientists and engineers.

Read the ICEC obituary here.

Challenges and Opportunities in Next-Gen Cryogenically Cooled Electric Propulsion Systems

Announcements | August 22nd, 2024

The CSE is proud to collaborate with the UK Magnetic Society for this seminar on Cryogenic Electrical Machines.

This seminar will explore cryogenic coolant applications in electric propulsion systems, focusing on conventional windings (copper or aluminium, non-superconducting). Topics will include the liquid hydrogen supply chain, the cryogenic behaviour of electric propulsion components and the design of cryogenically cooled electrical propulsion system. The latest developments in cryogenically cooled electrical machines such as cryogenic pumps will also be discussed.

Visit the UK Magnetic Society event webpage for program details and registration.

Don't Forget the CSE 10th General Meeting!

Announcements | July 19th, 2024

The 10th General Meeting of the Cryogenics Society of Europe will be held just prior to the ICEC29/ICMC 2024 in Geneva, Switzerland.

Date:    Monday, July 22, 2024
Time:   15:00-16:30 CEST
Venue: International Conference Centre Geneva (CICG), Room 14

About 40 minutes of public transport is required between the CICG and CERN, so all GM participants will be able to attend the ICEC29/ICMC 2024 Welcome Reception starting at 18:00 at the Science Gateway (close to CERN).

We look forward to seeing you at the GM!

Job Opportunity at the Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL)

Announcements | May 15th, 2024

There is a vacancy for a Scientific Instrumentation Technician in the Advanced Neutron Environment Service, responsible for the development, maintenance and user support of equipment used to subject samples to extreme conditions.

Interested? Check out their job advertisement.

CCS Seeking Experts for Carbon Capture Project

Announcements | May 3rd, 2024

Climate Care Solutions Belgium is working toward a climate-neutral Europe thanks to cryogenic carbon capture technology. CCS is currently undertaking proof-of-concept pilot tests to demonstrate the viability and effectiveness of their system in real-world conditions.

In order to ensure the success and accuracy of these tests, CCS is seeking academic assistance with experts in air liquefaction and/or thermodynamics of CO2 at cryogenic temperatures.

Interested in helping? Read more about CCS's project here.

10th General Meeting of the CSE

Announcements | April 30th, 2024

The 10th General Meeting of the CSE will be held in conjunction with the ICEC29/ICMC 2024 in Geneva, Switzerland.

Date: July 22, 2024
Time: 15-16:30 CEST
Venue: International Conference Centre Geneva (CICG)

We hope to see lots of members in attendance!

IWC-HTS 2024 Abstract Submission Now Open

Announcements | April 23rd, 2024

The 4th International Workshop on Cooling System for HTS Applications (IWC-HTS 2024) will be held in in Matsue, Japan from October 23-25, 2024.

The Local Organizing Committee has opened abstract submission. You're invited to apply to participate and present your latest results in the field of cooling technology for high temperature superconducting application systems.

For further information, you can download the IWC-HTS 2024 First Call for Papers here.

Job Opportunity at Chipiron

Announcements | March 13th, 2024

Chipiron is recruiting!

Chipiron is a start-up company that designs, manufactures, and markets a clinically viable ultra-low field of MRI machines, designed to make MRI accessible to all.

Read about the job offer for a Cryogenic Engineer here.

Don't Forget! CSE Spotlight Talk

Announcements | March 6th, 2024

Be sure you mark your calendars for CSE's next Online Showcase event on March 7th! Daniel Willems, from Thales Cryogenics BV, will take the virtual stage to present a showcase talk on "How off-the-shelf cryocoolers are used in applications."

Date: March 7
Time: 16:30-17:30 CEST
Venue: Zoom (Virtual Event)

(In case the link doesn't work, copy and paste this URL into your browser: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83065901653?pwd=bTLTFFvJmYRpNEmdqWUGGL0oXllnYn.1)

ICEC29/ICMC 2024 Abstract Submission Extended

Announcements | March 1st, 2024

The ICEC29-ICMC2024 abstract submission deadline has been extended to provide additional time for all interested participants to finalize their submissions. The new deadline for abstract submissions is March 10th, 2024.

Save the Date! CSE Spotlight Talk

Announcements | February 16th, 2024

Be sure you mark your calendars for CSE's next Online Showcase event on March 7th! Daniel Willems, from Thales Cryogenics BV, will take the virtual stage to present a showcase talk on "How off-the-shelf cryocoolers are used in applications."

Date: March 7
Time: 16:30-17:30 CEST
Venue: Zoom (Virtual Event)

(In case the link doesn't work, copy and paste this URL into your browser: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83065901653?pwd=bTLTFFvJmYRpNEmdqWUGGL0oXllnYn.1)

Job Opportunity at CNES

Announcements | January 30th, 2024

The CNES is Recruiting!

The Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales is hiring an Engineer in Space Cryogenics.

Read more about the job offer here.

European Course of Cryogenics 2024

Announcements | January 28th, 2024

Applications for the European Course of Cryogenics (ECC) 2024 are now open.

This summer course is held over three consecutive weeks and comprises two main subjects:  “Cryogenic Fundamentals” and “Cryogenic Processes.” Lecturers will be members of the organizing universities plus a number of external experts such as John Weisend and Joh. Toepler as well as speakers from Linde Cryogenics Swiss and Chart Industries, among others.

Course dates:

• August 19-23: TU Dresden, Germany
• August 26-30: WUST Wroclaw, Poland
• September 2-6: NTNU Trondheim, Norway

The ECC 2024 is open to all master and PhD students with a fitting background, primarily from the organizing universities, moreover as well from all over the world.

Details can be found on the flyer and on the event website.

CryoSpain Press Release

Announcements | January 25th, 2024

Cryospain‘s commitment to the design and implementation of the most cutting-edge cryogenic equipment means that we place ourselves again and again at the center of progress towards a more sustainable future.

On this occasion, we refer to our new project in Rotterdam, in which we have been involved in the design, procurement, manufacturing and supply of the vacuum insulated piping system for transportation, distribution and filling of tank trucks that will transport hydrogen in liquid state to final consumers.

Hydrogen is positioned as a promising source of clean energy in the progress towards decarbonization and the energy transition. However, the ability to store and transport hydrogen in liquid form is crucial to advance in this direction, since only companies that are capable of doing it efficiently and safely have the key to progress in their hands.

This is precisely where Cryospain comes into play, providing the technology and specialized equipment for the safe and efficient handling of hydrogen in its liquid state. Let’s see more about this project and our involvement in it.

Continue reading more about this project here.

ICC23 Call for Papers is Open!

Announcements | January 8th, 2024

The 23rd International Cryocooler Conference (ICC23) will take place at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wisconsin from June 3 - 6, 2024.

The International Cryocooler Conference invites proposals for paper presentations for ICC23. Don't miss out on this opportunity to showcase your work and link up with your fellow worldwide cryocooler participants from industry, government, and academia. 

For more information and to submit your paper, click here.

ICEC29/ICMC 2024 Abstract Submission Now Open

Announcements | December 20th, 2023

The 29th International Cryogenic Engineering and the International Cryogenic Materials 2024 Conference, will take place at CERN and the International Conference Centre in Geneva, Switzerland from July 22 - July 26, 2024.

The Local Organizing Committee has opened abstract submission. You're invited to apply to participate and present your latest results in the fields of cryogenic engineering and cryogenic materials science and technology.

For further information, you can download the ICEC/ICMC First Call for Abstracts here.

Reminder: CSE New Corporate Member Showcase - Today! 7 December

Announcements | December 7th, 2023

Be sure to mark your calendars for CSE's New Corporate Member Showcase next week! Our online workshop will introduce you to some of our newest corporate members: AMPO, PBS and Scientific Instruments.

Date: December 7
Time: 16:30-18:00 CEST
Venue: Zoom (Virtual Event)

(In case the link doesn't work, copy and paste this URL into your browser: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88496922575?pwd=goEYWDx7INulXa6bZxMdaH53CJYa3Y.1)

ASC 2024 Call for Abstracts

Announcements | December 6th, 2023

The call for abstracts for the ASC 2024 is now open until January 17, 2024.

The Applied Superconductivity Conference, home for the Applied Superconductivity Community to report and discuss important and timely technical advances in Electronics, Large Scale, and Materials will be held in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA on September 1 – 6, 2024.

Submission and conference details are on the ASC 2024 website.

Nicholas Kurti Science Prize Nominations are Open

Announcements | November 16th, 2023

The objective of this Science Prize is to promote and recognise the novel work of young scientists working in the fields of low temperatures and/or high magnetic fields in Europe. Oxford Instruments is aware that there is a critical and often difficult stage for many between completing their PhD and gaining a permanent research position. The company therefore would like to help individuals who are producing innovative work by offering assistance both financially and through promotion of their research work.

All candidates should be nominated by a senior member of their department or Institute. The prize is awarded by a committee of senior academics based throughout Europe.  You can find more information about this prize and past winners here: https://nanoscience.oxinst.com/about-us/science-prizes/nicholas-kurti

The Nicholas Kurti Science Prize consists of:

• 8,000€ cash prize
• a certificate and trophy
• support to attend a conference in Europe

Nominations are now open and close on 5th January, 2024. Please submit your nominations to: nicholaskurtiprize@oxinst.com.

CSE New Corporate Member Showcase

Announcements | November 7th, 2023

The CSE is excited to introduce a new event - a New Corporate Member Showcase on December 7th, 2023.

Do you want to learn more about the companies behind the CSE? Join us for an online workshop to learn more about some of our new corporate members. Event connection details to follow.

Criotec Impianti SpA Press Release

Announcements | October 10th, 2023

Criotec Impianti SpA was recently awarded the contract with CERN for the design, manufacturing, and installation of the cryogenic system for the Neutrino Platform Dark Side 20k proximity cryogenics.

The DarkSide-20k experiment consists of an inner detector housed within a sealed stainless steel vessel and an outer muon veto all deployed within a ProtoDUNE-style membrane cryostat. It is currently under construction in the Hall-C of Gran Sasso National Laboratory, the largest underground laboratory in the world devoted to neutrino and astroparticle physics sited in Italy, and is foreseen to begin operations in 2026 and will either detect Weak Interacting Massive Particle (WIMP) dark matter or exclude a large fraction of favored WIMP parameter space.

The scope of the contract include the design, manufacturing and installation of eight cryogenic valve boxes and one warm valve box, each equipped for a specific function (argon purification, argon condensing, argon phase separation, radon trap and argon/nitrogen distribution), and sixteen cryogenic vacuum super- insulated transfer lines distributing liquid and gas argon and liquid and gas nitrogen between cryogenic storage vessels, the valve boxes, and the liquid argon cryostat for a total length of more than 200 m.

This contract has a duration of 12 months and joins other projects awarded by Criotec Impianti SpA for the supply of cryogenic equipment for CERN and LNGS experiments.

 ICEC29/ICMC2024

Announcements | September 13th, 2023

The 28th International Cryogenic Engineering Conference and International Cryogenic Materials Conference 2024 will be organized from July 22-26, 2024 in Geneva, Switzerland. The conference will find place at the city of Geneva in the International Conference Center, while the welcome reception will be hosted in the brand new CERN Science Gateway. Time has been foreseen for half a day of visits to different CERN cryogenic installations.

Come and join the year's largest cryogenic gathering, talk with colleagues, discuss with the world-wide suppliers, visit CERN’s new flagship for science education and outreach and enjoy Geneva’s lake and fountain.

Job Opening at the University of Cambridge, Department of Physics

Announcements | August 16th, 2023

Job title: Ultra-Low Temperature High Magnetic Field Instrument Scientist (AMCS - VERSMAG Instrument Scientist)

Department/Location: Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK

The Department of Physics, University of Cambridge is seeking an ultra-low temperature high magnetic field (VERSMAG) Instrument Scientist to lead activity in the Advanced Materials Characterisation Suite (AMCS) in the Maxwell Centre. The AMCS offers a range of custom measurements in state-of-the-art research facilities to a broad user community, with the support of a team of instrument scientists and research laboratory technicians. At the apex of the AMCS facility is the new bespoke VERSMAG measurement system reaching 10 mK and 22 T using the Oxford Instruments KelvinoxTLM design,and offering users a range of advanced experimental capabilities unavailable anywhere else in the world.

We are seeking a passionate and highly experienced professional in high magnetic field and cryogenic measurements to be responsible for the installation, operation and development of the VERSMAG measurement system. The successful candidate will design, operate and constantly improve technologically advanced instrumentation, cryogenics, electronics, and user-interface software for users to perform one-of-a-kind measurements under ultra-low temperature and high magnetic field conditions in the bespoke VERSMAG system. Customised measurement techniques to be developed by the successful candidate for user experiments in the VERSMAG will include electrical, thermal, magnetic, structural properties measurements at extraordinarily high levels of experimental sensitivity.

Together with the many other advanced shared research facilities in the Maxwell Centre, the Cavendish National Facility, the Royce@Cambridge, and the wider West Cambridge Campus, the AMCS with its flagship VERSMAG measurement system, forms part of a comprehensive platform for interdisciplinary research partnerships between various departments in the Schools of Physical Sciences and Technology in offering internationally leading measurement facilities to a broad user base. The VERSMAG Instrument Scientist will be at the forefront of this expansive collaboration. The successful candidate will be responsible for providing technical and scientific support in the use of the VERSMAG measurement system to a broad base of AMCS users, and will lead the continued technical and strategic development of the VERSMAG measurement system.

Candidate qualifications include a first degree / Masters / level 7 vocational qualification in a scientific or engineering discipline, with post-graduate or equivalent experience in conducting measurements at milliKelvin temperatures using dilution refrigerators and cryomagnets. Candidates must have experience and specialist knowledge in operating and troubleshooting dilution refrigerators especially in high magnetic field environments, involving the use of vacuum technology, bespoke electronics and customised data acquisition. Candidates must have experience with computer aided design (CAD) and building custom measurement techniques and probes, electronic circuit-design and analysis to develop bespoke electronics, and preparing delicate wiring and connections on experimental probes ¿ essential skills required in order to reach the highest levels of sensitivity and lowest noise levels in challenging cryogenic and high magnetic field environments. Excellent communication and organisational skills are desirable for working with a broad user base.

Salary: £39,592-£52,841

Reference: KA37225

Closing date: 31 August 2023

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please visit :
http://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/41512.

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be addressed to Adam Brown, Head of Scientific Laboratory Services (adb60@cam.ac.uk)

Please quote reference KA37225 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Gérard Claudet (1939-2023)

Announcements | June 15th, 2023

The Cryogenics Society of Europe pays tribute to Gérard Claudet who died on 10 June 2023.

Gérard Claudet will remain a pioneer in the cryogenics field for his use of pressurized superfluid helium with the famous “Claudet bath.” Patented in 1974, and thanks to his relentless commitment to this technique, the Claudet bath was used under his supervision to cool several superconducting magnets such as: the first high-field "hybrid" magnet of the LNCMI in Grenoble, those of the Tore Supra tokamak in Cadarache, and on a larger scale those of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN.

Gérard Claudet became the head of the low temperature laboratory (SBT) of CEA Grenoble in 1989 and under his strong and effective leadership, SBT positioned itself as a reference in the cryogenics community. A talented engineer, he explored and opened new fields such as: the cryogenic ice pellets injectors for the Tokamaks, the cryogenic targets for the Laser Mega Joule project (LMJ), the cryogenic architecture of the ITER project and he also initiated the work on small cryocoolers in particular for space applications.

Author of numerous scientific articles, Gérard received the CEA Scientific Prize in 1997 for his innovative work on superfluid helium and the ICEC Mendelssohn International Prize in 2002 for his lifetime contributions to cryogenics.

Intelliconnect Press Release

Announcements | May 15th, 2023

Intelliconnect reaches 20-year milestone. Read the Press Release.

European Cryogenics Days 2022/2023 in Darmstadt, Germany.

Announcements | April 10th, 2023

A successful ECD2022/23 was held in Darmstadt, Germany on March 28-29th. It was a much welcomed return to an in-person conference! 

Read a full report of the meeting here

Cryocourse 2023 Registration is open until April 15th

Announcements | April 4th, 2023

Cryocourse 2023 is an international school on cryogenics, microwave measurements, and low-temperature engineering for quantum technology. The event is aimed at young researchers at the graduate and postdoctoral level, offering training by the most knowledgeable and distinguished scientists in the field.

Cryocourse 2023 will take place on May 18-26, in Nuuksio, Espoo with hands-on exercises at Aalto campus.

The event is aimed at young researchers at the graduate and postdoctoral level. Participating in Cryocourse 2023 is free of charge. Accommodation, a daily meals, coffee between sessions, as well as social program indicated in the program will be provided to the participants. Local transportation is provided by the organisers, while international travel must be arranged by the participants themselves.

Registration is open until April 15, 2023.

Read more about the Cryocourse 2023.

European Course of Cryogenics 2023

Announcements | March 31st, 2023

Applications for the European Course of Cryogenics (ECC) 2023 are now open.

The ECC is organized by the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of the Technical University of Dresden (TUD) / Germany, the Wrocław University of Science and Technology / Poland and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) of Trondheim / Norway.

The ECC will take place over 3 weeks during Summer 2023. Location and dates are:

Aug. 21^st - 25^th, TU Dresden - Basics, liquid hydrogen technology
Aug. 28^th - Sept. 1^st, WUST Wroclaw in Poland - Helium technology, cryocoolers and instrumentation
Sept. 4^th - 8^th, NTNU of Trondheim, Norway - Liquified natural gas

The course is open to master and PhD students from the organizing universities, as well as potentially from other universities and institutions, who are interested in cryogenic technology. Applications should apply with a CV, including a photo, and a letter of motivation. Due to the limited capacity, interested students should submit applications before the end of April 2023.

Read more about the ECC.

ECD 2023 - Registration open until March 22nd

Announcements | March 6th, 2023

Jointly hosted by the Cryogenics Society of Europe (CSE) and GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH (GSI), the European Cryogenic Days are scheduled for March 28^th-29^th, 2023 in Darmstadt, Germany.

The program and schedule of the ECD 2022/2023 are detailed on the event website.

Registration is open until Wednesday, March 22^nd.

We hope to see lots of members there!

Dr. Ziad Melhem appointed as Chair of the British Cryogenic Council

Announcements | February 15th, 2023

Intelliconnect (Europe) Ltd, the UK based specialist manufacturer of RF, Microwave, Waterproof and Cryogenic connectors and cable harnesses, is very proud to announce that Dr Ziad Melhem, Non-Executive Director of its CryoCoax division, has been appointed as Chair of the British Cryogenic Council.

Read the press release.

European Cryogenic Days 2023

Announcements | February 2nd, 2023

The rescheduled European Cryogenics Days 2022/2023 will take place on March 28th and 29th, 2023 as an in-person event. The program is yet to be finalized but the event will open the with the General Meeting of the CSE, followed by plenary talks from invited speakers, posters and exhibitions. On the 29th, the event will end with a site visit of FAIR and a farewell coffee break.

Confirmed Invited Speakers:

• J. Weisend/ P. Arnold (ESS): Progress for the cryogenic system at ESS
• S. Schlachter (KIT):  Cryogenics in Superconductor Applications in Space
• G. Santos Tomás (University of Twente): Cryogenics in Superconductor Applications in Waste Processing
• L. Delprat (CERN): Update of the FCC cryogenics
• S. Mattei EMBL: Cryo-electron microscopy in structural biology research
• H. Kollmus (GSI): Cryogenics for FAIR

For more information on the event, check the ECD 2023 Announcement. Register for the ECD 2023 on the event website.

European Cryogenic Days 2023

Announcements | January 10th, 2023

Registration for the ECD 2023 is now open!

The European Cryogenics Days 2023 will be held in-person on March 28-29, 2023 at GSI in Darmstadt, Germany. The event will open with the annual General Meeting of the Cryogenics Society followed by invited plenary talks.

Go directly to the ECD 2023 website for registration and more information.

You may find information about Sponsoring opportunities here.

Meteosat Third Generation Launch

Announcements | December 13th, 2022

On December 13, the first Meteosat Third Generation Imager satellite will launch in French Guinea. The precise performance of the satellite instruments is possible thanks to the European crygenics community.

ESA Web TV will stream the the launch, as well as the English pre-launch press briefing, starting at 19:40.

ECD2022 - rescheduled to March 28-29, 2023

Announcements | October 10th, 2022

Due to different circumstances, we expect a low attendance of the ECD 2022 originally scheduled and announced for Nov. 8th and 9th. In consideration of this fact, the CSE board has decided to delay the European Cryogenics Days of 2022 to March 28-29, 2023 and suggests combining the ECDs of 2022 and 2023. The venue of the ECD 2022/2023 will still be GSI in Germany and will allow us to visit the GSI facilities and witness the creation of the FAIR instrument.

We have decided for this shift in dates to ensure the definition of an interesting program for the European cryogenic community during an in-person conference.  Although virtual or hybrid conferences are more and more common practice, we highly value the face-to-face discussions during in-person meetings. Having sufficient attendees and interested people in the field of cryogenics from the scientific and corporate communities allows for these valued in-person exchanges. Excellent speakers have already been contacted to present the latest insights and technologies in the field of cryogenics during the next European Cryogenics Days.

The ECD 2022/2023 will be combined with the General Meeting of the CSE over 2023. The General Meeting of the CSE of 2022 will be held via an on-line session on Nov 8th 10:00 -11:30 CEST. Further information can be found in the upcoming newsletter and will be posted on the CSE website

Intelliconnect Press Release

Announcements | October 8th, 2022

Intelliconnect acquired by Trexon Global

The Intelliconnect Acquisition adds Custom RF & Microwave Interconnect Solutions for High Reliability / Harsh Environment Applications. Trexon, a portfolio company of Audax Private Equity, announces that it has completed the acquisition of Intelliconnect, a supplier of RF connectors, adapters, and cable assemblies. Founded in 2003 and based in Chelmsford, UK., Intelliconnect has grown rapidly since its inception, becoming a market leader in design-led RF (radio frequency) components.

Regarding the addition of Intelliconnect to the Trexon team, Mark Twaalfhoven, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Trexon stated,

“The addition of Intelliconnect brings a customer-centric organization with a level of expertise and experience that aligns with the Trexon strategic vision of delivering application specific solutions.  Their innovation enables the development of critical technologies that support key megatrend drivers such as AI and the application for quantum computing. We look forward to a long and prosperous relationship with Intelliconnect.”

Of the transaction, Dr. Nildeep Patel, President of Trexon Engineered Products Division stated,

“Adding Intelliconnect to the Engineered Products portfolio builds on our current expertise in RF products designed for highly engineered systems for a range of applications. Their unique capability of combining high precision RF products performing at cryogenic temperatures adds yet another dimension to our already proven RF technology range.”

Speaking on the transaction, Intelliconnect’s founder, Roy Phillips said:

“After nearly 20 years of success and growth, we recognised that to reach the next level of excellence, Intelliconnect needed to be part of a bigger, financially strong group which has the same aspirations, goals, and vision that we do. We are confident that Trexon is the perfect partner. Their strong track record in acquiring good businesses and making them better whilst investing and supporting their existing teams is one of the key reasons that we chose them as our acquirer.”

And, speaking of the transaction, Gareth Phillips, Intelliconnect’s Managing Director, added:

"Trexon is highly aligned with Intelliconnect’s philosophy and desire to grow our world class RF and Cryogenic product offering. We have worked hard to build a solid platform of best-in-class services and products and we are thrilled to be partnering with the wider Trexon family to take us to the next level and beyond. I am very much looking forward to working with Trexon to maximize our potential and that of our fantastic employees.”

About Trexon:

Founded in 1979, Trexon (formerly TPC Wire & Cable Company) is a leading designer and provider of high-performance wire, cable, connectors, assemblies, and accessories used in harsh, high cost-of-failure environments. Trexon’s products are designed to exceed customer performance specifications and withstand abuse from impact, abrasion, flexing, chemicals, extreme temperatures, miniaturization, and other demanding design requirements. Trexon’s products are specially constructed for a wide range of design challenges across high-reliability applications in diversified industrial end markets, defense, aerospace, medical and other industries. For more information, visit trexonglobal.com.

Cryospain Webinar - Cryogenics: applications, innovations and future

Announcements | April 11th, 2022

Cryospain invites you to attend a cryogenics webinar on Thursday, April 21st, 2022 at 15:00 (CET).

The Webinar includes:
• History of cryogenics
• Applications for cryogenics
• Main challenges
• Plants and stations
• Custom made equipment
• Future applications
• The most important capabilities
• Q&A

Registration and event details are available on the Cryospain website. Sign up and discover the incredible possibilities cryogenics has to offer!

Statement of the Cryogenics Society of Europe

Announcements | March 14th, 2022

As many, all over the world, we are shocked by the war in Ukraine. We condemn the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian army and the violence used on innocent people. Every day we can witness these horrifying events. Our thoughts are with all people suffering from this violence. It is madness. The CSE is one society among the many international organisations in the world of researchers, engineers and scientists. We work together to solve problems, and we solve problems of global scale. We, all together, in no time managed to produce vaccines against a virus threatening the world. We solve problems. War never has been a solution. It only creates new problems, new conflicts, new traumas. We strongly call upon all people, and specifically those that can play a role in a resolution, to work together and find solutions. Start talking, no more war, no more violence!

The CSE Board

Marcel ter Brake, Tonny Benschop, Marion Kauschke, Beth Evans, Lionel Duband

8th European Space Cryogenics Workshop Rescheduled

Announcements | February 22nd, 2022

The 8th Space Cryogenics Workshop has been rescheduled to October 11^th-13^th 2022.  Further details will be posted as they become available.

Intelliconnect Press Release

Announcements | February 17th, 2022

Intelliconnect (Europe) Ltd, the UK based specialist manufacturer of RF, Microwave, Waterproof and Cryogenic connectors and cable harnesses, has launched a new website offering visitors easier navigation, improved search facilities, a “Quote Basket” allowing customers to automatically request a quotation for selected products and a new chat facility to assist with sales and technical questions.

Intelliconnect is proud to be the supplier of choice for many of the leading European and North American Defence, Medical and Marine OEMs and have been awarded the SC21 Silver Performance Standard Award for a third year running. Equally at home responding to smaller projects and companies Intelliconnect also manufactures a wide range of standard connectors and adapters including the market leading Pisces Range of IP67/IP68 waterproof RF connectors, their Precision Rang as well as Covert, Triaxial and Multipin connector ranges.

“We believe Intelliconnect are a different kind of interconnect solutions provider” says Roy Phillips, Managing Director. “We use our long experience and innovative thinking to tailor our services to each individual customer. Our experience tells us that every product is unique, and every project requires its own strategy and outlook.”

Intelliconnect has provided technology companies with solutions to issues relating to electrical performance, physicality, interface, water resistance materials, finish and obsolescence since 2003 and champions innovation - from their IP67/68 system for internally and externally sealing connectors to their new cryogenic range, Intelliconnect are constantly seeking new solutions. In addition, Intelliconnect offer the fastest turnaround in the industry for drawings (24 hours), samples (from three weeks) and delivery, delivering custom designed products in a matter of weeks.

Intelliconnect (Europe) Ltd  is the largest UK based manufacturer of RF, microwave, waterproof and cryogenic connectors and cable harnesses suitable for applications including wearable technology, medical, telecoms, satcoms, military, aerospace, space, general microwave communications, rail traction, oil and gas and marine. Intelliconnect also manufacture the market leading Pisces range of waterproof RF connectors, coaxial adaptors to facilitate inter-series connection and gender change etc. dust-caps and offer value added services.

Their recently launched and fast-growing cryogenic cable assembly business CryoCoax supplies the growing market for quantum computing, medical, research, test and measurement and the emerging low temperature computing markets.

Intelliconnect’s cable division are specialist manufacturers of affordable, high quality, high frequency microwave cables including triaxial assemblies, semi-rigid, semi-flexible and cryogenic cables as well as standard RG/LMR type products.  Cables can be waterproofed to IP68 and include special features including phase matching and ruggedised assemblies for use in harsh environments.

For more information call +44(0)1245 347145, email sales@intelliconnect.co.uk  or visit www.intelliconnect.co.uk

About Intelliconnect (Europe) Ltd.
Formed in the UK in 2003 in response to the almost complete abandonment of the UK by the RF connector manufacturing industry, Intelliconnect joined forces with a small innovative US operation in 2004 and has quickly become a market leader in design led manufacturing of RF connectors, waterproof multi-pin connectors and cable assemblies. Both the UK and USA divisions of Intelliconnect now enjoy a growing reputation for high quality products and first-class service. Their product range includes waterproof connectors which have become established as the solution of choice for specifiers in the marine, oil and gas, defence, medical and general antenna markets. They produce a range of triaxial components which are recognised as the best quality available in the market today. Their Custom design service, which attracts no NRE charges, is the quickest available in the connector industry today. Intelliconnect also offer a full range of standard RF connectors and a cable assembly service.

Intelliconnect is unable and does not wish to compete with the plethora of low-cost offshore product available in the market today. Rather they offer traditional engineering values coupled with innovation, agility and a passion for serving their customers.

For further information contact;
Intelliconnect (Europe) Ltd.
Unit D, Chelford Court Robjohns Road Widford Industrial Estate Chelmsford
CM1 3AG
info@intelliconnect.co.uk
+44(0)1245 347145

John Ellis
Proactive Marketing and Communications Ltd
37 Ramsdell Rd, Fleet, GU51 1DD
+44 (0)1252 642444
John@proactive.uk.com

PR/121

ICR 2023 Call for Abstracts is now open

Announcements | February 10th, 2022

The call for abstracts for the ICR 2023 is now open until June 29th.

The 26th IIR International Congress of Refrigeration, organized by the French Association of Refrigeration (AFF) under the theme "Towards efficient, controlled and smart refrigeration," will be held in Paris, France on August 21^st-25^th, 2023.

Submission and conference details are on the ICR 2023 website.

ICEC28-ICMC2022 - Abstract Submission Deadline Extended to January 31, 2022

Announcements | January 25th, 2022

The abstract deadline for the ICEC28-ICMC2022 has been extended to January 30 in order to allow for increased participation.

The 28th International Cryogenic Engineering Conference and International Cryogenic Materials Conference 2022 (ICEC28-ICMC 2022) will be held as a wholly virtual event from April 25-29, 2022.

Submission and conference details are on the ICEC28-8CMC2022 website.

ICC 22 - Call for Papers Extended to February 11, 2022

Announcements | January 24th, 2022

There’s still time to submit your abstract for the ICC 22! The submissions deadline has been extended to to February to allow for Covid- and holiday-related delays.

The International Cryocooler Conference is being held from June 27-30, 2022 in Bethlehem, PA. The meeting will be a hybrid On-site/Virtual format. While the main focus remains on a face-to-face conference experience, the virtual option will allow travel-restricted participants to take part.

Visit the ICC 22 website for submission and conference details.

Executive Office handover

Announcements | December 19th, 2021

As of December 16, the current executive office composed of Dr. Laura La Porta (content manager) and Architect M.A. Constantin von Richter (web master), coordinated by the former secretary Dr. Andrea Raccanelli, is ceasing activity.
It was a pleasure to contribute to the aims of the CSE with the development of the website, communication tools and PR activities. We wish the Society further success towards its aims.

Please note that the address laura@cryoeurope.org is no longer active. Have a look at the "contact" page for alternative ways to contact the Society.

Air Liquide Press Release

Announcements | December 11th, 2021

Air Liquide enters a long-term partnership to secure its supply of Helium-3. Read the Press Release.

Sir Martin Wood (1927-2021)

Announcements | November 27th, 2021

Sir Martin Wood passed away on Tuesday November 23rd 2021. There are so many facets to Sir Martin. Seeing past photos of him since his death on Tuesday November 23rd 2021 provide a reminder of what a lovely man he was. More than that, he was an inspiration to many, and he was a true pioneer in the world of Cryogenics & Superconductivity.

Martin was born on April 19 1927 and lived for 94 years. Though he was principally associated with Oxford - and the Oxford Instruments company he founded with his wife Audrey, Martin was in fact an alumnus of Cambridge University (and Imperial). In work at the Clarendon Laboratory in Oxford, he went on to found Oxford Instruments, the first serious spinout of Oxford University, in 1959.

The combination of Martin and Audrey was formidable, and they went on to create not just a successful company from the technology and the products they provided; they were at the heart of creating an engine of enterprise in and around the City of Oxford, to which they contributed so much.

There are many stories of Martin & Audrey - such as their attending a scientific conference together in Massachusetts, out of which came their initiative to develop superconducting magnets - from which we all benefit, from MRI scanners.

Martin’s one-of-a-kind intellect, personality and drive, combined with Audrey’s formidable strengths [it is worth reading her book “Magnetic Ventures”] collectively created the Oxford Instruments listed on the London Stock Exchange today.

In later times, Martin and Audrey made a massive contribution in so many ways to the entrepreneurial ecosystem which exists today in and around Oxford - it is worthy of another book. The Oxford Trust, Science Oxford, they are examples of what they did - and went beyond, from their magnificent home in Little Wittenham, with its priceless outlook on Wittenham Clumps.

Martin continued giving talks, some involving liquid nitrogen, which would give heartburn to today’s health & safety police, but were delightfully appropriate. He kindly gave the opening address to the British Cryogenic Cluster Day at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in 2011 - and he served as a Board Member of the International Cryogenic Engineering Committee for many years and was awarded the honorary membership of that Committee.

Martin had many awards. He was a Fellow of the Royal Society. And he was awarded by the ICEC the Mendelssohn Prize at the 25th ICEC Conference in Fukuoka in 2012. In receiving the award, Martin was joined on stage by Audrey, to progress the accompanying slides and to provide some missing names. They were delightful, and they were Rock Stars to the delegates attending. Martin produced a very early superconducting magnet from a bag he carried from England, probably one of the first ever made, and he was mobbed on stage at the end of his talk.

Martin Wood, Thank You

John Vandore and Marcel ter Brake

Tom Harayama, chairman of the ICEC handing the Mendelssohn Award to Sir Martin Wood

Sir Martin showing his superconducting magnet to the audience on stage

Sir Martin and Lady Audrey among the crowd on stage after Sir Martin’s Mendelssohn Award lecture

Intelliconnect-CryoCoax Press Release

Announcements | November 16th, 2021

Intelliconnect/ CryoCoax, leaders in the manufacture of cryogenic cable assemblies, is delighted to announce it has been appointed as a franchised stocking distributor by XMA Corporation-Omni Spectra® focusing on cryogenic connectivity products as well as standard attenuators and high frequency microwave components.

This exciting new development for Intelliconnect complements their existing product range of RF, Microwave and Cryogenic connectivity and increases their ability to offer a ‘one-stop shop to the market.
XMA Corporation-Omni Spectra® is considered the market leader of microwave components in the cryogenics and general microwave component spaces and has been a partner with Intelliconnect/CryoCoax for several years. XMA supplies products of the highest quality to the exacting specifications required by the quantum computing, military, aerospace, space, test, measurement, medical and commercial markets.
Steve Groves, Intelliconnect/CryoCoax Global Sales Director commented, “This is a fantastic step forward for our business, we are very excited to be working more closely with XMA. Being able to sell their wide range of high-quality RF Solutions from stock will allow us to achieve great things together.”

CryoCoax is the UK/USA based division of Intelliconnect solely focused on providing for the RF Interconnect needs of the worldwide Cryogenics market. Based on a business model of innovative design, excellent manufacturing, unrivalled customer service and technology led partnerships, Intelliconnect – CryoCoax has seen significant and continuing growth in quantum computing, research, test and measurement, space and medical applications during the past six years.   
CryoCoax’s cryogenic cables and components work to 2 K (-271.15°C) and are ideally suited to a wide range of applications including quantum computing and research, test and measurement, instrumentation, medical and material research and cryogenic systems including dilution refrigerators, superconducting magnet systems, low temperature detector systems, infrared array systems.
In addition to custom cable assemblies, Intelliconnect (Europe) Ltd manufactures a wide range of standard and custom RF connectors and components, including waterproof and fast turnaround custom designs which are undertaken without NRE charges to their customers. Intelliconnect also manufacture a large range of coaxial adaptors to facilitate inter-series connection and gender change etc.  Typical applications include MIL and aerospace, marine, oil and gas, medical and general microwave markets.

For more information call +44(0)1245 347145, email info@cryocoax.com or visit https://cryocoax.com/

RF connector from XMA now available from CryoCoax.

About Intelliconnect (Europe) Ltd;
Formed in the UK in 2003 in response to the almost complete abandonment of the UK by the RF connector manufacturing industry, Intelliconnect joined forces with a small innovative US operation in 2004 and has quickly become a market leader in design led manufacturing of RF connectors, waterproof multi-pin connectors and cable assemblies. Both the UK and USA divisions of Intelliconnect now enjoy a growing reputation for high quality products and first-class service. Their product range includes waterproof connectors which have become established as the solution of choice for specifiers in the marine, oil and gas, defence, medical and general antenna markets. They produce a range of triaxial components which are recognised as the best quality available in the market today. Their Custom design service, which attracts no NRE charges, is the quickest available in the connector industry today. Intelliconnect also offer a full range of standard RF connectors and a cable assembly service.

Intelliconnect is unable and does not wish to compete with the plethora of low-cost offshore product available in the market today. Rather they offer traditional engineering values coupled with innovation, agility, and a passion for serving their customers.

For further information contact:
Intelliconnect (Europe) Ltd.
Unit D, Chelford Court
Robjohns Road
Widford Industrial Estate
Chelmsford
Essex
CM1 3AG
Tel:  +44 (0)1245 347 145
isobel@intelliconnect.co.uk
www.intelliconnect.co.uk
www.cryocoax.com

John Ellis
Proactive Marketing and Communications Ltd
37 Ramsdell Rd, Fleet, GU51 1DD
+44 (0)1252 642444
John@proactive.uk.com

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3rd Announcement ECD2021

Announcements | September 26th, 2021

The European Cryogenics Days 2021 will be held online on the 3rd and the 4th of November 2021. The event will open with the annual General Meeting of the Cryogenics Society followed by invited plenary talks.

Read more about the program of the ECD2021 in the 3rd Annoucement.

Here you may find information about Poster and Exhibition opportunties.

Go directly to the ECD-2021 website for registration and more information

ECD2021 - 2nd Announcement

Announcements | July 31st, 2021

The ECD2021 will be held online on the 3rd and 4th of November. Read the 2nd announcement for more information about the program of the event.

ICEC Awards

Announcements | July 31st, 2021

Gustav and Ingrid Klipping Award

The International Cryogenic Engineering Committee awards a young researcher for outstanding work in cryogenic engineering. The award is named after Gustav and Ingrid Klipping to commemorate their enormous contributions to the field of cryogenics and more specifically to recognize their active role in involving young researchers. The award will be given on the occasion of the International Cryogenic Engineering Conference, which is held every two years. The next Conference will be in Hangzhou, China, 25 – 29 April, 2022. The candidate shall be 35 years old or younger on 25 April 2022.

Prize

The awardee will receive a certificate and a check of 1000 CHF, plus a waiver of the registration fee of the ICEC conference at which the prize is to be awarded. The prize will only be awarded if the winner attends the conference and at the conference presents a paper on his or her recent research.

Nomination

The candidate must be nominated by a person who is active in the field of cryogenic engineering. The nomination should be supported by the person who has supervised the research work for which recognition is sought. Note that the latter person may be different from the nominator and, furthermore, that the host institution where the cited work was conducted can be different from the awardee’s past or present employers.

Nominations shall be sent via email to the chairman of the ICEC, h.j.m.terbrake@utwente.nl by October, 11th, 2021 at the latest.

The (electronic) nomination package should include:

• the completed nomination form,
• the nominee’s detailed curriculum vitae (résumé) (see details in the nomination form),
• ID photo of a good quality and preferably in colour,
• a presentation of the candidate by the nominator, with an assessment of the candidate’s career in science and/or practice with a detailed explanation of the candidate’s achievements motivating the award,
• in case the nominator did not supervise the work that recognition is sought for, the presentation should be supported by the supervisor of that work,
• a copy of an official document attesting the nominee’s date of birth,
• copies of the publications on the research work to be honored.

Selection

The nominations will be voted on by the board members of the International Cryogenic Engineering Committee. The winner will be notified by November, 30th, 2021 at the latest so that he or she can arrange to attend the 2022 conference.

Previous Recipients of the Gustav and Ingrid Klipping Award:

• 2014: Yonghua Huang, China
• 2016: Haishan Cao, China
• 2018: Jingyuan Xu, China
• 2020: Andrew May, UK

Nomination form

BCC Cryogenics Course 2021 - online

Announcements | March 17th, 2021

The British Cryogenics Council organizes a course on cryogenics engineering. The course will be held online starting on April 12th 2021. lt will last four half-days and provide an introduction to the main topics of cryogenics engineering. Have a look at the flyer and to the official website for more information. 

Registration is already open and will close on April 5th.

Retirement of the CSA managers

Announcements | January 27th, 2021

On January 19^th we received a farewell message (see below) of Werner and Laurie Huget announcing their retirement as managers of the Cryogenic Society of America after 42 years (!) of service to that Society. That is a loss! Not only has their work been of extreme value to the cryogenics community in the USA, but also to all working in cryogenics worldwide. They were always trying to connect to societies, associations or institutes that were active in cryogenics. Laurie’s dedication to the promotion of cryogenics has been inspirational for us as well.
Only four days after the foundation of the CSE on April 22^nd in 2015, we received a congratulation message of Laurie offering us to publish our efforts in the CSA journal Cold Facts and suggesting cooperation between the two societies. It shows the active and efficient way of working of Laurie: immediate action and open for cooperation and initiatives. Since then indeed many events organized by the CSE were promoted in Cold Facts.
On behalf of the Cryogenics Society of Europe, we thank Laurie and Werner for their decades of work for the whole cryogenics community. We wish both many pleasant and healthy years to come, in which they can enjoy their well-deserved retirement.

Marcel ter Brake, Chairman CSE
Andrea Raccanelli, Secretary CSE

---

Farewell message by Werner and Laurie Huget

January 19, 2021

Dear CSA colleagues:

We want to thank each of you who has been a part of our business and personal lives over the more than 42 years we’ve been involved with the Cryogenic Society of America.
We founded Huget Advertising together in 1976 and shortly thereafter, through our client Liquid Carbonic, we became involved with the Society. Soon we were asked to take on more tasks and when the Society was moved to Illinois, we took on the job of Records Secretary—first Werner and then Laurie. In 1985 things changed when Laurie was made Executive Director. We put our efforts into developing membership, corporate and individual, as well as building the fledgling Cold Facts—at first a four-page newsletter and eventually an internationally acclaimed four-color magazine.
Through all the changes and growth of CSA, we have been blessed with wonderful employees, especially the talented editors who succeeded Laurie in the full-time job of creating the CSA’s editorial products. Werner continually pushed us all to improve our member services and our outreach. He was instrumental in moving the magazine from four times per year to six, with the Buyer’s Guide serving a real need in the cryogenic and superconductivity markets. Then came the NewsFlashes and the CryoChronicle enewsletter.
CSA has been blessed with great board members and leaders who have fostered its development into an international force. This is a shout-out to all the board members, officers and the experts who have taught short courses and webinars for the Society that drew enthusiastic global participation. The Space Cryogenics Workshops were made possible through the dedication and hard work of the co-chairs. The collegiality of the participants in the workshops has always made organizing these events special.
Corporate Sustaining Members are the lifeblood of CSA. Your involvement, steadfast commitment and financial support of programs and activities make it possible for CSA to continue building a more vibrant and connected global cryogenic community.
Over the years we have developed personal relationships with many talented people through international conferences and workshops. It has been a privilege to know so many brilliant engineers, scientists, academicians and entrepreneurs who have made significant contributions to the world of cryogenics. It has been especially delightful and rewarding to have made so many of you our friends.
Helping businesses, government, private laboratories and academic institutions get the word out about their accomplishments has been its own reward.                    
On February 1, 2021, we are retiring as managers of CSA, but we will remain vitally interested in you and your accomplishments and pursuits. Please keep in contact with us. We will be available at Huget Advertising, werner@huget.com and laurie@huget.com.

Cryo is Cool!

Werner and Laurie Huget

Paul McDonald (1947-2020)

Announcements | December 21st, 2020

I am sad to report that Paul Mc Donald died of cancer, aged 73, on Saturday 1^st August 2020, at his home in Ramsey, Hants.
As Director of the Cryogenic Industrial Advisory Unit, Institute of Cryogenics, University of Southampton, he was an incredibly popular teacher of post-graduates, and simultaneously a wide ranging research engineer of cryogenics, able to provide reliable answers to many low temperature problems.
During his 50 years working period, 1970 to 2020, Paul made many major contributions to Cryogenics and Cryogenic Engineering.
These contributions have revolutionised cryogenics from 10 cm diameter laboratory cryostats of 1970 to the monster 30 to 50 metre diameter storage tanks and the shipping of bulk cryogenic liquids in 2020 for industry, medicine and Space.
Following his Masters' degree in Cryogenics from the University of Lancaster, Paul joined Oxford Instruments in 1970, designing and installing low temperature cryogenic equipment around the world. By 1980, he was in the team that designed and built the first 500 MHz NMR superconducting magnet system. This provided an immediate contribution towards the first prototype MRI system, cooled by liquid helium, and requiring a refill of liquid every 100 days. For this invention and its medical importance, Oxford Instruments gained a Queen's Award for Technological Achievement, which Paul and two colleagues received from the Queen at a Palace reception. At the same time, Paul was working on the development of the first Continuous Flow Cryostat, which relied on his invention of a sintered copper heat exchanger and consequently avoided the100 day refill problem experienced in a hospital environment.
Cryocoolers with 'dry' helium cooling were not available until much later.
In 1979, the University of Southampton decided to set up the Institute of Cryogenics as a separate teaching and research department. Almost immediately, the Institute was overwhelmed by the industrial problems being met and required many research projects to be set up. At the same time a variety of teaching and training courses were being requested.
In 1982, Paul was recruited from Oxford Instruments and appointed Research Director of the Cryogenic Industrial Advisory Unit within the Institute.
The first success of Paul soon after his arrival was the recognition of the reliable and rugged performance of calibrated silicon diode thermometers, over the whole range of cryogenic temperatures from ambient at 273K to liquid helium at 1 K. A local Southampton firm was then persuaded to build silicon diode thermometers in a capsule for general use in cryogenics. The associated simple and reliable temperature measurements led to the sale of many such thermometers around the world, including NASA space rockets up to the present day. Their accuracy also led to a great deal of cryogenic fluid dynamics findings on low temperature fluids and their extraordinary high heat transfer properties down to 1 K.
Paul's success with accurate thermometers led to the 1990 development of cold electronics for data collection and digital functions for all sorts of instruments operating directly at working temperatures down to liquid helium.
Progress with cold electronics required testing the operation of all manufactured electronic systems when dunked in liquid nitrogen and liquid helium baths. Only 5% were found to keep working and these were selected to enable the development of cold electronics to move forward. The findings were published in 1992 during a conference in Houston, Texas, USA, when the main application was for instruments on the very large model aircraft in the very large cryogenic wind tunnels at Southampton University Aeronautics Department, NASA Langley, Virginia, USA, and Cologne, Germany.
These findings on cold electronics are now providing the grounds work for Quantum Computing at liquid helium temperatures in 2021.
Successful development of cryogenic concrete and frost-proof concrete as building materials was a straightforward finding, with collaboration from other departments at Southampton University.
Conventional concrete contains a surplus of free water after the concrete paste has hardened to a high strength structural solid. Subsequent removal of this surplus water by vacuum pumping, enables the structural solid to avoid crumbling, below the ice point at 273 K: the frost proof concrete is now also much stronger.
Following his many contributions to cryogenic technology, Paul's multiple areas of research have included the study of different foam materials at temperature ranges from 273 K down to Liquid Nitrogen at 77 and LNG at 120K.
Computer controlled production of thermal conductivity and insulation data enabled rapid testing of many possible insulation materials, in particular to reduce the expensive boil-off of LNG gas from stationary storage and shipping tanks.
Paul's unique up-to-date data on foams will also be valuable in the global distribution of Coronavirus 19 vaccines when/if they require freezing down to 193 K in thousands of low loss containers.
Paul's low conductivity insulations data will also be used for the next generation of space rockets using LNG as rocket fuel, in place of liquid hydrogen, enabling much larger rocket loads flying into space, to the Moon and Mars and beyond, as soon as 2030.
In conclusion, this obituary shows just some of the contributions Paul has made to cryogenic technology over 50 years of research engineering, all of which are being used today, and will be carried into world-wide future applications.
He will be greatly missed by all research and teaching staff together with the hundreds of former students of the Institute of Cryogenics, and will be remembered in countless ways by cryogenic engineers around the world.
His contribution to the revolution in cryogenics will never be forgotten.

Ralph Scurlock
Emeritus Professor of Cryogenic Engineering,
University of Southampton

CSE General Meeting 2020

Announcements | November 26th, 2020

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic this year's European Cryogenics Day and the General Meeting (GM) of the CSE could unfortunately not take place as originally planned.
The GM 2020 will now be organized as online event on zoom and is scheduled for December 3rd, 2020 starting at 8:45 am CET.

This event opens with a virtual get-together allowing us to setup the meeting and arrange for the voting process in the General Meeting. The GM will start at 9:00 or shortly after, as soon as all participants have been registered. After the General Meeting of the CSE, we will have a program with three presentations.  
Please use the following link for registration: https://forms.gle/eqPqhE9jgPPbRZrW8
Also presenters that have submitted abstracts are requested to register for the meeting via the link.

The tentative schedule is as follows:
08:45 opening Zoom session, virtual get-together and registration (agenda)
09:00 General Meeting of the Cryogenics Society of Europe  
10:20 (Virtual) Coffee break
10:30 Pascale Dauguet, Air Liquide: “Review of Air Liquide last 2K Cryoplant projects and last turbomachine developments” (abstract)
10:45 Sun Nora-bo, Pride Cryogenics: “Introduction to Pride Cryogenics: company and main products” (abstract)
11:55 Bellisimo Yu, Vacree Technologies: “Introduction to Vacree Technologies” (abstract)
11:05 Final remarks
11:30 Closing  
 
Please note that only CSE members have right of voting at the GM but attendance is open to non-members as well. Feel free to forward this communication to any interested party.
 
We look forward to welcoming you at the GM2020!
 
The CSE Board

Agenda of the CSE General Meeting

1.     Welcome
2.     Agenda of this GM
3.     Minutes 5th GM in Lund (7 October 2019)
4.     Annual report
5.     Finances:

• Accounts for 2019 plus audit report;
• Accounts 2020;
• Budget 2020

6.     CSE support program
7.     Update on Cryocooler Survey
8.     Audit committee
9.     CSE events in 2021
10.   Next CSE-GM
11.   AOB

Abstracts of the presentations

Review of Air Liquide last 2K Cryoplant projects and last turbomachine developments
Authors: J.-M. Bernhardt, C. Gondrand, Y. Fabre, P. Dauguet
Abstract:
Refrigeration power at 1.8K or 2K is needed for most of the large particle accelerators, in order
to get optimised operating conditions of superconducting RF cavities. Air Liquide has
developed (since the 80's) Cryogenic Centrifugal Compressors in order to decrease the
pressure on helium baths down to liquid/gas equilibrium pressure in the range 10-30 mbar abs.
for 1.8K-2K helium bath temperatures. These compressors have demonstrated their reliability
and efficiency, with references successfully operated for more than 10 to 30 years at CEA Tore
Supra (now WEST), JLAB CEBAF and CERN LHC. The projects needing 1.8K - 2 K
refrigeration have multiplied in the last 10 years thanks to huge investments of US, Chinese
and Korean governments in the field of accelerators, giving us opportunities to design,
manufacture, install and start-up new 2K Cryoplants and apply our last turbomachine
developments to these projects. The presentation will be a short review of some of the last Air
Liquide 2K Cryoplant projects and turbomachine developments.
 

Introduction to Pride Cryogenics
Author: Sun Nora-bo
Abstract:
This presentation introduces the company Pride Cryogenics, Nanjing, China. The company
and its products will be discussed.
CSIC Pride (Nanjing) Cryogenic Technology Co., Ltd. (Pride Cryogenics) is a technology
oriented company concentrated on the development and manufacturing of cryocoolers and
cryogenic engineering application devices. Pride Cryogenics’ products include 4 K GM
cryocoolers, 10 K GM cryocoolers, 77 K GM cryocoolers, cryostats, helium reliquefier, gas
recovery, purification and liquefaction systems and other customized cryogenic systems.
Advantages:
1. Constantly focus on technology innovation.
2. Reliable capability and senior product performance.
3. Widely used in various application (superconducting magnet/ cryogenic physics/ magnet
resonance).
Benefits:
1. Professional design and convenient implementation.
2. Worldwide representatives will assure on time shipping and fast reply.
3. Meet variety demands and requirements.

Introduction to Vacree Technologies
Author: Bellisimo Yu
Abstract:
This presentation introduces the company Vacree technologies, Hefei, China, its expertise,
products, applications and recent developments.
Expertise: design, engineering, manufacture, test, delivery and installation.
Vacree technologies produces cryostats, cryogenic helium purifiers, valve boxes, and multichannel
cryogenic transfer lines. All these products can be customized to meet various
requirements. The applicable standards can include ASME, EN, DIN, ISO. etc.
Typical applications can be found in research infrastructures or laboratories working on
superconducting particle accelerators and superconducting magnets, high-temperature
superconducting cables, space applications, defense, industrial gases, semiconductors and
optical fibers, etc.
Recent Developments:
1. Large Cryostat (4025x1450x2300mm) for SC spoke cavity for CiADS
2. 2 K （vertical test cryostat (Φ850x5200） for Peking University
3. 2K valve box for BEPCII
4. Multi-channel cryogenic transmission pipeline for SHINE
5. Vacuum insulated pipeline for FRIB
6. More than 50 sets Cryogenic Helium Purifier (99.999%) for big science projects and
industrial gas company.

Intelliconnect Press Release

Announcements | October 28th, 2020

Air Liquide acquires Cryoconcept

Announcements | October 8th, 2020

Air Liquide has acquired 80% of the capital of the French company Cryoconcept, which specialises in dilution refrigeration - a technology allowing to reach very low temperatures. This transaction enables Air Liquide to strengthen its expertise in the field of extreme, or close to absolute zero, cryogenics, to propose a broader offer and accelerate the development of Cryoconcept’s activities.

Read more on the official website of our Gold Corporate Member.

Intelliconnect Press Release

Announcements | August 2nd, 2020

ECC2020 - canceled

Announcements | May 18th, 2020

We are sorry to announce that the European Course of Cryogenics will not take place this year, due to the current Covid-19 pandemic. We look forward to next year.

28ICEC-ICMC2020 canceled

Announcements | March 29th, 2020

The 28thICEC-ICMC2020 has been canceled and postponed to 2022. Hereafter you may read the official communication of the Organizing Commettee.

Dear colleagues,

we hope this message finds you well.
In recent weeks, the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) worldwide has raised great health concerns and heavily impacted our societies. We would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family all safe and healthy. The organizing committees of the ICEC28-ICMC 2020 has been closely monitoring the developments of the COVID-19 in the past months. We have thoroughly investigated and discussed various factors impacting the conference with the ICEC & ICMC committee members, health officials, academics and industries. After careful consideration and comprehensive evaluation of currently available information, including the escalating health concerns, possible restrictions on international traveling, ongoing
uncertainties of the virus development, etc., we have made the difficult decision to cancel the ICEC28-ICMC 2020, originally scheduled on 31st August – 4th September
in Hangzhou, China (www.icec28-icmc2020.org).

We understand this might be disappointing for those who love the ICEC-ICMC for years and our young-generation colleagues as well. However, we must put your health, safety and security on our highest priorities. All the financial supports received from the international and domestic sponsors will be 100% returned as soon as possible. Fortunately, we would like to further update you that, as kindly approved by the ICEC-ICMC committees, the next conference ICEC28-ICMC 2022 will be still held in Hangzhou, China in 2022 in order to maintain the long-lasting tradition of alternating between Asia and Europe. The ICEC-ICMC conference to be organized by CERN, originally planned in 2022, is shifted to 2024. We sincerely hope that you will continue to support our cryogenic society by attending the ICEC28-ICMC 2022.

We will be very grateful if you could kindly share the above news to your colleagues. We extend our profound thanks to our colleagues around the world for your understanding, suggestions and support. We will do our best to welcome you and serve you a successful ICEC28-ICMC 2022 in Hangzhou, China. Facing to the unprecedented challenge together, we believe the normal world will and must come back soon.

Please stay safe and stay healthy.

Sincerely yours,
ICEC28-ICMC 2020
Organizing Committee
27th March 2020

ECD2020 postponed

Announcements | March 20th, 2020

In view of the worldwide developments of the Corona-crisis we decided to postpone the European Cryogenics Days. At this moment,  the situation in Europa is rapidly deteriorating and it is unclear what the coming weeks will bring. Anticipating on earlier developments in China, we hope that by the end of May the worst is over, but most probably the situation of daily life will not yet have returned to “normal”. It is not decided yet whether the ECD will be postponed to later this year, or whether it is completely canceled and the next ECD will be the one in 2021.

On behalf of the local organizing committee and the Board of the CSE,
Marcel ter Brake and Srinivas Vanapalli

8th European Space Cryogenics Workshop Postponed

Announcements | March 11th, 2020

ESA announces that the 8th Space Cryogenics Workshop is postponed to the beginning of 2021, due to the international situation with the Covid-19 Virus.

European Cryogenics Course 2020

Announcements | February 29th, 2020

The application for the European Cryogenics Course (ECC) 2020 is now open.

The Course is organized by the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of the Technical University of Dresden (TUD) / Germany, the Faculty of Mechanical and Power Engineering of the Wroclaw University of Science and Technology (WUST) / Poland and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) of Trondheim / Norway.
Lecturers are members of the organizing universities and a number of invited external experts. In addition to the lessons, the program of the ECC includes technical excursions, tutorials and demonstrations. The weekends are foreseen mainly for social activities and travel.
The course will finish with two written examinations concerning the two main subjects (cryogenics, fundamentals and processes).

The ECC will extend over 3 weeks during Summer 2020 and is open to all graduate and doctoral students. Due to the limited capacity interested students should apply for participating before the end of April.

Locations and dates will be:
Aug. 10th  - 14th, 2020   Dresden - Basics, liquid hydrogen technology
Aug. 17th  - 21st, 2020   Wroclaw - Helium cryogenics, cryostat technology
Aug. 24th  - 28th, 2020   Trondheim - Liquified natural gas, coolers.
In case that not the full period of three weeks can be made available by a prospective participant, individual solutions can be arranged.

Detailed information about the application process and the program of the course may be found on the flyer or at the dedicated webpage.

You may use moreover the enclosed flyer to inform potentially interested persons.
Since 2008 the ECC collects  participants from all over Europe.

For interested young professionals often a sponsorship arrangement could be agreed with the respective employer to allow an additional participation.  

Applications should be sent until end of April. Later applications can be regarded only in case of remaining places or by waiting list. The course usually is overbooked, therefore early applications are suggested. For the same reason, fitting pre-requisitions and a specific cryogenic interest should be demonstrated.

ECD2020 - 2nd Announcement

Announcements | February 27th, 2020

The registration for the ECD2020 is now open! Read the 2nd announcement for information about the event program and the confirmed talks.

Cryogenics solutions for quantum applications

Announcements | January 19th, 2020

Webinar free of charge on January 23 2020 at 3 p.m. Have a look here for more information.

21 ICC - Call for Papers

Announcements | January 10th, 2020

The 21st International Cryocooler Conference invites proposals for presentations at ICC21, to be held in Orlando Florida on June 15-18, 2020.  The deadline for abstract submission is the 4th of January 2020.

The organizing commetee looks forward to you joining with leaders from industry, government, and academia as a participant in this premier global conference on cryocooler technology. Presentation topics include cutting edge technical issues and solutions related to cryocooler design, modeling, development, testing, and use in world-wide cryocooler applications.The meeting will feature 3 days of oral and poster presentations, plus a Foundations of Cryocoolers short course.

The Orlando Hilton Lake Buena Vista meeting location is in the center of Orlando's Disney attractions and offers extensive vacation options for presenters and their families.  These include Disney's Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Epcot Center.

Visit the ICC website for detailed instructions on Abstract submittal and on the conference's beautiful Orlando venue. Future web updates will cover the meeting specifics and final program as they are established later in spring 2020.

ASC 2020 - Deadline in 5 days!

Announcements | December 12th, 2019

Only a few days left if you wish to present your work at the Applied Superconductivity Conference. The deadline for abstract submission is December the 17th.

ECD 2020 - First Announcement

Announcements | December 9th, 2019

We are please to invite you to the European Cryogenics Days 2020, that will be held in May 24th-26th in the Netherlands. Have a look at the flyer or at our page for more information about this event!

28 ICEC-ICMC 2020

Announcements | December 8th, 2019

The registration for the 28th International Cryogenics Engineering Conference and International Cryogenic Materials Conference 2020 is now open!  

WEKA AG ranks in the highest category for its Corporate Social Responsibility

Announcements | September 29th, 2019

WEKA AG has become even more sustainable since last year: the Swiss company has received the highest award for its commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). CSR is the responsibility of companies for their effects on society and includes social, ecological and economic aspects. In 2018, the industrial company was evaluated for the first time and achieved the second-best rating. Read more.

Fourth InK2 Newsletter available

Announcements | August 25th, 2019

The Ink2 project answered the call of the International Commitee for Weights and Measures to redefine the Kelvin in terms of the Boltzmann constant. The project led the international thermometry community in a joint effort for achieving that goal.

The implementation phase of the redefinition of the SI has taken place on the World Metrology Day, May 20th, 2019. Here you may find the fourth and final Newsletter of the project, which also introduces the new EMPIR project, that aims at realising the redefined kelvin (Real K).    

Registration open for the Cryo EASITrain School 2

Announcements | June 28th, 2019

The Horizon 2020 EASITrain Project (https://easitrain.web.cern.ch/), a Marie Sklodowska-Curie (MSCA) training network, organizes its autumn school (EASISchool 2) from the 30th of September to the 4th of October 2019 at CEA in Paris-Saclay and Grenoble, France. 

The school will offer a unique opportunity for training on cryogenic applications. It offers advanced cryogenics lectures, exposure to the industry, cryogenics application lectures and visit to laboratories such as Neurospin, CEA labs at Paris-Saclay and Grenoble, ESRF, EMFL-LNCMI and Air Liquide. Participants will received specialized training sessions on medical applications, accelerator applications, superconducting magnets at Paris-Saclay and space applications, instrumentation, large-scale refrigeration at Grenoble.

Specifically the programme is:

Two days (30 September - 1 October) take place in Paris-Saclay in the Neurospin laboratory. 

One day (2 October) is devoted for transport to Grenoble and visits to ESRF/EMFL-LNCMI.

The final two days (3 and 4 October) take place in Grenoble in the MINATEC center. 

The EASIschool is open to external participants (30 pers.) for the whole week training and to local participants (50 pers.) for one-day training either at Paris-Saclay or at Grenoble (see details in registration).

More details can be found here: https://indico.cern.ch/event/792215/

With the support of

Photos

ECD 2019 - 2nd Announcement

Announcements | June 5th, 2019

The Cryogenics Society of Europe (CSE), the High-Energy Physics network (HEPTech) in collaboration with the European Spallation Source (ESS) invite you to attend the 2019 European Cryogenics Days on October 7 and 8, 2019 in Lund Sweden. This event will consist of the CSE annual meeting followed by invited talks on all aspects of cryogenics, an industrial exhibition, a tour of the ESS site including cryogenic facilities and social events. Ample time will be provided for one on one meetings.
Examples of confirmed talks include:

“Cryogenics in the Ecoswing Project”
“Vertical Cryostat for ESS”
“Cryogenics in Experimental Cosmology”
“Overview on HTS Projects and Applications Worldwide”
“Analytics for Cold Hydrogen Isotopologues at the Tritium Laboratory Karlsruhe”
“The Cryogenic Needs of the FCC”

Talks are by invitation only, but attendees are encouraged to submit abstracts for a poster session. More details including registration, abstract submission, draft program and important dates may be found on the ECD 2019 website.

As usual, CSE corporate members may profit  of a discounted rate for the exhibition and the participation for individual CSE members is for free.

European Course of Cryogenics 2019

Announcements | April 9th, 2019

The application for the European Cryogenics Course (ECC) 2019 is now open. The Course is organized by the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of the Technical University of Dresden (TUD) / Germany, the Faculty of Mechanical and Power Engineering of the Wroclaw University of Science and Technology (WUST) / Poland and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) of Trondheim / Norway.

The ECC will extend over 3 weeks during Summer 2019 and is open to all graduate and doctoral students. Due to the limited capacity interested students should apply for participating before the end of April.

From the 19th to the 23rd of August the TU Dresden will host the first part of the Course focused on "Basics, liquid hydrogen technology". The second part of the Course will take place from the 26th to the 30th of August at the Wroclaw University in Poland and will deal with "Helium cryogenics and cryostat technology". Finally, between the 2nd and the 6th of September the NTNU of Trondheim, Norway will offer a Course on "Liquified natural gas and coolers".

Lecturers are members of the organizing universities and a number of invited
external experts. In addition to the lessons, the program of the ECC includes technical excursions, tutorials and demonstrations. The course will finish with two written examinations concerning the two main subjects (cryogenics, fundamentals and processes).

Detailed information about the application process and the program of the
Course may be found on the flyer or at the dedicated webpage.

The European Cryogenics Days 2019 - Registration open

Announcements | April 4th, 2019

The Cryogenics Society of Europe (CSE), the High-Energy Physics network (HEPTech) and the GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH (GSI) in collaboration with the European Spallation Source (ESS) invite you to attend the 2019 European Cryogenics Days on October 7 and 8, 2019 in Lund Sweden. This event will consist of the CSE annual meeting followed by invited talks on all aspects of cryogenics, an industrial exhibition, a tour of the ESS site including cryogenic facilities and social events. More details including registration, abstract submission, draft program and important dates may be found on the ECD 2019 website.

As usual, CSE corporate members may profit  of a discounted rate for the exhibition and the participation for individual CSE members is for free.

4th General Meeting of the CSE

Announcements | October 12th, 2018

The yearly General Meeting took place on September 3rd in Oxford, before the opening reception of the 27ICEC-ICMC2018 conference. At the GM the secretary reported on the activities of 2018 and the treasurer communicated that the finances of the association are in good health.
Agnieszka Piotrowska and John Weisend presented respectively the candidacy of the Wrocław University of Science and Technology and of the European Spallation Source to host the European Cryogenic Days in 2019. The decision on the location will soon be made by the CSE board.
Ronald Dekker resigned his position as Board member and the assembly elected Tonny Benschop, who will be the new CSE treasurer. We wish to thank Ronald for his work during the past four years and for his commitment as new member of the CSE advisory council. We warmly welcome Tonny in the CSE Board!

WEKA Press Release

Announcements | August 27th, 2018

WEKA AG is proud to announce that it has been awarded the "Silver" rating for corporate social responsabilities by the independent audit company Eco Vadis. Read more.

Demaco - Press Release

Announcements | July 2nd, 2018

Demaco is proud to announce Wilstier Industry as Demaco’s Authorized Dealer. Wilstier Industry is serving customers with engineering, installation, and maintenance across the whole country of China. Read more.

3rd General Meeting of the CSE

Announcements | December 1st, 2017

The third General Meeting took place on September the 13th in Karlsruhe, Germany, within the European Cryogenics Day, organized in conjunction with the 2nd International Workshop on Cooling of High-Temperature Supeconductor Applications (EDC-IWCHTS 2017).

At the GM the Board reported about the activities and the financies of 2017. More details can be read in the minutes of the meeting.

You can find pictures of the event here and a copy of the presentations of both the ECD and the workshop here.

Gustav and Ingrid Klipping Award

Announcements | July 24th, 2017

The International Cryogenic Engineering Committee awards a young researcher for outstanding work in cryogenic engineering. The award is named after Gustav and Ingrid Klipping to commemorate their enormous contributions to the field of cryogenics and more specifically to recognize their active role in involving young researchers. The award will be given on the occasion of the International Cryogenic Engineering Conference, which is held every two years. The next Conference will be in Oxford, UK, September 3-7, 2018. The candidate shall be 35 years old or younger on the starting date of the conference.

Prize

The awardee will receive a certificate and a check of 1000 CHF, plus a waiver of the registration fee of the ICEC conference at which the prize is to be awarded. The prize will only be awarded if the winner attends the conference and at the conference presents a paper on his or her recent research.

Nomination

The candidate must be nominated by a person who is active in the field of cryogenic engineering. The nomination should be supported by the person who has supervised the research work for which recognition is sought. Note that the latter person may be different from the nominator and, furthermore, that the host institution where the cited work was conducted can be different from the awardee’s past or present employers.

Nominations shall be sent via email to the chairman of the ICEC, h.j.m.terbrake@utwente.nl by October, 16th, 2017 at the latest.
The (electronic) nomination package should include:

• the completed nomination form,
• the nominee’s detailed curriculum vitae (résumé) (see details in the nomination form),
• ID photo of a good quality and preferably in colour,
• a presentation of the candidate by the nominator, with an assessment of the candidate’s career in science and/or practice with a detailed explanation of the candidate’s achievements motivating the award,
• in case the nominator did not supervise the work that recognition is sought for, the presentation should be supported by the supervisor of that work,
• a copy of an official document attesting the nominee’s date of birth,
• copies of the publications on the research work to be honored.

Selection

The nominations will be voted on by the board members of the International Cryogenic Engineering Committee. The winner will be notified by December, 21st, 2017 at the latest so that he or she can arrange to attend the 2018 conference.

Nomination form: .pdf .docx

Peter Gifford (1949-2017)

Announcements | February 14th, 2017

Peter Gifford, 68, of Syracuse, New York, passed away at home surrounded by family and friends on January 29, 2017, after a courageous battle with esophageal cancer.  He was the president of Cryomech, which is a world-leading manufacturer of Gifford-McMahon and pulse tube cryocoolers.  The company was founded in Syracuse in 1963 by his late father, William Gifford, the inventor of the Gifford-McMahon cryocooler and the first version of a pulse tube cryocooler.

Peter, who was born in Washington, DC, and moved to many places with his parents, finally settled with his parents in Syracuse in 1961 when Peter was 12 years old.  He was a tennis champion in high school and played on the city championship high school football team.  He studied physics and math at Syracuse University before graduating with a Liberal Arts degree.  In 1973 he began working with his father at Cryomech, which at that time had only two full-time employees.  Peter took over full leadership of the company and its handful of employees in 1980 after his father became ill with cancer and later passed away.  Peter and his employees, whom he treated as part of his family, were able to grow the company into one of the world’s best known cryocooler companies, which now employees about 130 people.  The company designs and manufactures cryogenic refrigerators for use in cutting edge research and production from agriculture to aerospace.

Peter’ success in growing the company partly stems from his keen insight into the need for a niche market catering to the needs of researchers in a wide variety of cryogenic cooling applications.  Whereas his competitors focused mostly on large mass production markets, Peter found an important need for the development of cryocoolers for many new applications.  Cryomech has been especially successful after the development of the first commercial 4 K pulse tube cryocooler, which has become an important tool for researchers who previously used liquid helium in experiments, but are now switching to cryocoolers as the helium price has greatly increased and its availability has become erratic.  Peter made Cryomech successful by doing things no other company could do.  His physics background helped him understand the scientific challenges his customers faced.  He enjoyed challenges and developing new things.

The company also became successful because of his contagious, outgoing personality.  He always had a smile and a knack for making you feel appreciated.  His laughing, joking and storytelling would put you at ease immediately.  One of the highlights of my trips to conferences was a chance to talk to Peter, usually at the Cryomech booth in the exhibit hall.  His enthusiasm made me feel good and I could enjoy a few laughs with him.  He was very kind to his employees and treated them as part of his family, often hosting informal get-togethers for the whole company.

After being diagnosed with cancer, he began to plan for the long-term future of the company.  Instead of selling out to some larger company or venture capital firm, whom he feared might strip the company and move it away from Syracuse, he decided to offer it to his employees through an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP).  He wanted it to remain in Syracuse because of his employees and because of the supportive nature of the business community in upstate New York.  The company went ESOP in 2014.  In an interview with the Syracuse newspaper in 2015, he explained that his approach to dealing with employees and customers followed the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

When not at Cryomech or interacting with attendees at conference exhibits, he most often could be found alongside some stream somewhere in the world enjoying his favorite pastime of fly fishing.  He built a house in the Catskills on the bank of the West Branch of the Delaware River in Hancock, NY, where he could fish, relax, and enjoy the environment in the presence of his family and many friends.  He is survived by his wife and partner of 37 years, Lorraine Koury; sisters Jenni Shone (Robert) of Strafford, NH; Hilary Gifford (Ben Guthrie) of Trumansburg, NY; and brother Robert Mac Gifford of Syracuse, NY.

Peter, rest in peace and catch lots of fish.

Ray Radebaugh

In the early 80s, as a PhD student, I learned about “Gifford” as the guy who had invented the GM-cooler together with MacMahon. I used these GM coolers in my PhD research and I recall that later in my career I had the opportunity to meet Gifford’s son Peter at one of my first EUCAS conferences at a booth of Cryomech. What an impressive personality and what a pleasure to sit and talk with him, totally different from what at that time I had in mind as typical company leaders. Following that first meeting, I took the opportunity at all cryogenic conferences to go and look for Peter, for a quick chat or a longer discussion on what we would need for our specific applications. I do recall the visit to Cryomech at the 2014 International Cryocooler Conference and the last words I then had with Peter. I did not know at that time that he was already seriously ill.
The cryo-world lost a great personality, a great innovator and stimulator.

We express our deepest sympathy to family and friends and to the Cryomech team for the loss of Peter.
On behalf of the International Cryogenic Engineering Committee and the Cryogenic Society of Europe,

Marcel ter Brake