Research on Performance of Low SWaP Linear Stirling Cryocooler

With the development of miniaturized and lightweight infrared platforms such as handheld infrared devices, unmanned aerial vehicles and precision-guided weapons, the requirements for the size, weight and power consumption of infrared detectors have become increasingly stringent. To meet the application requirements of extreme miniaturization and lightweight for infrared detectors, a Low SWaP（Size, Weight and Power）LS711H linear split Stirling cryocooler has been developed. The miniature and lightweight cooler has been achieved by adopting technologies such as ultra-high frequency thermodynamic coupling technology, high-efficiency micro moving-magnetic linear motor technology, micro compact flexure spring support technology and highly integrated design technology for the electric control panel. The influence laws of parameters such as operating frequency, cooling temperature, ambient temperature and cooling capacity on the performance of the cooler have been studied in this paper. The test results show that the cooler weighs only 155 g , and the electric control board weighs only 7.4 g. The compressor size is no more than Φ26 mm×55.6 mm, and the total length of the expander is no more than 46 mm. Under natural convection conditions, the power consumption of the cooler at 23 ℃ and 71℃ with a total cooling capacity of 200 mW at 150 K is 2.3 W and 3.1 W respectively, and the maximum total cooling capacity at room temperature is 1 129 mW at 150 K. During the temperature control stage of the LS711H cooler, the maximum vibration of the expander was 11.1 m/s² in the axial direction, and the noise level was 31.0 dB. When the LS711H cooler is coupled with a 640×512 15 μm pixel HOT infrared detector with a focal plane temperature of 140 K at 23 ℃, the cooling time at room is 1 min 48 s, the power consumption of the detector is only 2.3 W, and it exhibits excellent environmental adaptability within the environment temperature range of −45 ℃ to 71 ℃.