Chapter 28 - Recent Developments on Cryocoolers in Europe

Abstract

This chapter presents the recent developments performed in Europe in the field of cryocoolers. New markets such as high temperature superconductors applications and space applications are requiring new cooling performances, efficiency, and high reliability for future cryocoolers . New emerging technologies such as flexure bearings and Pulse Tube have demonstrated potentially interesting capabilities for future generations of cryocoolers. New performances and reliability requirements for future HTS devices or space missions have simulated the development of new technologies. European academic institutions and industrial partners have initiated developments of different cryocooler technologies covering a large range of cooling power and cooling temperatures. Commercial products are already proposed by the industry and several demonstrators have demonstrated their performances and potential capability to be shortly industrialized. Challenging developments are also performed for future space missions. GM cryocoolers are essentially integrated in vacuum cryopumps and MRI cryostats. Compact Stifling cryocoolers are widely used in infrared detection modules mostly for military night vision optical systems. JT expansion cryocoolers in open cycles, fed with high pressure gas storage bottles, are mainly integrated in single shoot missile guidance infrared systems. 4K GM cryocoolers, GM type PTC, and dilution fridges are common cooling solutions in experimental devices for physicists in Research Laboratories.