(hypothetical) Running an Argon-Ion Laser in the cold?

[Blarg King]

I'm pretty sure the International Space Station used an ammonia cooling system. Wonder how they do it...

 

[Escher]

I'm pretty sure the International Space Station used an ammonia cooling system. Wonder how they do it...

More research... albeit not in depth...

Looks like ammonia is used as a refrigerant - i.e. similar to freon and r134a.. in a compressor style refrigeration system.

The application I'm referring to is a direct submersion system with no pressure, but direct thermal transfer. Im sure that in an ammonia coolant system they account for the corrosive effects by using metals and alloys that are less reactive with ammonia, or possibly lined pipes or something.

I dont know how you would adapt a traditional refrigerant system for an argon unless it was specifically designed for it, as you would have to have coolant channels in the head and fins. I would assume this is what you see in the water cooled argons.