SYSTEM FOR LIQUEFYING OR FREEZING XENON

摘要

Apparatus for producing liquid or solid xenon comprises a duct (12) having an inlet (14) for receiving gaseous xenon and an outlet (16) for outputting gaseous xenon at a reduced temperature to a nozzle located in a vacuum chamber (60). A housing (18) extends about the duct and contains a halocarbon coolant in thermal contact with the duct, and a second duct (24) in thermal contact with the halocarbon coolant for conveying a flow of liquid nitrogen through the housing (18) to control the temperature of the halocarbon. In view of the difference in the pressure of the xenon gas output from the duct and the pressure in the chamber, the thus-cooled gas is caused to liquefy or solidify in the vicinity of the nozzle.