Cryostats

The most sensitive millimetre and sub-millimetre wave heterodyne receiver systems are operated at low (cryogenic) temperatures. In the case of superconducting tunnel junction (SIS) receiver, an ambient temperature of ~4 K is mandatory. With semi-conductor (Schottky) based receiver systems, operation to ~15 K enhances detection sensitivity. In either case, the Millimetre technology Group offers a design and construction capability in cryogenic technology that can provide either a standalone cryostat or fully integrated receiver system suited to cryogenic operation.