A compact rotating dilution refrigerator

TL;DR

This paper introduces a compact, mechanically decoupled rotating dilution refrigerator designed for superfluid helium experiments, emphasizing ease of operation, stability, and minimal space requirements.

Contribution

It presents a novel design of a rotating dilution refrigerator with simplified operation and high rotational stability for superfluid research.

Findings

Rotation stability is maintained to 0.001 rad/s up to 2.5 rad/s.

The system allows for rapid rotation changes without affecting high-Q resonators.

Design minimizes space and simplifies maintenance in laboratory settings.

Abstract

We describe the design and performance of a new rotating dilution refrigerator that will primarily be used for investigating the dynamics of quantized vortices in superfluid 4He. All equipment required to operate the refrigerator and perform experimental measurements is mounted on two synchronously driven, but mechanically decoupled, rotating carousels. The design allows for relative simplicity of operation and maintenance and occupies a minimal amount of space in the laboratory. Only two connections between the laboratory and rotating frames are required for the transmission of electrical power and helium gas recovery. Measurements on the stability of rotation show that rotation is smooth to around 0.001 rad/s up to angular velocities in excess of 2.5 rad/s. The behavior of a high-Q mechanical resonator during rapid changes in rotation has also been investigated.