Hybrid regenerator for cryocooler

Abstract

A low temperature regenerator for a cryocooler includes a hybrid regenerative portion having regenerative materials of helium gas (“regenerative helium”) combined with rare earth materials. Helium is also used as the refrigerant in the cryocooler (“working helium”). Regenerative helium is contained in one or more regenerative networks of connected hollow regenerative channels or hollow tube(s). The one or more regenerative networks have at least one micro-opening to allow gas exchange between working helium and regenerative helium during the cryocooler operation. The regenerative networks include regenerative channels in one or more layers. Flow passages of working helium between the regenerative channels within each layer and between two adjacent layers of the regenerative networks are filled with particles of rare earth materials. The working helium exchanges heat with regenerative helium and rare earth materials, through the wall of the regenerative channels or hollow tubes and the surfaces of the rare earth materials.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.