Current status of the ISIS robotic cryogenic sample changer

Issue title: International Workshop for Sample Environment at Scattering Facilities Gettysburg, PA, USA, September 19–22, 2016

Guest editors: Yamali Hernandez, Paolo Imperia and Eddy Lelièvre-Berna

Article type: Research Article

Authors: North, Matt^{; *} | Kirichek, Oleg | Burgess, Graham | Nutter, Jamie | Down, Richard | Evans, Beth

Affiliations: STFC, ISIS, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, UK. E-mail: [email protected]

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author. Tel.: +44 1235 778180; E-mail: [email protected].

Abstract: This paper provides an overview of the current development of the ISIS robotic cryogenic sample changer. The system combines a collaborative industrial 6-axis robot with novel adaptions to the traditional vanadium sample can and the closed cycle refrigerator (CCR), producing a simple robust solution for automating sample changes at cryogenic temperatures. Results have shown that the proof of principle has been successful. Future work is focussed on further integration of the robot system with the cryogenic equipment and refining system operation.

Keywords: Sample environment, neutrons, diffraction, sample can, instrumentation, automation, control, robotics, collaborative robot, thermometry, cryogenics, closed cycle refrigerator

DOI: 10.3233/JNR-170049

Journal: Journal of Neutron Research, vol. 19, no. 1-2, pp. 33-43, 2017