Recent advances in multiple-stage pulse tube cryocoolers provide the capability to cool scientific instruments and detectors to temperatures previously achievable only with liquid helium or solid hydrogen stored cryogens. Whereas stored cryogen systems are very heavy, with mission lifetimes of at most a few years, pulse tube coolers are simple, lightweight, power efficient, and offer mission lifetimes in excess of 10 years. This paper describes the capabilities and limitations of multiple-stage pulse tube coolers, and presents a simple formula useful for systems engineers who want to estimate the electrical power required by the cryocooler.
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