A three-stage helium sorption refrigerator for cooling of infrared detectors to 280 mK

  • R. S. Bhatia
  • , S. T. Chase
  • , S. F. Edgington
  • , J. Glenn
  • , W. C. Jones
  • , A. E. Lange
  • , B. Maffei
  • , A. K. Mainzer
  • , P. D. Mauskopf
  • , B. J. Philhour
  • , B. K. Rownd

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

We review some of the applications of submillimetre instruments for astronomy and Earth atmospheric sciences where helium sorption refrigerators have been used. We describe a three-stage helium refrigerator which uses a 4He-3He double-stage refrigerator to precool and intercept the parasitic heatload on a final 3He single-stage refrigerator. This multi-stage configuration permits operation of the refrigerator system without externally pumping on a 4He bath. This results in simpler integration with the instrument and allows scientific observations to be more easily made. We have achieved a base temperature of 234 mK for a hold time of 20.4 h. The heat lift at 280 mK is 15 μW.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)685-691
Number of pages7
JournalCryogenics
Volume40
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - 2000
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Materials Science
  • General Physics and Astronomy

Keywords

  • Cryostats (F)
  • He systems (E)
  • Infrared detectors (D)
  • Sorption coolers (E)

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