Optical Science and Engineering ETDs
Publication Date
Summer 5-6-2020
Abstract
This dissertation describes the development of an all solid-state optical cryo-cooler. Crystals of 10% wt. ytterbium-doped yttrium lithium fluoride (Yb3+:YLF) are used to cool an infrared HgCdTe sensor payload to an absolute temperature below 135 K, equivalent to delta T equal 138 K below ambient. This record level of cooling is accomplished with a single stage, in a completely vibration-free environment, with a corresponding cooling power of 190 mW. This milestone is made possible by the design and fabrication of an undoped YLF thermal link that efficiently shields the payload with a non-right angle kink from intense anti-Stokes fluorescence while withstanding frequent thermal cycling. We also describe the design and implementation of novel MgF2 and sapphire thermal links that promise sub-100 K payload temperatures. This investigation considers thermal link materials that are CTE (Coefficients of Thermal Expansion) matched to YLF crystal and includes rigorous optical and thermal modeling with various geometries.
Degree Name
Optical Science and Engineering
Level of Degree
Doctoral
Department Name
Optical Science and Engineering
First Committee Member (Chair)
Dr. Mansoor Sheik-Bahae
Second Committee Member
Dr. Markus Hehlen
Third Committee Member
Dr. Arash Mafi
Fourth Committee Member
Dr. Francesca Cavallo
Keywords
Laser cooling, Optical Cryo-cooler, Thermal link, YLF
Document Type
Dissertation
Language
English
Recommended Citation
Meng, Junwei. "The Development of All Solid-State Optical Cryo-cooler." (2020). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/ose_etds/81
Included in
Applied Mechanics Commons, Heat Transfer, Combustion Commons, Mechanics of Materials Commons, Other Engineering Commons, Other Engineering Science and Materials Commons, Other Mechanical Engineering Commons, Semiconductor and Optical Materials Commons, Structural Materials Commons
