Senior Design · 2026–2027

Resonant Tuning Fork Thermometry.

A year-long capstone project focused on transforming a laboratory-scale quartz tuning-fork thermometer into a manufacturable instrument for cryogenic systems.

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Project Overview

From physics demonstration to producible sensor.

This project is sponsored by Maybell Quantum Industries, a company developing cryogenic infrastructure for quantum computing.

Maybell Quantum Industries Project in Progress

Cryogenic Tuning-Fork Thermometer

Measuring temperature inside cryogenic systems is difficult, especially at ultra-low temperatures and in strong magnetic fields. Existing sensors may be affected by electrical noise, magnetic fields, physical size, or thermal mass.

Quartz tuning forks immersed in liquid helium mixtures offer another approach. Changes in fluid viscosity affect the fork’s resonance response, allowing the system to estimate temperature even under conditions where some traditional sensors become unreliable.

The current prototypes are assembled individually in a research laboratory. Our team’s goal is to develop a repeatable design that can be manufactured, assembled, sealed, installed, and tested as a practical instrument.

Cryogenic Systems Mechanical Design Thermal-Fluid Design Instrumentation Design for Manufacturing

Design Scope

Major engineering challenges.

The project combines mechanical packaging, thermal and fluidic design, electronics, manufacturing, and experimental validation.

Mechanical System

Packaging and Sealing

Develop a compact, hermetically sealed package that replaces laboratory epoxy seals with a repeatable welded or brazed connection.

Thermal-Fluid System

Cryogenic Integration

Design the heat-exchanger and fluid interface while creating a standard mechanical connection for installation in dilution-refrigerator hardware.

Instrumentation

Signal Measurement

Support the development of drive and lock-in electronics needed to excite the tuning fork and measure changes in its resonance response.

Testing and Validation

Repeatability Testing

Create a fill, leak-check, calibration, and test process that can verify sensor performance and consistency across a pilot batch.

Current Status

Early project development.

The team is currently studying the existing prototype, defining requirements, and preparing for concept development.

Fall 2026 Scope Definition

Responsibilities are being defined.

Because the project is still in its early stages, individual responsibilities have not yet been fully assigned. This page will be updated with my specific contributions, engineering decisions, prototypes, testing results, and final outcomes as the project develops.

Requirements Development Concept Development Team Collaboration Technical Communication Experimental Planning