Ice Nucleation Controller

The Ice Nucleation Controller is a system designed for conducting highly precise ice nucleation experiments within a specified temperature range of +10°C to -30°C. The system maintains a consistent temperature gradient throughout the experiments by employing a cooling circuit that incorporates a closed water loop and a pair of Peltier elements regulated by a PID controller. Temperature measurements are carried out using a FLIR A655sc thermal camera, which is corrected in real-time using a thermistor placed within a fixed calibration cavity. The freezing temperatures of each sample are estimated based on the extracted thermal camera temperatures, and these estimates can be utilized for subsequent processing.

System Description

One primary component of INC is the Cooling Base. Temperature controlled gallium (A) contained in the Top Copper Base (B) houses the PCR plate. Temperature and gradient is controlled with a pair of PID regulated Peltier Elements (C), coupled with a Water Cooler Base Plates (D), both are mounted in the Bottom Copper Base (E). A Vapor Chamber (F) ensures a minimal distribution gradient. Control and calibration temperature is measured with a Thermistor Probe (G) inserted into the Top Copper Base. A Fix-point Cavity (H), used for run-time Thermal Camera calibration, is mounted directly in contact with the Thermistor Probe into the Top Copper Base.

Data Processing

Collected temperature data is analyzed using custom software. The interface allows researchers to customize parameters and visualizations, and allows for extraction of data for additional further analysis.