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A Linear-Drive Pulse Tube Cooler for Applications Below 6K

Award Information

Agency:
National Aeronautics and Space Administration 		Branch:
N/A 		Award ID:
54919 		Program Year/Program:
2001 / SBIR
Agency Tracking Number:
990544 		Solicitation Year:
N/A 		Solicitation Topic Code:
N/A 		Solicitation Number:
N/A
Small Business Information
Atlas Scientific
1367 Camino Robles Way San Jose, CA 95120-4925
View profile »
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
 
Phase 2
Fiscal Year: 2001
Title: A Linear-Drive Pulse Tube Cooler for Applications Below 6K
Agency: NASA
Contract: N/A
Award Amount: $599,924.00
 

Abstract:

Various planned NASA missions depend on the availability of reliable and efficient coolers that achieve temperatures below 6K. These coolers are needed as the upper stage for lower temperature coolers such as dilution refrigerators or adiabatic demagnetization refrigerators. Astronomical missions utilize such low temperatures to enhance infrared detector sensitivity and to cool optics. Low temperature cryocoolers form an indispensable part of astronomical missions which require long-term cooling of detectors (e.g. bolometers). Without active coolers the duration of cryogenic missions is limited by the size of the cryogen that can be incorporated in the respective space missions.A pulse tube cooler (PTC) driven by a long-life linear compressor embodies the high reliability and low vibration required in space missions. The absence of cold moving parts reduces wear and vibration and increases reliability which makes PTCs ultimately suited for space. Single-stage PTCs, driven by linear compressors and with a porous, stainless steel regenerator matrix, have achieved no-load temperatures below 50K. To provide cooling at lower temperatures the PTC requires additional stages with regenerators made from high heat capacity materials. The innovation we propose involves development of a multistage PTC driven by a linear compressor that achieves temperatures below 6K.

Principal Investigator:

Ben Helvensteijn
Senior Scientist
atlassci@ricochet.net

Business Contact:

Ali Kashani
President
4085070906
atlassci@ricochet.net
Small Business Information at Submission:

Atlas Scientific
713 San Conrado Ter. #1 Sunnyvale, CA 94086

EIN/Tax ID:
DUNS: N/A
Number of Employees:
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No