Abstract
The photon’s journey through the sensor ends with its conversion to an electronic signal at the focal plane. However, as seen in the previous chapter, focal plane arrays (FPAs) frequently require some type of cryogenic cooling. Cryogenic cooling is an integral part of infrared sensor architecture. Such cooling is inherent to an infrared sensor and is essential for two reasons. First, the detectors may require cooling just to function, or for increased sensitivity. Second, cryogenic cooling reduces thermal noise from filters, baffles, and even the optics themselves. The extent to which this refrigeration is applied depends on the system design, detector material, bandpass, desired sensitivity, and the expected background. For example, it is not uncommon to gain a factor of two or three in sensitivity with a low background HgCdTe-based FPA by cooling it and its surroundings an additional 10 K.
“If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.”
Harry S. Truman
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
References
R. Ross, D. Johnson, and R. 1991. Sugimura “Characterization Of Miniature Stirling Cycle Cryocoolers For Space Application.” Proc. Sixth International Cryocoolers Conference (DTRC-91/002), 27–38.
J. Kreider, et al. 1991. “Multiplexed Mid-Wavelength IR Long Linear Photoconduc-tive Focal Plane Arrays.” Proc. SPIE, 376–388.
G. Bonney and R. Longsworth. 1991. “Considerations in Using Joule Thompson Coolers.” Proceedings of The Sixth International Cryocoolers Conference (DTRC-91/002), 231–44.
S. Whicker. 1992. ’New Technologies For FPA Dewars. Proc. SPIE 1683:102–112.
1992. Information courtesy of MMR Inc.
W. Wolf and G. Zeisis, eds. 1985. The IR Handbook (Ann Arbor, Michigan: The Infrared Information and Analysis Center of ERIM) 14–15.
Ibid.
S. Fujino. 1989. “Mitsubishi Thermal Imager Using the 512 by 512 Pt:Si Focal Plane Arrays.” Proc. SPIE 1157:136–143.
1993. Information courtesy of Magnavox.
1993. Information courtesy of Stirling Technology Company.
Information courtesy of Creare and from B. Henderson. April 6, 1992. “US Industry to Produce Long Life Space Cooling System.” Aviation Week and Space Technology, 41–43.
R. Radebaugh. 1987. “Pulse Tube Refrigeration—A New Type of Cryocooler.” Japanese Journal of Applied Physics, 26:2,076–2,081.
A. Owen. 1990. “Miniature Integrated Dewar/Cooler Assembly.” Proc. SPIE 1308: 303–311.
Ibid.
November 3,1987. “New Chapters in the Science ofthe Icy Cold.” Vectors 24:14–17.
B. Nordwall. January 18, 1988. “Hughes Develops Magnetic Refrigerator For Space Based Sensors, Signal Processors.” Aviation Week and Space Technology, 53.
L. Wade. 1992. “An Overview of The Development of Sorption Refrigeration.” Advances in Cryogenic Engineering 37, part B: 1,095–1,105.
Ibid.
November 23–29, 1992. “Aerojet to Make Cryocooler for Missile Sensors in Orbit.” Space News, 12.
L. Wade. 1992. “An Overview of The Development of Sorption Refrigeration.” Advances in Cryogenic Engineering 37, part B: 1,095–1,105.
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 1994 Van Nostrand Reinhold
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Miller, J.L. (1994). Cryocooling Systems. In: Principles of Infrared Technology. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-7664-8_5
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-7664-8_5
Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA
Print ISBN: 978-1-4615-7666-2
Online ISBN: 978-1-4615-7664-8
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive