Since the 1970s, Raytheon has developed, built, tested and integrated high performance cryocoolers. Our versatile
designs for single and multi-stage cryocoolers provide reliable operation for temperatures from 10 to 200 Kelvin with
power levels ranging from 50 W to nearly 600 W. These cryocoolers incorporate clearance seals, flexure suspensions,
hermetic housings and dynamic balancing to provide long service life and reliable operation in all relevant environments.
Recently, Raytheon has developed an advanced regenerator technology capable of operating efficiently at high
frequencies and outperforming traditional screen regenerators. The Raytheon Advanced Miniature (RAM-100)
cryocooler, a flight packaged, high frequency, single stage pulse tube cooler with an integrated surge volume and
inertance tube, has been designed for use with this regenerator. Design details and experimentally measured performance
of two iterations of the RAM cryocooler are presented in this paper.
Infrared sensors face a multitude of cryocooler integration challenges such as exported disturbance, efficiency,
scalability, maturity, and cost. As a result, cryocooler selection has become application dependent, oftentimes
requiring extensive trade studies to determine the most suitable architecture. To optimally meet the needs of next
generation passive infrared (IR) sensors, the Compact Inline Raytheon Single Stage Pulse Tube (CI-RP1) and
Compact Inline Raytheon Hybrid Stirling/Pulse Tube 2-Stage (CI-RSP2) cryocoolers are being developed to satisfy
this suite of requirements. This lightweight, compact, efficient, low vibration cryocooler combines proven 1-stage
and 2-stage cold-head architectures with an inventive set of warm-end mechanisms into a single mechanical module,
allowing the moving mechanisms for the compressor and the Stirling displacer to be consolidated onto a common
axis and in a common working volume. The CI cryocooler is a significant departure from the current Stirling
cryocoolers in which the compressor mechanisms are remote from the Stirling displacer mechanism. Placing all of
the mechanisms in a single volume and on a single axis provides benefits in terms of package size (30% reduction),
mass (30% reduction), thermodynamic efficiency (<20% improvement) and exported vibration performance (≤25
mN peak in all three orthogonal axes at frequencies from 1 to 500 Hz). The main benefit of axial symmetry is that
proven balancing techniques and hardware can be utilized to null all motion along the common axis. Low vibration
translates to better sensor performance resulting in simpler, more direct mechanical mounting configurations,
eliminating the need for convoluted, expensive, massive, long lead damping hardware.
Significant progress has been made on the Raytheon Dual-Use Cooler (DUC) which is a low cost space
cryocooler for long life, cost sensitive missions. The DUC has been integrated and tested with an advanced
regenerator intended to be a direct replacement for stainless steel screens and has shown significant
thermodynamic performance improvements. This paper will compare the performance of two different
regenerators and explain the benefits of the advanced regenerator.
The Raytheon Cryocooler Product Line tested the Low Temperature Stirling / Pulse Tube Hybrid 2-Stage (LTRSP2)
cryocooler for an airborne application during 2012. Several tests were carried out to verify the ability of
the machine to operate in an airborne environment. The vacuum level and heat rejection surface temperatures
were varied to determine the performance over the excursions. Vibration testing was performed to prove that the
LT-RSP2 cryocooler can operate on an airborne platform. This paper will present the results of the airborne
characterization testing.
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