# Equipment: MRI: Acquisition of Helium Recovery Equipment for Quantum Science at the University of Wyoming

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · University of Wyoming (WY) · $644,711

## Abstract

This Major Research Instrumentation requests a liquid helium recovery (LHeR) system to be installed at the University of Wyoming (UW). The system will be used to recover helium gas and supply liquid helium to multiple low-temperature laboratories in the Physical Sciences Building, housing the Departments of Physics & Astronomy and Chemistry. Helium is in high global demand as the only viable coolant for numerous medical, technological and advanced research applications. This non-renewable resource is difficult to handle, store and transport. Helium is unrecoverable when released into the atmosphere and strategic reserves are shrinking. Recently, the uncertain fate of the federal helium reserve has negatively impacted the helium supply chain and price. UW is relatively geographically isolated and was historically a small consumer of helium, placing it at the front line of the impacted groups. The LHeR system supported by this project provides a sustainable liquid helium supply for scientific research in quantum information science and condensed matter physics at UW.  This equipment is also facilitating a parallel educational program in cryogenic engineering (including safe liquid helium handling and low temperature instrumentation design), thus providing valuable opportunities to train both technical and academic workforces.

This project delivers a LHeR system with the ability to consistently produce 50 L/day of liquid helium, recovering a targeted minimum of 80% of this vo

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2408371
- **Awardee organization:** University of Wyoming (WY)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** FDR5YF2K32X5
- **PI:** TeYu Chien
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** MAJOR RESEARCH INSTRUMENTATION, Helium Conservation-Recycling, QUANTUM INFORMATION SCIENCE, EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES
- **Estimated total:** $644,711
- **Funds obligated:** $322,355
- **Transaction type:** Continuing Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2025 → 08/31/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2408371

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2408371, Equipment: MRI: Acquisition of Helium Recovery Equipment for Quantum Science at the University of Wyoming. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2408371. Licensed CC0.

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