Low Vibration Cooling Technology for IR Detectors

Cutting-edge space detector technologies rely on low noise sensors that require operation at extremely low temperatures and with virtually no vibration. Examples of these technologies include infrared detectors and low noise amplifiers. Future deep space missions, including the Habitable Worlds Observatory, will benefit from enhanced cryocooler technology that delivers efficient low temperature cooling with virtually no vibration. On this program, we will develop an ultra low vibration cryocooler configured for the thermal and jitter requirements needed for deep space telescopes similar to the Habitable Worlds Observatory. Our cryocooler is a hybrid cryocooler that simultaneously delivers 100 mW at 4.5 K for cooling a lower temperature cryocooler and several watts of cooling at higher temperatures for intercepting heat. The focus of the effort will be cycle optimization, design and demonstrations for low emitted vibrations. Successful completion of the effort will allow advanced detector technologies to be utilized on future space science missions.

We expect that a mission like the Habitable Worlds Observatory will benefit from the enhancement technology of low vibration cryocoolers. That mission likely requires an integrated cryocooler proven to TRL 6 before 2030. Our heritage with spaceborne cryocoolers and recent technical progress for cryocooler components lay the groundwork for a short development timeline to integrate components into a cryocooler design and achieve a cryocooler at TRL 6 by 2028. All components in our design are low technical risk and consistent with prior design but have not been integrated into a 4 K cryocooler configuration. Cooling technology with low vibration has wide reaching potential for constellations of imaging satellites. Future defense priorities focus on increasing resilience, image fidelity and coverage of satellites at low, medium, and geostationary obits. The pointing accuracy requirements of these imaging systems is becoming increasingly strict as higher orbits and large focal planes are utilized, demanding an ever lower level of vibration. These military applications illustrate the immense potential for our low vibration cryocooling technology for space.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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