Path to Low Cost and High Reliability Stirling Coolers

Superconductor Technologies Inc. (STI) has developed a novel Stirling cycle refrigerator to meet the cryogenic cooling requirements demanded for high temperature superconductor (HTS) electronics applications. This free piston, gas bearing, external motor coil Stirling cooler shows high efficiency (>4W lift at 77K with 130W input power), ruggedness, and the potential for low cost manufacturing and long life. It is now being manufactured in small quantities in a pilot production facility at STI while also undergoing reliability testing and development. In addition, manufacturing is being transferred to a volume production facility.