4 K high frequency pulse tube cryocooler used for terahertz space application

Abstract

Terahertz (THz) frequency region, defined from 0.1 to 10 THz, is an important frequency band for radio astronomy and atmospheric science. As NbN Superconductor-Insulator-Superconductor (SIS) mixers used for terahertz detection, which are studied by the Purple Mountain Observatory (PMO), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), work at 8-10 K, and require condition of micro vibrations, its astronomical observation in aerospace is limited by suitable refrigeration method. 4 K high frequency pulse tube cryocooler developed by Key Laboratory of Space Energy Conversion Technologies (SECT), Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry (TIPC), CAS, offers an opportunity for the application of SIS mixers. This article introduces the progress of the two-stage high frequency pulse tube cryocooler researched by TIPC. The cryocooler has reached a no load temperature of 4.5 K which is the lowest temperature for this kind of cryocooler reported so far. The successful coupling between the THz component and the high frequency pulse tube cryocooler lays a solid foundation for space detection in the terahertz band.