What Is Liquid Helium Used For?

Liquid helium is used in various industrial, medical, and scientific processes. This is mainly due to its unique ability to maintain extremely low temperatures of -452°F (-269°C).

This remarkable liquid powers some of the most advanced technologies we use today, from medical imaging to quantum computing. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly why this is the case and how liquid helium is commonly used across industries.

Medical Imaging and Healthcare Applications

The medical industry is one of the largest consumers of liquid helium, mainly for cooling the superconducting magnets in MRI machines.

These powerful magnets require constant cooling to maintain their superconducting properties, which makes liquid helium irreplaceable in medical imaging technology.

The extreme cold provided by liquid helium allows MRI machines to produce detailed images of the human body that are essential for accurate medical diagnoses.

Specialized research equipment like NMR spectrometers also use liquid helium. These instruments are crucial for analyzing molecular structures and developing new pharmaceutical compounds.

Semiconductor Manufacturing and Electronics

In the semiconductor industry, liquid helium is used to maintain precise temperature control during manufacturing processes. The production of computer chips and other electronic components requires extremely stable temperatures, which this liquid helps ensure.

Liquid helium plays a vital role in cooling semiconductor materials during the manufacturing process. This cooling helps prevent thermal damage and ensures the precise placement of microscopic components.

Scientific Research and Development

Liquid helium enables breakthrough discoveries in quantum physics and materials science. Its extremely low boiling point makes it ideal for studying phenomena that only occur at temperatures approaching absolute zero.

For example, researchers use liquid helium to cool superconducting magnets in particle accelerators and other advanced scientific equipment. These facilities help scientists understand the fundamental properties of matter and energy.

Quantum computing laboratories also depend on liquid helium to maintain the ultra-cold temperatures required for quantum bits to function properly. This emerging technology could revolutionize computing power and capabilities in the coming years.

Industrial Applications and Manufacturing

Beyond its role in high-tech applications, liquid helium serves essential functions in various industrial processes, such as:

• Welding and metal fabrication – manufacturing facilities use liquid helium in specialized welding applications and metal fabrication processes. Its inert nature prevents unwanted chemical reactions while maintaining precise temperature control.
• Materials research – low-temperature research facilities use liquid helium to study material properties under extreme conditions. These studies contribute to the development of new materials and technologies that can withstand extreme environments.
• Scientific instrument testing – regular calibration and testing of sensitive scientific instruments often require liquid helium. Its stable temperature characteristics make it perfect for ensuring accurate measurements and reliable results.

The demand for liquid helium continues to grow as technology advances and new applications emerge. Industries increasingly recognize its key role in enabling modern technological achievements and scientific discoveries.