What is a cryocooler?

Cryocoolers are compact refrigeration devices designed to achieve and maintain extremely low temperatures, often below -150°C (123 K). They are commonly used to cool scientific instruments, infrared detectors, superconducting devices, and other equipment that requires cryogenic temperatures. Cryocoolers use various thermodynamic cycles, such as Stirling or Gifford-McMahon cycles, to remove heat from a small, localized area efficiently. Their compactness and reliability make them essential in aerospace, medical imaging, and research applications.