Abstract
An adiabatic demagnetization refrigerator (ADR) is being developed for the Multiband Imaging Photometer for SIRTF (MIPS). This refrigerator will cool infrared bolometers to 0.1 K to allow background limited sensitivity across the wavelength range from 0.2 to ≈1.5 mm. Two ADRs have been built and tested to demonstrate the capabilities required for a space mission. One, a laboratory ADR, achieves a hold time of > 12 h at 0.1 K. Temperature stability of ≈ 3 μK r.m.s. is obtained by regulating the magnetic field. A method for growing durable salt pills has been developed, and a system for suspending them with Kevlar cords has been demonstrated to withstand accelerations of 30 g from 5 Hz to 1 kHz. A second, similar ADR will fly on a balloon borne telescope. A ferromagnetic shield and a reliable, solenoid activated mechanical heat switch have been developed for this refrigerator. Techniques for constructing low heat leak current leads will also be discussed.
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