Variable temperature analytical instruments are provided that can include: a mobile component comprising a cold source; a substantially fixed analysis component; and an interface configured to couple the mobile component with the analysis component. Variable temperature analytical instruments are also provided that can include: a mobile analysis component; a substantially fixed component comprising a cold source; and an interface configured to couple the mobile component with the analysis component. Variable temperature analytical instruments are also provided that can include: a cold source in thermal communication with an analysis component; and at least one pressure barrier defining a plurality of discrete masses maintained at different temperatures between the cold source and the analysis component. Variable temperature analytical instruments are provided that can include: a cold source in thermal communication with an analysis component; and a plurality of discrete masses maintained at different temperatures about a single thermal communication between the cold source and the analysis component. Variable temperature analytical instruments are also provided that can include: a cold source in fluid communication with at least one analysis component; a pump assembly operably coupled to the cold source and the analysis component; at least a pair of conduits extending between the cold source and the analysis component; and another conduit extending between the analysis component and the pump assembly. Variable temperature analytical instruments are also provided that can include: a cold source in fluid communication with at least one analysis component; a pump assembly operably coupled to the cold source and the analysis component; at least a pair of conduits extending between the cold source and the analysis component; and another conduit extending between the analysis component and the pump assembly.