Modern infrared imagers often rely on the split Stirling cryogenic coolers the linear compressors of which are the well-known sources of harmonic disturbance. The traditional method of their passive isolation fails to meet the restraints on the static and dynamic deflections which are originated by the combined action of the airborne g-loading and harsh random vibration.The vibration protection system, which combines a stiff and heavily damped vibration isolator with tuned dynamic absorber, is studied and optimised for use in the design of an airborne infrared device.Such a design is aimed, primarily, at essential dynamic suppression of the harmonic force which is produced by the linear compressor and, secondarily, at minimisation of environmental vibration loads transmitted through the infrared device to the linear compressor. Experimental testing backed up the theoretical results.
Novel tactics employed in carrying out military and antiterrorist operations call for the development of a new generation of warfare, among which sophisticated portable infrared (IR) imagers for surveillance, reconnaissance, targeting and navigation play an important role. The superior performance of such imagers relies on novel optronic technologies and maintaining the infrared focal plane arrays at cryogenic temperatures using closed cycle refrigerators. Traditionally, rotary driven Stirling cryogenic engines are used for this purpose. As compared to their military off-theshelf linear rivals, they are lighter, more compact and normally consume less electrical power. Latest technological advances in industrial development of high-temperature (100K) infrared detectors initialized R&D activity towards developing microminiature cryogenic coolers, both of rotary and linear types. On this occasion, split linearly driven cryogenic coolers appear to be more suitable for the above applications. Their known advantages include flexibility in the system design, inherently longer life time, low vibration export and superior aural stealth. Moreover, recent progress in designing highly efficient "moving magnet" resonant linear drives and driving electronics enable further essential reduction of the cooler size, weight and power consumption. The authors report on the development and project status of a novel Ricor model K527 microminiature split Stirling linear cryogenic cooler designed especially for the portable infrared imagers.
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