A germanium gamma-ray detector contained in a vacuum insulated cryostat is provided. The present invention provides a low-cost, high-performance, and highly reliable cooling system for germanium detectors. Moreover, the present invention provides a germanium detector operating environment that meets all the requirements for optimum performance of such detectors incorporating said cooling system. A self-cleaning cooler includes a counter-current heat exchanger which is received within a cooler housing. A removable cryostat is provided for being carried by the cooler housing. A capsule cold finger provides the cooling path to germanium detector element. A centering spacer/isolator is provided for maintaining the position and supporting the weight of the detector in an end cap without conducting an excessive amount of heat into the detector. A capsule flange is provided to substantially close the volume within the end cap. The heat exchanger and the throttle capillary of the cooler cool the cold block. A thermal link is thermally connected to a cooler cold finger. A threaded bayonet mates with the detachable cryostat and completes an insulating vacuum space for the cooler section. The cold block incorporates a heater and temperature sensor to accurately control the temperature. of the germanium detector. An external temperature controller is provided for monitoring the temperature sensor and modulating the heat input into the heater to maintain the proper temperature for optimum performance of the germanium detector.
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