Remote fired RF getter for use in metal infrared detector dewar
US5111049A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 21, 1990 |
| Grant date | May 5, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 21, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF17C2270/0509
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An infrared detector assembly (10) of the type used in munition and night vision systems having an RF activated getter (50). Such detector assemblies (10) include a tubular coldfinger (22) surrounded by a vacuum and which supports infrared detector array (26) and related components. In accordance with this invention, RF getter (50) is located remote from detector array (26) and engages an inner wall surface (56) of a metallic dewar housing (14). The RF getter (50) is activated via RF inductive heating directly through the metal dewar housing (14) such that sensitive IR detector components and hermetic braze joints are kept below their critical temperature. As a result, the present invention provides longer vacuum life and greater operational reliability of infrared detector assembly (10).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.