Linear cryogenic coolers for HOT infrared detectors

In spite of a wide spreading the uncooled night vision technologies, the cooled systems are still known to be superior in terms of working ranges, resolution and ability to recognize/track fast moving objects in dynamic infrared scenes. Recent technological advances allowed development and fielding of high temperature infrared detectors working up to 200K while showing performances typical for their 77K predecessors. The direct benefits of using such detectors are the lowering of the optical, cooling and packaging constraints resulting in smaller and cost effective optics, electronics and mechanical cryocooler. The authors are formulating requirements and general vision of prospective ultra-compact, long life, lightweight, power efficient, acoustically and dynamically quiet linear cryogenic cooler towards forthcoming infrared imagers. In particular, the authors are revealing the outcomes of the feasibility study and discuss downscaling options.