A Simple, Versatile Swenson Cryostat

Employing Swenson's method of temperature control [Rev. Sci. Instrum. 25, 608 (1954)], we have designed and built a simple cryostat capable of controlling temperature over a very wide range (it has been used successfully between 80 and 309 K, with the potential of being used at even lower temperatures when suitable coolant is employed). The features of this particular construction allow the low temperature chamber to be exposed to the atmosphere outside. Various advantages and disadvantages of this apparatus are presented.