Custom Liquid Cryogen Dewars

When your research demands precise cryogenic temperatures, choosing the right LN2 dewar or LHe dewar is critical. IRLabs designs and manufactures custom liquid nitrogen dewars and liquid helium dewars engineered for exceptional thermal performance in research and industrial applications. Whether you need a compact LN2 dewar for detector cooling or a dual-vessel liquid helium dewar for ultra-low temperature experiments, our systems deliver extended hold times and reliable operation from 77K down to 1.6K.

Understanding LN2 Dewars and Their Applications

A LN2 dewar is a specialized vacuum-insulated vessel designed to store liquid nitrogen at cryogenic temperatures of 77K (-196°C). These liquid nitrogen dewars utilize advanced double-wall construction with high-vacuum insulation to minimize heat transfer and maintain stable operating temperatures for extended periods.

LN2 dewars are essential for applications requiring consistent low-temperature environments, including infrared detector cooling, materials testing, physics experiments, and cryogenic sample preservation. These liquid nitrogen dewars are optimized for low boil-off rates, long static hold times, and reliable operation in continuous research environments. The vacuum-insulated design significantly reduces thermal conductivity, keeping your liquid nitrogen at precisely -196°C for optimal experimental conditions.

Our Liquid Nitrogen Dewars Features:

● High Efficiency: Designed for temperatures ranging from 77 to 63 K , our liquid nitrogen (LN₂) dewars ensure minimal cryogen loss and maximum performance.
● Versatile Sizes: Standard open-cycle dewar sizes range from 3 to 14 inches (7.5 to 35 cm) in diameter, accommodating a wide range of industrial needs.
● Multi-Application Flexibility: Engineered for user adaptability, our dewars can be configured for various specific applications or tests, enhancing their utility across different settings.
● Extended Hold Times: Our dewars are constructed to provide long hold times, ensuring that your experiment is cold when you need it

We also offer liquid helium (LHe) dewars for applications requiring temperatures from 4.2 to 1.6 K.

Liquid Helium Dewars for Ultra-Low Temperature Research

For applications requiring temperatures below 77K, our liquid helium dewars (LHe dewars) provide reliable cryogenic performance from 4.2K down to 1.6K. These specialized helium dewars feature dual-vessel construction with liquid nitrogen-cooled radiation shields that dramatically reduce helium boil-off rates. Unlike LN2 dewars operating at 77K, LHe dewars must manage significantly higher thermal sensitivity, making vacuum quality and radiation shielding critical to system performance.

LHe dewars are critical for advanced research applications including superconducting magnet systems, quantum computing experiments, low-temperature spectroscopy, and materials science studies. Our HDL series helium dewars incorporate vapor-cooled radiation shields and multi-layer super insulation to maximize hold times while maintaining the ultra-low temperatures required for superconducting and cryogenic research.

Why Choose IRLabs for Your LN2 and LH3 Dewars?

Proven Cryogenic Expertise Since 1967 With over 50 years of experience, IRLabs has designed and manufactured more than 4,500 IR detection and cryogenic systems, trusted by national laboratories, universities, and advanced research facilities worldwide. Our deep understanding of low-temperature physics and thermal engineering ensures your dewar performs exactly as specified.

Custom-Engineered Solutions Every application is unique. We work directly with you to design liquid nitrogen dewars and liquid helium dewars tailored to your specific requirements, whether you need custom optical access ports, specialized electrical feedthroughs, or unique mounting configurations.

Aerospace-Grade Materials IRLabs dewars are constructed using 6061 aluminum, high-purity copper, specialized stainless steels, and low-conductivity materials selected for optimal thermal performance and structural integrity.

Superior Vacuum Performance Our advanced vacuum technology achieves pressure levels below 10⁻⁶ Torr, minimizing heat leak and maximizing hold times for both LN2 dewars and LHe dewars.

Comprehensive Support From initial consultation through system integration, our cryogenic specialists provide technical guidance to ensure your dewar meets your research objectives.

Ready to Specify Your Custom LN2 or LHe Dewar?

Whether you need a standard liquid nitrogen dewar or a fully customized liquid helium dewar system, IRLabs has the expertise to deliver a solution that meets your exact requirements.

Start with our Systems Decision Tree to explore configuration options for your application.

Contact our cryogenic specialists to discuss your project specifications, timeline, and custom requirements.

Since 1967, we’ve been designing cryogenic systems that enable breakthrough research. Let’s discuss how an IRLabs dewar can support your work.

Systems Decision Tree

Get started today—use this tool to select the right system for your application.

Dewar Product Comparison

Dewars Comparison Table	Nitrogen Dewars			Helium Dewars
Series Name	ND	NDV	NDL	HDV	HDL
Vessels	Single	Single	Dual	Single	Dual
Operating Temp (K) with Vapor Pressure = 1 ATM	77	77	77	4.2	4.2
Low end operating temperature (K) when pumping on liquid bath to reduce vapor pressure < 1 ATM	< 55	< 55	< 55	1.8	1.6
Diameters of Cold Work Surface (inches)	2	3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16	3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16	3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16	3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16
Liquid Cooled Radiation Shield	NO	NO	YES	NO	YES
Vapor Cooled Radiation Shield	NO	YES	NO	YES	NO

Vega Dewar ND Series

Compact Liquid Nitrogen Dewar for Infrared Detector Cooling and Component Testing

This small, side-facing 120 mL liquid nitrogen dewar is designed for cryogenic applications such as cooling infrared InGaAs, MCT, InSb, and CCD detectors. With a .75″ diameter cold plate and >9-hour static hold time, the Vega Dewar provides reliable, long-lasting cooling essential for high-performance applications.

Features:

MLI and Cryogenic Getter: Assure system stability and reliability
Exceptionally Clean System: The dewar is manufactured for exceptional cleanliness, minimizing the risk of contamination that could interfere with sensitive tests or equipment.
Extended Hold Time: Provides over 9 hours of static hold, ensuring minimal interruptions during testing or operations.
System ships under vacuum and does not include a valve operator.
Customizable: IRLabs offers options to tailor the system to your requirements, including windows for optical access and accessories to enhance usability.

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Rigel Dewar ND Series

Compact Liquid Nitrogen Dewar for Infrared Detector Cooling and Component Testing

This small, side-facing 1/3 L liquid nitrogen dewar is designed for cryogenic applications such as cooling infrared InGaAs, MCT, InSb, and CCD detectors. With a 2″ diameter cold plate and an impressive >12-hour static hold time, the Rigel Dewar provides reliable, long-lasting cooling essential for high-performance applications.

Features:

MLI and Cryogenic Getter: Assure system stability and reliability
Exceptionally Clean System: The dewar is manufactured for exceptional cleanliness, minimizing the risk of contamination that could interfere with sensitive tests or equipment.
Extended Hold Time: Provides over 12 hours of static hold, ensuring minimal interruptions during testing or operations.
System ships under vacuum and does not include a valve operator.
Customizable: IRLabs offers options to tailor the system to your requirements, including: Windows for optical access, Electrical connections for specialized configurations, Accessories to enhance usability.

View Full Drawing

NDV/HDV Series Specification Table	Rigel	Vega	NDV/HDV-3	NDV/HDV-5	NDV/HDV-8	NDV/HDV-10	NDV/HDV-12	NDV/HDV-14
Dewar Outside Diameter (inches)	4	2.63	4.95	6.95	9.95	11.95	13.75	15.95
Dewar Height (inches)	8.01	5.25	11.38	11	10.16	11	11.25	11.25
Cold Plate Diameter (inches)	2	0.75	3.12	5.12	8.12	10.18	12	14.18
Work Area Height- “B” Dimension (inches)	1.3	0.4	1.5	1.5	1.5	2	2	2
Weight (pounds)	3.25	1	7.5	10.75	22	36	48	61
LN₂/LHe Capacity (L)	0.33	0.12	0.5	1.2	2.6	4.4	6.4	8.7
LN₂/LHe Hold Time – Standard Supports (hrs)	> 13 hours	> 9 hours	24/6	72/18	90/24	115/30	–	–
LN₂/LHe Hold Time – Rigid Supports (hrs)	–	–	–	70/6	80/10	106/12	120/14	143/16

NDV Series

Cost-effective vapor-cooled nitrogen dewar operating from 50 K to 70 K

The NDV line of nitrogen dewars contain a single cryogenic vessel. A vapor-cooled radiation shield surrounds the vessel and the cold work surface. The guard vacuum of the dewar is enhanced by a molecular sieve “getter” which is mounted to the cold work surface. Larger sizes, including rectangular extensions, are available upon special request.

Applications:

NDV systems are frequently used for near-IR detector and camera systems including CCD, HgCdTe, and InSb. Applications include materials and electronic component testing.

Features:

Operating temperature range: 50 K to 77 K (with low temperature modification)
Open cycle operation
Vapor cooled radiation shield
Molecular sieve “getter”
Standard work surface diameters (in/cm): (3.00/7.62, 5.00/12.70, 8.00/20.32, 10.00/25.40, 12.00/30.48, 14.00/35.56)
Customizable configuration including size
Optional Autofill Controller available

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HDV Series

Efficient vapor-cooled helium dewar operating from 1.8 K to 4.2 K

The helium dewars in the HDV line contain a single cryogenic vessel. A vapor-cooled radiation shield surrounds the vessel and the cold work surface. All interior dewar surfaces are lined with metal foil to provide additional shielding. Larger sizes, including rectangular extensions, are available upon special request.

Applications:

HDV systems are frequently used for mid- and far-IR detector and camera systems including bolometers, photo detectors, HgCdTe, and InSb. Applications include materials and electronic component testing.

Features:

Operating temperature range: 1.8 K to 4.2 K
Open cycle operation
Vapor cooled radiation shield
Multiple layers of shielding foil
Standard work surface diameters (in/cm): (3.00/7.62, 5.00/12.70, 8.00/20.32, 10.00/25.40, 12.00/30.48, 14.00/35.56)
Customizable configuration including size

View Full Drawing

NDV/HDV Series Specification Table	Rigel	Vega	NDV/HDV-3	NDV/HDV-5	NDV/HDV-8	NDV/HDV-10	NDV/HDV-12	NDV/HDV-14
Dewar Outside Diameter (inches)	4	2.63	4.95	6.95	9.95	11.95	13.75	15.95
Dewar Height (inches)	8.01	5.25	11.38	11	10.16	11	11.25	11.25
Cold Plate Diameter (inches)	2	0.75	3.12	5.12	8.12	10.18	12	14.18
Work Area Height- “B” Dimension (inches)	1.3	0.4	1.5	1.5	1.5	2	2	2
Weight (pounds)	3.25	1	7.5	10.75	22	36	48	61
LN₂/LHe Capacity (L)	0.33	0.12	0.5	1.2	2.6	4.4	6.4	8.7
LN₂/LHe Hold Time – Standard Supports (hrs)	> 13 hours	> 9 hours	24/6	72/18	90/24	115/30	–	–
LN₂/LHe Hold Time – Rigid Supports (hrs)	–	–	–	70/6	80/10	106/12	120/14	143/16

NDL Series

Cost-effective vapor-cooled nitrogen dewar operating from 50 K to 70 K

The NDL line of nitrogen dewars contain dual liquid nitrogen cryogenic vessels. A liquid-cooled radiation shield surrounds the inner vessel and the cold work surface. The guard vacuum of the dewar is enhanced by a molecular sieve “getter” which is mounted to the cold work surface. Larger sizes, including rectangular extensions, are available upon special request.

Applications:
NDL systems are frequently used for near-IR detector and camera systems including CCD, HgCdTe, and InSb. Applications include materials and electronic component testing.

Features:

Operating temperature range: 50 K to 77 K (with low temperature modification)
Open cycle operation
Liquid cooled radiation shield for very low background radiation
Extended inner vessel hold times.
Molecular sieve “getter”
Standard work surface diameters (in/cm): (3.00/7.62, 5.00/12.70, 8.00/20.32, 10.00/25.40, 12.00/30.48, 14.00/35.56)
Customizable configuration including size
Optional Autofill Controller available

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HDL Series

Proven performance in a liquid-cooled helium dewar operating from 1.6 K to 4.2 K

The helium dewars in the HDL line contain two cryogenic vessels. The LN2 vessel directly cools a radiation shield that surrounds the LHe vessel and the cold work surface. All interior dewar surfaces are lined with metal foil to provide additional thermal shielding.

Applications:
HDL Systems are frequently used for mid- and far-IR detector and camera systems including bolometers, photodetectors, and InSb. Applications include materials testing, electronic component testing, and the cooling of entire stand-alone instruments.

Features:

Operating temperature range: 1.6 K to 4.2 K (with low temperature modification)
Open cycle operation
Standard 3 to 14 inch (7.5 to 35cm) diameter cold plates
Liquid cooled radiation shield
Multiple layers of radiation shielding
Standard work surface diameters: (in/cm): (5.00/12.70, 8.00/20.32, 10.00/25.40, 12.00/30.48, 14.00/35.56)
Customizable configuration including size

View Full Drawing

NDL/HDL Series Specification Table	NDL/HDL-5	NDL/HDL-8	NDL/HDL-10	NDL/HDL-12	NDL/HDL-14
Dewar Outside Diameter (in/cm)	6.95/17.65	9.95/25.27	11.95/30.35	13.70/34.80	15.95/40.51
Dewar Height (in/cm)	12.50/31.75	12.31/31.27	13.50/34.29	13.75/34.93	13.75/34.93
Cold Plate Diameter (in/cm)	5.125.12/13.00	8.12/20.62	10.18/25.86	12.00/30.48	14.18/36.02
Work Area Height – “B” Dimension (in/cm)	1.50/3.81	1.51.50/3.81	2.00/5.08	2.00/5.08	2.00/5.08
Weight without cryogens (lbs/kg)	15.75/7.16	26.00/11.82	26.00/11.82	54.00/24.55	68.00/30.91
LN2 Capacity (L)	0.8	2.3	4.2	6.1	8.4
LN2 Hold Time – Standard Supports (hours)	30	30	35	–	–
LN2 Hold Time – Rigid Supports (hours)	20	27	32	48	60
LHe Capacity (L)	1.2	2.6	4.4	6.6	8.7
LHe Hold Time – Standard Supports (hours)	90	100	135	–	–
LHe Hold Time – Rigid Supports (hours)	25	30	47	55	78

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Cryogenic Solutions Brochure

FAQs

What is the typical hold time for a LN2 dewar?IRLabs Staff2026-02-19T14:05:07-07:00

What is the typical hold time for a LN2 dewar?

Hold times for liquid nitrogen dewars vary by size and design. Our NDV series offers hold times from 24 to 143 hours depending on diameter and support configuration, while dual-vessel NDL systems provide extended operation between refills.

How do I choose between a vapor-cooled and liquid-cooled dewar?IRLabs Staff2026-02-19T14:05:51-07:00

How do I choose between a vapor-cooled and liquid-cooled dewar?

Vapor-cooled dewars (NDV, HDV) use escaping cryogen vapor to cool radiation shields, making them simpler and maintenance-free. Liquid-cooled dewars (NDL, HDL) circulate cryogen through dedicated shields for maximum thermal efficiency and longest hold times.

Can IRLabs customize a dewar for my specific application?IRLabs Staff2026-02-19T14:06:26-07:00

Can IRLabs customize a dewar for my specific application?

Absolutely. We specialize in custom cryogenic solutions including modified cold plate dimensions, custom optical windows, specialized electrical feedthroughs, and unique mounting arrangements. Contact our engineering team to discuss your requirements.

What is the difference between LN2 and LHe dewars?IRLabs Staff2026-02-19T14:06:59-07:00

What is the difference between LN2 and LHe dewars?

Liquid nitrogen dewars operate at 77K and are used for applications down to approximately 63K. Liquid helium dewars reach much lower temperatures (4.2K to 1.6K) and are essential for superconducting applications and ultra-low temperature research.

How often do dewars need maintenance?IRLabs Staff2026-02-19T14:12:26-07:00

How often do dewars need maintenance?

IRLabs dewars are designed for long-term reliability with minimal maintenance. Regular vacuum checks and visual inspections ensure optimal performance. Most research dewars operate for years without requiring service.

LN2 and LHe Dewars for Cryogenic Research Applications

Liquid Cryogen Dewars

Understanding LN2 Dewars and Their Applications

Our Liquid Nitrogen Dewars Features:

Liquid Helium Dewars for Ultra-Low Temperature Research

Why Choose IRLabs for Your LN2 and LH3 Dewars?

Ready to Specify Your Custom LN2 or LHe Dewar?

Systems Decision Tree

Dewar Product Comparison

Vega Dewar ND Series

Compact Liquid Nitrogen Dewar for Infrared Detector Cooling and Component Testing

Rigel Dewar ND Series

Compact Liquid Nitrogen Dewar for Infrared Detector Cooling and Component Testing

NDV Series

Cost-effective vapor-cooled nitrogen dewar operating from 50 K to 70 K

HDV Series

Efficient vapor-cooled helium dewar operating from 1.8 K to 4.2 K

NDL Series

Cost-effective vapor-cooled nitrogen dewar operating from 50 K to 70 K

HDL Series

Proven performance in a liquid-cooled helium dewar operating from 1.6 K to 4.2 K

Download Product Information

FAQs

What is the typical hold time for a LN2 dewar?

How do I choose between a vapor-cooled and liquid-cooled dewar?

Can IRLabs customize a dewar for my specific application?

What is the difference between LN2 and LHe dewars?

How often do dewars need maintenance?

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