The so called ‘cryogen free’ superconducting magnets (CFM) are based on Gifford-McMahon refrigerators. These electromagnets require no liquid helium to cool-down and operation. This cryogen-free technology represents an important revolution since liquid helium is expensive and difficult to obtain.

Nowadays, an important number of cryogen-free magnets are under operation around the world. Based on this technology cryogen-free magnets in the range 18 to 20 Tesla are produced.
The English company Cryogenic limited is the world leader supplier of cryogen-free magnets.