Cryogenics and Measurement of Properties of Solids at Low Temperatures

Low temperature research has become fairly widespread in the country after the availability of closed cycle refrigerators. It is opportune to write a book for students and researchers in India on production of low temperatures and techniques for the measurement of physical properties of materials at such temperatures. This book is an effort in this direction.The first part of the book discusses methods for producing temperatures down to 1.8 K. There is a fairly extensive discussion on different types of closed cycle refrigerators. The behaviour of properties of materials relevant in Cryogenics is dealt with in some detail. Useful tips on construction of cryostats are given. Thermometry is discussed extensively.The second part of the book deals with digital measuring techniques. Details of experimental methods for measuring thermal and electrical properties point contact tunneling scanning probe microscopy and noise at low temperatures are discussed. This part of the book is born out of the rich personal experience in such measurements of one of the authors (AKR).There is an appendix on vacuum techniques.The book can be used for teaching an elective course in Low Temperature Physics at the M.Sc. level. It will be useful for researchers in Low Temperature Physics.