What are some applications for cryogenics technology?
One of the most important applications of this technology is the large-scale production of liquid nitrogen and liquid oxygen from air. Liquid oxygen has a number of uses, including rocket engines, cutting and welding torches, life support in space and deep-sea vehicles, and blast furnace operations. Liquid nitrogen is used in the manufacture of ammonia for fertilizers, as well as in the rapid cooling of frozen foods to prevent damage to cell tissues. Nuclear physicists require liquid hydrogen and liquid helium in particle detectors, particle accelerators, and nuclear fusion research. Infrared devices, masers, and lasers can employ cryogenic temperatures as well. Cryogenics already has made possible the commercial transportation of liquefied natural gas. Natural gas is liquefied at 110K, causing it to contract to 1/600th of its volume at room temperature and making it sufficiently compact for swift transport in specially insulated tankers. Cryogenic surgery, or cryosurgery, is being use
