The performance of a mechanical heat switch at low temperatures

Abstract

A mechanical heat switch used in calorimetry experiments down to 0.3 K is described and its performance analyzed in sufficient detail to be useful for design purposes. The thermal conductance of the indium-copper switch contacts was determined as a function of temperature and applied force over the range 0.3-2 K. These results are compared with other conductance measurements to evaluate choices of metals for heat switch contacts. © 1969 The American Institute of Physics.