Ricor's advanced rotary cryocooler for HOT IR detectors

The modern needs of the electro optical market for small low-power and light-weight IR systems are impelling development of High Operating Temperature (HOT) IR detectors, requiring development of dedicated cryocoolers. The development of cryocoolers focused on "SWAP-C" configuration means small size, low weight, low power consumption and attractive cost, in order to optimize IDDCA for modern compact thermal imagers. This paper will review the progress made with the new rotary K580 cryocooler for HOT detectors, update on qualification and life demonstration test results, present test results accumulated from production ramp-up and review the compliance with advanced HOT format arrays. The paper will also review planning for advanced Rotary version as further step of excellence with "SWAP-C" parameters.