Cryogenics (FSI-TK0)

Academic year 2026/2027
Supervisor: Ing. Pavel Urban, Ph.D.  
Supervising institute: ÚFI all courses guaranted by this institute
Teaching language: Czech
Aims of the course unit:

The aim of the course is to introduce students to the fundamentals of low-temperature physics and technology, and to their applications in the design of cryogenic equipment for physical experiments, scientific research, medicine, energy, and industry.
Students will gain knowledge of physical phenomena and material properties at low temperatures (phase transitions, changes in thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties, superconductivity, superfluidity, etc.). They will also acquire basic skills for laboratory work at low temperatures in the range of 1.5 K to 300 K and an understanding of the principles of cryogenic system design.
Learning outcomes and competences:
 
Prerequisites:
 
Course contents:
 
Teaching methods and criteria:
 
Assesment methods and criteria linked to learning outcomes:

When awarding the course credit, attendance at lectures and laboratory exercises is taken into account. To obtain the credit, students must attend at least 50% of the scheduled lectures and exercises. It is recommended to complete all teaching blocks due to their interconnection. In case of absence from theoretical classes, the student is required to make up the missed material through self-study.
Controlled participation in lessons:
 
Type of course unit:
    Lecture  8 × 2 hrs. optionally                  
    Laboratory exercise  5 × 2 hrs. compulsory                  
Course curriculum:
    Lecture

  1. Properties of cryogenic liquids, principles of cooling, handling of cryogenic liquids, safety considerations.

  2. Methods for Achieving Low Temperatures. Liquefaction and storage of cryogenic gases.

  3. Physical Properties of Materials at Low Temperatures: specific heat, thermal conductivity, thermal expansion, strength, brittleness, electrical conductivity, superconductivity, etc.

  4. Measurement Techniques in Low-Temperature Physics: temperature, pressure, flow rate, and magnetic induction measurements.

  5. Heat Transfer at Low Temperatures: conduction, convection, radiation, and thermal insulation in cryogenics.

  6. Low-Temperature Vacuum Technology: cryopumping, vacuum leak detection, and vacuum measurement.

  7. Design of Cryogenic Equipment: material selection, strength calculations, and joining technologies.

  8. Applications of Low Temperatures: medicine (e.g., magnetic resonance imaging, liquid oxygen), research (spectroscopy, space research), superconductivity applications, industry (material processing, food freezing), etc.
    Laboratory exercise

1. Equipment of low temperatury laboratory, safety - excursion in laboratory
2. Work with cryoliquids (nitrogen, helium), mater properties at low temperatures
3. Detection of vacuum leaks, using of mass spectrometer
4. He liquefaction
5. Cryopumping
Literature - fundamental:
1. Jelínek, J., Málek, Z.: Kryogenní technika, VII.škola fyziky a techniky nízkých teplot, Luhačovice 1982, SNTL Praha 1982
2. Rotter Miloš: Fyzikální základy a technika nízkoteplotního experimentu, SNP Praha 1982
3. Barron, R.F.: Cryogenic heat transfer, Taylor & Francis 1999, ISBN 1-56032-551-8
Literature - recommended:
1. Weisend, J.G. II, ed.by: Handbook of cryogenic engineering, Taylor & Francis 1998, ISBN 1-56032-332-9
2. Dúbravcová Viera: Vákuová a ultravákuová technika, Alfa , Bratislava 1992
3. Thermophysical Properties of Pure Fluids, počítačová databáze, NIST USA, 2000
4. Groszkowski Janusz: Technika vysokého vakua, SNTL Praha 1981
5. Šafrata, R.S., a kol. : Fyzika nízkých teplot, Matfyzpress, Universita Karlova 1998, ISBN 80-85863-19-7
The study programmes with the given course:
Programme Study form Branch Spec. Final classification   Course-unit credits     Obligation     Level     Year     Semester  
B-FIN-P full-time study --- no specialisation -- Cr 3 Elective 1 2 S
B-FIN-P full-time study --- no specialisation -- Cr 3 Elective 1 3 S