A low-temperature glass cryostat for X-ray diffraction work

Abstract

A simple cryostat made of glass for X-ray diffraction at low temperatures is described. The windows for the X-rays are made from Mylar films fixed to slots cut in the base of a glass helium reservoir. This glass cryostat weighs only 6 kg and specimens can be easily handled in the cryostat. A specimen chamber has also been designed so that in-situ pulse annealing can be easily carried out. Some examples of measurements with this cryostat are described.