Cryocoolers

What is Cryogenics?



4K GM Cooler	Czochralski processor for single crystals of silicon wafers

	* Refer to this linkfor product details.
Cryopumps	* Refer to this linkfor product details.


Our 4K GM Cooler in use: The Subaru Telescope at the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ) in Hawaii

In general, cryogenic refers to a temperature range that is lower than the temperature of liquid nitrogen (77 K*). It is possible to create useful phenomena, such as the generation of strong magnetic fields using superconductivity with zero resistance for electricity by lowering the temperature of an object to a cryogenic level.

We are developing and selling compact and lightweight coolers that easily achieve cryogenic conditions. Depending on the cooling method used, coolers are referred to as GM coolers, Sterling coolers, or pulse tube coolers. Our product line includes Sterling coolers of the 80K range, 10K GM coolers used in cryopumps, and 4K GM coolers used widely with medical equipment, such as MRI* systems. Furthermore, we are also developing pulse tube coolers in the 10K and 4K ranges, which are anticipated to become the coolers of the next generation.

Applications

Realizing superconductive conditions: Cooling superconductive magnets for MRI systems.

Cryogenic coolers: Used for cooling various X- ray and infrared sensor devices used by radio astronomical observatories and semiconductor nspection equipment.

Application of these coolers has been expanding recently through superconductivity, such as proteinomics instruments and superconductive generators, condensers, and filters for communications.

Applicable Markets

MRI systems and cryopumps represent markets targeted by these coolers.

MRI Systems

The market is growing at a rate of 7 to 10% each year globally with the superconductivity of the magnets used in this equipment improving. Along with Sumitomo (SHI) Cryogenics of America, our subsidiary in the United States, we have been producing coolers for superconductive magnets used in MRI systems, for which we hold the highest market share globally.

Cryopumps

These types of vacuum pumps are used in semiconductor manufacturing equipment. We have made numerous deliveries for this application as well.

Other Applications

The application of cryocoolers for products using superconductivity has been increasing in recent years. MCZ* is an example of these devices, which is used to improve the quality of wafers through the Czochralski process to obtain single crystals of silicon in a strong magnetic field. We have commercialized cryocoolers for superconductive magnets that generate strong magnetic fields and superconductive magnets for MCZ. More recently, application has been expanding to include their use for equipment such as proteinomics instruments and superconductive power generators, condensers and filters for communications.

Enhancement of Business Operations through M&A

In January 2002 we acquired APD Cryogenics, a highly evaluated US company involved in the cryopump application fields and the development of pulse tube coolers.

We are currently developing pulse tube coolers in cooperation with our members in Japan and the United States. These tubes do not have any mechanically movable parts and they are drawing attention as the next generation cooler with lower amounts of vibration and noise. When adopted for use in MRI systems, clearer images can be obtained, the analysis performance of MRI systems can be improved, and they could potentially become the mainstream cryocoolers of the next generation.

We plan to sustain our top market shares and advanced technological capabilities, provide support to our customers through our global networks, and expand into fields of other applications where we can anticipate growth.

*K: Kelvin (absolute temperature = -273 degrees Celsius).
*MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging system.
*MCZ: Magnetic field applied Czochralski (equipment for conducting the Czochralski process to obtain single crystals of silicon in a strong magnetic field).

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