title: A piezoelectric cryogenic heat switch.
abstract: We have measured the thermal conductance of a mechanical heat switch actuated by a piezoelectric positioner, the PZHS (PieZo electric Heat Switch), at cryogenic temperatures. The thermal conductance of the PZHS was measured between 4 K and 10 K, and on/off conductance ratios of about 100-200 at lowest and highest measures temperature were achieved when the positioner applied its maximum force of 8 N, respectively. We discuss the advantages of using this system in cryogenic applications, and estimate the ultimate performance of an ideal PZHS.
authors.affiliation: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Cryogenics and Fluids branch code 552, Greenbelt, Maryland 20771, USA.
authors.forename: Amir E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Jahromi
authors.affiliation: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Cryogenics and Fluids branch code 552, Greenbelt, Maryland 20771, USA.
authors.forename: Dan F
authors.initials: DF
authors.lastname: Sullivan