In 1986, the first model K506A micro IDCA (integral dewar cooler assembly) was introduced as a pioneer in the market of the infrared thermal imaging community. Since then, more than 2000 K506 coolers have been sold by Ricor and fielded in a variety of electro-optical instruments. A vast majority of these microcoolers have been integrated with Cincinnati Electronics detector/dewar assemblies. During the last year, two additional models of this family were introduced, model K508A -- having 500 mW at 80 K cooling power, and model K543 -- having 1000 mW at 80 K cooling power. These two models are in final qualification programs and are in a preliminary fielding process. A general view of these models is presented. As part of the qualification program, a life demonstration test is carried out under the supervision of EL-OP LTD. The mean time to first failure as based on the June 12, 1995 status of these ongoing tests is: MTTF > 3000 hours for the model K508A and MTTF > 3800 hours for model K543. Testing is continuing until all units have failed, as the coolers continue to run, the MTTF values will increase proportionately.

Date Published: 8 September 1995
PDF: 7 pages
Proc. SPIE 2552, Infrared Technology XXI, (8 September 1995); doi: 10.1117/12.218248

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 2552:
Infrared Technology XXI
Bjorn F. Andresen; Marija Strojnik, Editor(s)