We have worked on cooling systems for the Large Hadron Collider and created the most successful closed-cycle cryocoolers ever flown in space, such as those used on the Planck Space Observatory.

We have also invented basic cryogenic technology components that are now used as standard worldwide, such as the multifilament superconducting cable known as ‘Rutherford Cable’.

Although our work is often hidden, we produce ground-breaking enabling technology that cannot be bought off the shelf, and without which major experiments and observations could not be made.​

In addition to technology developed for space applications, we also support a wide range of ground-based astronomy, cosmology, and particle physics experiments, as well as smaller industrial applications.

These activities encompass the initial stages of design and modelling through to the manufacture and commissioning of cryogenic, magnetic, and superconducting systems.

We have extensive laboratory facilities to enable the delivery of our wide-ranging activities, including cleanrooms, thermal vacuum chambers and a micro vibration characterisation facility.