Small dc motor for producing motion in a cryogenic environment, and a method for monitoring its orientation

In the field of condensed matter physics, it is frequently necessary to produce motion at low temperatures. While this can often be done using a mechanical linkage which connects the cryogenic and ambient environments, space constraints sometimes render such a solution impractical. The following paper describes a miniature dc electric motor which can be used to produce motion under these conditions, and also presents a novel scheme for monitoring its position. The motor is a skew‐wound ironless device with a coaxial gearhead, and is capable of operating at a temperature of 4 K, in a vacuum, and in a magnetic field of several hundred gauss. The position monitoring arrangement requires no modifications to the motor or the addition of extra hardware, such as rotary encoders or potentiometers. Based on the angular dependence of the rotor inductance, it has been found to work with a number of different motors of the skew‐wound ironless type, both at room temperature and at 4°. Provisions have been made to allow the motor and position monitor to be operated by computer control. The author anticipates that they will find applications in other areas where motion is needed and space is at a premium.