Cryocooler interface sleeve for a superconducting magnet and method of use

A method for cooling a superconducting device comprising the steps of:

• providing a cooling means formed with a probe;
• connecting a receptacle in thermal communication with said superconducting device via a conductor;
• selectively juxtaposing said probe of said cooling means with said receptacle to establish thermal communication therebetween to draw heat from said superconducting device, through said conductor and said receptacle, and into said cooling means to cool said superconducting device;
• and
• maintaining a thermal insulation between said receptacle and said cooling means whenever said cooling means is distanced from said probe.

A method for cooling a superconducting device which comprises the steps of:

• providing a pulse tube, two stage cryocooler having a cooling element and a tapered cooling probe;
• connecting said superconducting device with a sleeve for heat transfer therebetween, said sleeve having a receptacle, a cylinder and a wall interconnecting said receptacle and said cylinder;
• joining said sleeve with said cryocooler to create an enclosed chamber therebetween;
• pumping helium selectively into and from said chamber to maintain an operational pressure in said chamber and establish molecular conduction and to maintain pressure balance between said sleeve and said cryocooler;
• and
• selectively moving said cryocooler relative to said sleeve between a first configuration wherein said sleeve is engaged with said cryocooler, where said tapered cooling probe is urged against said receptacle to establish thermal communication therebetween and said cooling element is positioned in said cylinder to establish thermal communication therebetween, and a second configuration wherein said cryocooler is disengaged from said sleeve.