Paper
24 June 2014 A linear drive cryocooler for ultra-small infrared sensor systems
Dick Rawlings, Graham Averitt
Author Affiliations +
Abstract
In response to continuing requirements for smaller, lighter, and lower power cryocoolers for tactical IR applications, DRS Technologies has developed its smallest linear drive cooler for the micro-Integrated Dewar Cooler Assembly (μIDCA). The entire cooler/Dewar assembly occupies slightly more than 4 cubic inches in a rectangular form that measures about 1-inch by 2-inch by 2-inches. The design goals and constraints are presented and the resulting design is discussed. Operating parameters and testing results are summarized. In addition to the review of the μDCA cryocooler, this paper presents a brief update of long-term reliability and life testing for a variety of DRS’ linear drive cryocoolers. This testing program was initiated in the 1990’s and has demonstrated cooler lifetimes in excess of 50,000 hours.
© (2014) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Dick Rawlings and Graham Averitt "A linear drive cryocooler for ultra-small infrared sensor systems", Proc. SPIE 9070, Infrared Technology and Applications XL, 90702R (24 June 2014); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2056522
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CITATIONS
Cited by 6 scholarly publications.
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KEYWORDS
Cryocoolers

Sensors

Reliability

Infrared sensors

Staring arrays

Infrared technology

Mid-IR

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