Researchers bring space to earth on earth

In the current heat wave this is probably the “coolest” news of the day: the Wiener Neustadt University of Applied Sciences has extended its infrastructure through a special cooling system that can generate temperature near the absolute zero point – and it is at least minus 273.15 degrees.

With helium gas for the cold
The device is called Cryostat, which is now being used for research under extreme conditions. The samples are located in a vacuum -insulated area and are therefore protected by external heat influences. The temperature is then gradually reduced with helium gas.

But what can the cryostat be used for? “It opens various options,” explains Christian Koller, research assistant at the University of Applied Sciences. For example, the behavior of electronics can be analyzed under extreme cold, for example for later use in the room. There the temperatures in the earth shadow can finally fall to less than 150 degrees.

Exciting role in quantum technology
The researchers describe the role of the Cryostat in quantum technology as particularly exciting. “Many quantum effects only appear at low temperatures,” says Koller. The new device can also be used to investigate radiation damage to electronic components, such as in the context of space emissions, but also in cancer therapy. “Thanks to extremely low temperatures, the smallest disturbance points can be investigated,” explains Wolfgang Treberpurg, head of the competence center. The Cryostat is also made available to project partners such as Medaustron or TU Vienna, but also students.