Cryogenic distillation is a process used to separate different components of a mixture based on their boiling points at extremely low temperatures. By cooling the mixture to cryogenic temperatures, typically below -150 degrees Celsius, the components can be condensed into liquids. This allows for the separation of gases like oxygen, nitrogen, and argon from the air. The process involves compressing the gas mixture and then cooling it rapidly. As the temperature drops, different gases liquefy at different rates, allowing them to be collected separately. This method is widely used in industries such as liquid natural gas production and air separation.