MULTI-STAGE, NON-CONTAMINATING COMPRESSOR FOR CLOSED-CYCLE J-T CRYOCOOLER

J-T cryoccolers potentially offer the best solution for sensor cooling applications. Because of the high cooling capacity per unit mass flow, the heat exchangers and J-T cryocoolers can be significantly better than that of other mechanical coolers. Despite these benefits, closed-cycle J-T cryocoolers are not often used for sensor cooling applications due to the lack of a suitable compressor. We propose the development of a J-T cryocooler based upon a small ultra-clean compressor system which handles multiple gases and multiple compression stages in a single compact, sealed unit. An innovative drive system gives the system high power density and low vibration.