High-availability cryocooling for infrared sensors

Traditionally, cryocooler life time and reliability have been a limiting factor for infrared systems, with significant advances having been made over the last two decades. This has culminated in the development, qualification, and production of high-availability cryocoolers, enabling multi-year 24/7 operation of infrared sensors with a vanishingly small failure probability. We will discuss high-availability solutions based on Stirling technology for applications where the intrinsic drawbacks of pulse-tube technology - such as lower efficiency and a high sensitivity to orientation and ambient temperature - restrict the possibilities to use pulse tubes. In addition, we will discuss the applicability of pulse-tube technology to infrared applications.