A single coaxial pulse tube cryocooler with high specific mass operating at 80 K developed based on simulation and experimental methods

Infrared detectors are an essential instrument in the exploration of the universe, and pulse tube cryocoolers are extensively utilized for the cooling of various infrared detectors. Constrained by the stringent restrictions imposed by space launch weight limitations, the high specific mass of the pulse tube cryocooler offers considerable potential for application. In order to obtain a higher specific mass coaxial type pulse tube cryocooler, a comprehensive analysis of the key parameters for the weight reduction of the cryocooler has been carried out. The software Sage was used to simulate and optimize the cold finger structure. A miniature cold finger was designed and a small compressor was used. The development of a high specific mass single-stage coaxial pulse tube cooler has been accomplished, which has been demonstrated to exhibit a cooling power of 16 W at 80 K and 102 Hz. It is noteworthy that the specific mass of the cryocooler has been elevated to 3.4 W/kg, which is in excess of 90 % of the specific mass of a conventional 10 W/80 K cryocooler. Concurrently, a relative Carnot efficiency of 17.77 % has been attained.