The RCUK Basic Technology Research Programme is holding a series of small “TopCat” (Technology Topic Catalysis) meetings around technology themes where a science need or underpinning technology has been identified. The purpose of these meetings is to stimulate community interaction with the objective of receiving proposals to the Basic Technology Programme in these areas.
The Cryogenics “TopCat” meeting was held on the 24 th of June 2005 at the MRC in London. It was attended by 25 participants and featured over four hours of interactive discussion.
Programme
10:00-10:15 |
Registration and Coffee |
10:15-10:45 |
Introduction |
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Nathan Hill , Mark Littlewood , Glyn White (RCUK Basic Technology Champions) |
10:45-12:45 |
Session 1 – Round Table Introductions |
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Five Minute Introductions Covering Science, and Technology Interests
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12:45-13:15 |
Break and Working Lunch |
13:15-15:15 |
Session 2– Round Table Discussions |
13:15-14:00 |
Exploration of Potential Research Themes and Common Areas of Interest – an interactive session |
14:00-15:15 |
Prioritisation of Themes and Discussion |
15:15-15:30 |
Conclusion and Closing Remarks |
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Coffee and Opportunity for Individual Conversations |
Science & Technology Challenges Identified
The following topics were identified by the meetings participants as common areas where a technology provision or solution would make an impact in their areas of science.
Science Challenges |
Technology Challenges |
Cryogen-free coolers |
Low vibration
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High reliability
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Gravity independent
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| Materials |
Other
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Device integration
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Thermal links |
Nanofabrication |
Vibration isolation |
Other
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Cryogenic devices |
Custom SQUIDS |
RF-passive circuits
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| Low noise electronics |
| Reducing environmental noise |
| Low thermal-conductivity wires |
| Superconducting magnets |
Gases
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Novel cooling techniques
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Very small units |
Industrial size units |
Alternatives to He
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"Cryogenics" at room temperature |
SQUID system for room temperature MRI |
| Vacuum-free systems |
| Rapid cooling |
High thermal conductivity of materials |
Other |
Materials |
| Techniques |
| Temperature measurement |
Cross-discipline communication |
Further information on the outcomes of this meeting is available from:
The Basic Technology Champion Team, Tel: +44 (0)1223 422407, or Email: nathan.hill@qi3.co.uk
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