Fast changing heating-cooling device and method

A method for creating a surface having a fast changing temperature, the fast changing temperature changing from above room temperature to below -50.degree. C., and vice versa, the fast changing temperature changing from above to below 0.degree. C. and vice versa being effected at a sub-minute speed, the method comprising:

• providing a heat exchanger coupled to an orifice opening into a jacket which is in contact with the surface to be heated and/or cooled;
• forming, by the jacket, a reservoir capable of housing a fluid in contact with the surface to be heated and/or cooled;
• providing a first and a second gas sources, each gas source being independently connected to the heat exchanger, including the steps of:
• providing a first gas by the first gas source, the first gas liquefying when the first gas expands through the orifice;
• providing a second gas by the second gas source, the second gas having an inversion temperature lower than a temperature obtained by liquefaction of the first gas;
• causing an exhaust gas flowing out from the jacket, to flow through the heat-exchanger to preheat or precool an inflowing gas;
• and
• further causing the first gas and the second gas alternately to flow through the heat exchanger and the orifice, to cool or to heat the surface;
• and
• providing means for allowing and stopping the flow of each of the first gas and the second gas through the orifice.