Neon recovery and reliquefication for low temperature characterization of infrared focal plane arrays
ID: SF242-0018Type: BOTH
Overview

Topic

Neon recovery and reliquefication for low temperature characterization of infrared focal plane arrays

Agency

Department of DefenseN/A

Program

Type: SBIRPhase: BOTHYear: 2024

Topic Link

https://www.sbir.gov/node/2608205

Additional Information

https://www.defensesbirsttr.mil/SBIR-STTR/Opportunities/
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the topic "Neon recovery and reliquefication for low temperature characterization of infrared focal plane arrays" as part of their SBIR 24.2 Annual solicitation. The objective of this topic is to develop commercial products that allow infrared detector characterization lab users to recover, purify, and reliquefy neon gas at a small scale (<10 liters per day) for use in cryogenic dewars. This technology will reduce the burden of acquiring additional liquid neon and enable more efficient characterization of infrared focal plane arrays. Liquid neon is an ideal cryogen for this purpose due to its low boiling point and high refrigerant capacity. However, it is currently expensive and difficult to obtain. The proposed solution should be similar to existing helium reliquefiers but with a smaller capacity and the ability to be transportable to remote experiments. The project will be conducted in two phases: Phase I involves a feasibility study and development of plans, while Phase II focuses on building and delivering a prototype system. If successful, the prototype will be commercialized to improve the availability of liquid neon in DOD focal plane characterization laboratories and similar domestic laboratories across the US. The technology falls under the OUSD (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Space Technology. The solicitation is open until June 12, 2024. For more information, visit the SBIR topic link or the solicitation agency website.

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