Cryogenic temperatures enable transformative technologies across medicine, space exploration, defense, transportation, energy, and scientific research. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to cryocoolers, covering systems that operate from ~150 K down to the millikelvin range. Originally developed and taught by Ray Radebaugh, this course continues in his honor, preserving his emphasis on both fundamental understanding and practical engineering application. Course OutlineSession 1: Joule-Thomson & Microcryocoolers Session 2: Brayton, Claude & Heat Exchangers Session 3: Pulse Tube & Regenerative Systems Session 4: Sub-Kelvin Systems & Emerging Research Registration Rates
Click Here to Register!Instructor InformationWei Dai, Chinese Academy of Sciences / Lihan Cryogenics In 2001, he moved to Japan to pursue postdoctoral research in the Matsubara Laboratory at Nihon University, focusing on pulse tube cryocoolers and thermoacoustic systems. Since 2003, Dr. Dai has been a researcher at the Research Center of Cryogenics and Refrigeration within the Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences. His work centers on thermoacoustic systems, small scale Stirling-type pulse tube cryocoolers, sub-K dilution refrigerators and adiabatic demagnetization refrigerators. He also serves as the chief scientist in Lihan Cryogenics (Shen Zhen) where he and his colleagues have commercialized Stirling-type cryocoolers. Franklin Miller, University of Wisconsin-Madison At the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Professor Miller is actively involved in both research and teaching, helping to train the next generation of engineers in thermal sciences and low-temperature engineering. His research explores efficient cooling technologies for a wide range of applications, from scientific instrumentation to industrial and aerospace systems, with an emphasis on practical, scalable solutions. Professor Miller has contributed to advancing cryogenic engineering through his work on compact and high-efficiency refrigeration systems, as well as through his engagement with the broader cryogenics community. He is a frequent contributor to technical conferences and educational programs, where he shares his expertise in cryocooler design and performance. Through his academic leadership and technical contributions, Professor Miller continues to support innovation in cryogenic systems and their applications across emerging technologies. Mark Zagarola, Creare, LLC Dr. Zagarola has provided leadership on numerous cryocooler development programs, including turbo-Brayton and Joule–Thomson (JT) systems. His work has advanced critical technologies such as high-performance recuperators, gas-bearing turbomachinery, and sophisticated cryocooler drive electronics. His contributions have played a significant role in the maturation and deployment of reliable, high-efficiency cryogenic systems for demanding applications. He has been deeply engaged in the broader cryogenics community, serving as Chairman of the 20th International Cryocooler Conference (ICC), as well as on the boards of both the ICC and the Cryogenic Society of America. In addition, he has served as a technical editor for multiple volumes of Advances in Cryogenic Engineering. In recognition of his long-standing service and impact, he received the ICC Exceptional Service Award in 2024. He earned his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Rutgers University and his M.S. and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Princeton University. During his time at Princeton, he designed and led the development of a unique 28-ton pipe flow facility capable of generating highly accurate data at Reynolds numbers more than an order of magnitude higher than previous experiments. The data he collected, along with the theories he developed, provided important new insights into the scaling of wall-bounded shear flows. Sponsorship OpportunityCSA is excited to offer three levels of sponsorship opportunities for the Foundation of Cryocoolers Short Course. Why Sponsor?
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Dr. Wei Dai is a researcher specializing in cryogenics and thermoacoustic systems, with a strong academic and professional background in cryocoolers and related applications. He earned both a Bachelor’s degree in Refrigeration and Cryogenic Engineering and a second Bachelor’s degree in Automatic Control from Shanghai Jiaotong University in 1994. He continued his studies at the same institution, completing a Ph.D. in Refrigeration and Cryogenic Engineering in 2000.
Professor Franklin Miller is a faculty member in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he specializes in cryogenics, refrigeration, and energy systems. He completed his PhD work at the MIT Cryogenics Engineering Lab. His work focuses on the design, analysis, and optimization of cryogenic technologies, with particular expertise in Joule–Thomson (JT) cryocoolers, mixed-refrigerant systems, and microcryocoolers.
Dr. Mark Zagarola is a Principal Engineer and Partner at Creare LLC, where he has been a key contributor since joining the company in 1995. Over the course of his career at Creare, he has focused on the development of cryocoolers, heat exchangers, thermal management systems, and cryocooler control electronics primarily for space applications. He currently leads Creare’s cryocooler business area, guiding both technical innovation and program execution.Upcoming Events
Mon Jun 15, 20262026 International Cryocoolers Conference 24 Category: Industry Event (Non-CSA Sponsored) |
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