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PdMn and PdFe: New materials for temperature measurement near 2 K

Journal Article · · Journal of Low Temperature Physics
; ;  [1]; ;  [2];  [3]
  1. Univ. of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM (United States). Dept. of Physics and Astronomy
  2. Jet Propulsion Lab., Pasadena, CA (United States)
  3. Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (United States)

Interest in the critical dynamics of superfluid [sup 4]He in microgravity conditions has motivated the development of new high resolution thermometry technology for use in space experiments near 2K. The authors have developed a magnetic thermometer using dilute magnetic alloys of Mn or Fe dissolved in a pure Pd matrix, similar to previous thermometers used at ultra-low temperatures. These metallic thermometers are easy to fabricate, chemically inert, and can have a low thermal resistance to the stage to be measured. Also, the Curie temperature can be varied by changing the concentration of Fe or Mn, making them available for use in a wide temperature range. The derivative of the magnetic susceptibility was measured for PdMn and PdFe between 1.5 K and 4 K using a SQUID magnetometer. These measurements, as well as preliminary noise and drift measurements, show them to have sub-nK resolution with a drift of less than 10[sup [minus]13] K/s.

OSTI ID:
6301254
Journal Information:
Journal of Low Temperature Physics, Journal Name: Journal of Low Temperature Physics Vol. 116:1-2; ISSN JLTPAC; ISSN 0022-2291
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English