Dr. Ingo N. Rühlich Profile

Dr. Ingo N. Rühlich

Head of Cryocoolers at AIM INFRAROT-MODULE GmbH

SPIE Involvement:

Author | Editor | Instructor

Publications (23)

Proceedings Article | 7 June 2024 Presentation + Paper

SX035 linear cooler: application for harsh environments

M. Nussberger, C. Rosenhagen, M. Mai, A. Withopf, J. Rapp, I. Rühlich

Proceedings Volume 13046, 130461S (2024) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3017832

KEYWORDS: Vibration, Design, Cryocoolers, Reliability, Infrared sensors, Helium

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Proceedings Article | 15 June 2023 Presentation

Improvement of SF100 Stirling-type cryocooler

Ingo Rühlich, Marcel Nussberger, Markus Mai, Carsten Rosenhagen

Proceedings Volume 12534, 125340E (2023) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2667038

KEYWORDS: Cryocoolers, Reliability, Design and modelling, Compliance

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Proceedings Article | 7 May 2019 Paper

Update on AIM HOT cooler developments

M. Nussberger, S. Zehner, A. Withopf, J. Rapp, C. Rosenhagen, M. Mai, I. Rühlich

Proceedings Volume 11002, 1100209 (2019) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2520488

KEYWORDS: Reliability, Cryocoolers, Sensors, Mid-IR, Electronics, Control systems, Long wavelength infrared

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Proceedings Article | 14 May 2018 Presentation

AIM dual-use cryocoolers for commercial applications (Conference Presentation)

Ingo Rühlich, Markus Mai, Carsten Rosenhagen, Thomas Wiedmann, Andreas Withopf, Sebastian Zehner

Proceedings Volume 10626, 106260I (2018) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2312208

KEYWORDS: Cryocoolers

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Proceedings Article | 14 May 2018 Presentation

Compact high-performance linear coolers for harsh environments (Conference Presentation)

Ingo Rühlich, Markus Mai, Carsten Rosenhagen, Thomas Wiedmann, Andreas Withopf, Sebastian Zehner

Proceedings Volume 10626, 1062606 (2018) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2312217

KEYWORDS: Sensors, Cryocoolers, Data modeling, Infrared detectors, Sensor performance, Infrared sensors, Electronics, Performance modeling

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Proceedings Article | 24 June 2014 Paper

Optimized MCT IR-modules for high-performance imaging applications

R. Breiter, D. Eich, H. Figgemeier, H. Lutz, J. Wendler, I. Rühlich, S. Rutzinger, T. Schallenberg

Proceedings Volume 9070, 90702V (2014) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2050731

KEYWORDS: Readout integrated circuits, Staring arrays, Sensors, Long wavelength infrared, Mid-IR, Liquid phase epitaxy, Gallium arsenide, Short wave infrared radiation, Electronics, Detector arrays

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Proceedings Article | 24 June 2014 Paper

AIM cryocooler developments for HOT detectors

I. Rühlich, M. Mai, A. Withopf, C. Rosenhagen

Proceedings Volume 9070, 90702P (2014) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2052698

KEYWORDS: Sensors, Cryocoolers, Infrared detectors, Electronics, Infrared technology, Infrared sensors, Temperature metrology, Medium wave, Staring arrays, Digital electronics

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Significantly increased FPA temperatures for both Mid Wave and Long Wave IR detectors, i.e. HOT detectors, which have been developed in recent years are now leaving the development phase and are entering real application. HOT detectors allowing to push size weight and power (SWaP) of Integrated Detectors Cooler Assemblies (IDCA’s) to a new level. Key component mainly driving achievable weight, volume and power consumption is the cryocooler. AIM cryocooler developments are focused on compact, lightweight linear cryocoolers driven by compact and high efficient digital cooler drive electronics (DCE) to also achieve highest MTTF targets. This technology is using moving magnet driving mechanisms and dual or single piston compressors. Whereas SX030 which was presented at SPIE in 2012 consuming less 3 WDC to operate a typical IDCA at 140K, next smaller cooler SX020 is designed to provide sufficient cooling power at detector temperature above 160K. The cooler weight of less than 200g and a total compressor length of 60mm makes it an ideal solution for all applications with limited weight and power budget, like in handheld applications. For operating a typical 640x512, 15μm MW IR detector the power consumption will be less than 1.5WDC. MTTF for the cooler will be in excess of 30,000h and thus achieving low maintenance cost also in 24/7 applications. The SX020 compressor is based on a single piston design with integrated passive balancer in a new design achieves very low exported vibration in the order of 100mN in the compressor axis. AIM is using a modular approach, allowing the chose between 5 different compressor types for one common Stirling expander. The 6mm expander with a total length of 74mm is now available in a new design that fits into standard dewar bores originally designed for rotary coolers. Also available is a 9mm coldfinger in both versions. In development is an ultra-short expander with around 35mm total length to achieve highest compactness. Technical solutions and key performance data for AIM’s HOT cryocoolers will be presented.

Proceedings Article | 11 June 2013 Paper

Next generation cooled long range thermal sights with minimum size, weight, and power

R. Breiter, T. Ihle, J. Wendler, I. Rühlich, J. Ziegler

Proceedings Volume 8704, 87040P (2013) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2015516

KEYWORDS: Firearms, Collimators, Infrared imaging, Thermal weapon sights, Sensors, Laser range finders, Video, Electronics, Dismounted soldiers, Mid-IR

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Proceedings Article | 31 May 2012 Paper

State-of-the-art MCT IR-modules with enhanced long term and cycle stability

R. Breiter, J. Wendler, H. Lutz, S. Rutzinger, T. Schallenberg, J. Ziegler, I. Rühlich

Proceedings Volume 8353, 83532L (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.919243

KEYWORDS: Long wavelength infrared, Mid-IR, Nonuniformity corrections, Staring arrays, Calibration, Detector arrays, Electronics, Sensors, Thermography, Readout integrated circuits

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Proceedings Article | 31 May 2012 Paper

Compact high-efficiency linear cryocooler in single-piston moving magnet design for HOT detectors

I. Rühlich, M. Mai, C. Rosenhagen, A. Withopf, S. Zehner

Proceedings Volume 8353, 83531T (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.920101

KEYWORDS: Cryocoolers, Sensors, Staring arrays, Electronics, Infrared detectors, Neodymium, Magnetic sensors, Electroluminescence, Ions, Infrared sensors

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Proceedings Article | 28 September 2011 Paper

High operating temperature IR-modules with small pitch for SWaP reduction and high performance applications

H. Lutz, R. Breiter, D. Eich, I. Rühlich, S. Rutzinger, T. Schallenberg, J. Wendler, R. Wollrab, J. Ziegler

Proceedings Volume 8185, 818504 (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.900347

KEYWORDS: Long wavelength infrared, Sensors, Mid-IR, Detector arrays, Detector development, Cryocoolers, Infrared sensors, Staring arrays, Readout integrated circuits, Electro optics

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Proceedings Article | 21 May 2011 Paper

Development of miniature moving magnet cryocooler SX040

I. Rühlich, M. Mai, C. Rosenhagen, A. Schreiter, C. Möhl

Proceedings Volume 8012, 80122G (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.884644

KEYWORDS: Cryocoolers, Magnetism, Staring arrays, Helium, Manufacturing, Reliability, Resistance, Computer aided design, Copper, Infrared imaging

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State of the art high performance cooled IR systems need to have more than just excellent E/O performance. Minimum size weight and power (SWaP) are the design goals to meet our forces' mission requirements. Key enabler for minimum SWaP of IR imagers is the operation temperature of the focal plane array (FPA) employed. State of the art MCT or InAsSb nBn technology has the potential to rise the FPA temperature from 77 K to 130-150 K (high operation temperature HOT) depending on the specific cut-off wavelength. Using a HOT FPA will significantly lower SWaP and keep those parameters finally dominated by the employed cryocooler. Therefore compact high performance cryocoolers are mandatory. For highest MTTF life AIM developed its Flexure Bearing Moving Magnet product family "SF". Such coolers achieve more than 20000 h MTTF with Stirling type expander and more than 5 years MTTF life with Pulse Tube coldfinger (like for Space applications). To keep the high lifetime potential but to significantly improve SWaP AIM is developing its "SX" type cooler family. The new SX040 cooler incorporates a highly efficient dual piston Moving Magnet driving mechanism resulting in very compact compressor of less than 100mm length. The cooler's high lifetime is also achieved by placing the coils outside the helium vessel as usual for moving magnet motors. The mating ¼" expander is extremely compact with less than 63 mm length. This allows a total dewar length from optical window to expander warm end of less than 100 mm even for large cold shields. The cooler is optimized for HOT detectors with operating temperatures exceeding 95 K. While this kind of cooler is the perfect match for many applications, handheld sights or targeting devices for the dismounted soldier are even more challenging with respect to SWaP. AIM therefore started to develop an even smaller cooler type with single piston and balancer. This paper gives an overview on the development of this new compact cryocooler. Technical details and performance data will be shown.

Proceedings Article | 21 May 2011 Paper

High operating temperature IR-modules with reduced pitch for SWaP sensitive applications

R. Breiter, J. Wendler, H. Lutz, S. Rutzinger, T. Ihle, J. Ziegler, I. Rühlich

Proceedings Volume 8012, 80122V (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.884009

KEYWORDS: Mid-IR, Long wavelength infrared, Sensors, Modulation transfer functions, Thermal weapon sights, Staring arrays, Firearms, Electronics, Standards development, Thermography

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Proceedings Article | 4 May 2010 Paper

Performance and reliability enhancement of linear coolers

M. Mai, I. Rühlich, A. Schreiter, S. Zehner

Proceedings Volume 7660, 76602N (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.855207

KEYWORDS: Reliability, Cryocoolers, Magnetism, Adhesives, Contamination, Thermodynamics, Infrared detectors, Device simulation, Helium, Epoxies

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Proceedings Article | 12 May 2009 Paper

Development trends in IR detector coolers

M. Mai, I. Rühlich, Th. Wiedmann, C. Rosenhagen

Proceedings Volume 7298, 729819 (2009) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.822438

KEYWORDS: Cryocoolers, Reliability, Infrared detectors, Standards development, Detector development, Contamination, Infrared imaging, Helium, Sensors, Infrared technology

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Proceedings Article | 15 May 2008 Paper

IR technology for enhanced force protection by AIM

R. Breiter, T. Ihle, W. Rode, J. Wendler, I. Rühlich, M. Haiml, J. Ziegler

Proceedings Volume 6940, 69401J (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.776747

KEYWORDS: Sensors, Thermography, Infrared imaging, Short wave infrared radiation, Staring arrays, Infrared technology, Laser range finders, Explosives, Infrared sensors, Remote sensing

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Proceedings Article | 14 May 2007 Paper

Flexure bearing compressor in the one watt linear (OWL) envelope

I. Rühlich, M. Mai, Th. Wiedmann, C. Rosenhagen

Proceedings Volume 6542, 65422I (2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.722111

KEYWORDS: Infrared detectors, Standards development, Helium, Finite element methods, Temperature metrology, Reliability, Missiles, Surveillance, Homeland security, Cryocoolers

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Proceedings Article | 3 October 2006 Paper

AIM results for space-qualified HgCdTe photovoltaic detectors from 0.9-um to 13-um spectral range

M. Haiml, A. Bauer, H. Bitterlich, M. Bruder, K. Hofmann, H. Lutz, M. Mai, H.-P. Nothaft, I. Rühlich, J. Wendler, T. Wiedmann, R. Wollrab, J. Ziegler

Proceedings Volume 6361, 636119 (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.689700

KEYWORDS: Sensors, Staring arrays, Short wave infrared radiation, Readout integrated circuits, Mercury cadmium telluride, Ionization, Infrared radiation, Clocks, Thermography, Infrared sensors

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Proceedings Article | 31 May 2005 Paper

Pulse tube cryocooler for IR applications

H. Korf, I. Ruhlich, M. Mai, G. Thummes

Proceedings Volume 5783, (2005) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.605668

KEYWORDS: Head, Cryocoolers, Reliability, Superconductors, Phase shifts, Manufacturing, Infrared detectors, Solids, Infrared radiation, Infrared technology

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Proceedings Article | 30 August 2004 Paper

Reliability enhancement of common module systems

Gisbert Schellenberger, Ingo Ruehlich, Herbert Korf, Juergen Petrie, Rolf Muenter

Proceedings Volume 5406, (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.546458

KEYWORDS: Sensors, Curium, Electronics, Electromagnetic coupling, Interfaces, Reliability, Infrared imaging, Control systems, Optical filters, Diodes

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Proceedings Article | 19 February 2004 Paper

High-performance IR detector modules

Joachim Wendler, Wolfgang Cabanski, Ingo Ruehlich, Johann Ziegler

Proceedings Volume 5251, (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.512836

KEYWORDS: Sensors, Staring arrays, Electronics, Infrared detectors, Quantum well infrared photodetectors, Control systems, Signal detection, Forward looking infrared, Thermography, Video

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Proceedings Article | 23 January 2003 Paper

Advanced control electronics for Stirling cryocoolers

Ingo Ruehlich, Herbert Korf, Gisbert Schellenberger

Proceedings Volume 4820, (2003) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.454638

KEYWORDS: Electronics, Control systems, Sensors, Cryocoolers, Terbium, Standards development, Ranging, Reliability, Copper, Electromagnetic coupling

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Proceedings Article | 15 December 2000 Paper

Performance enhancement of linear stirling cryocoolers

Herbert Korf, Ingo Ruehlich, Th. Wiedmann

Proceedings Volume 4130, (2000) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.409879

KEYWORDS: Cryocoolers, Magnetism, Reliability, Sensors, Space operations, Stereolithography, Electromagnetic interference, Lead, Head, Infrared detectors

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Showing 5 of 23 publications

Proceedings Volume Editor (1)

SPIE Conference Volume | 26 July 2016

Tri-Technology Device Refrigeration (TTDR)

Conference Committee Involvement (11)

Tri-Technology Device Refrigeration (TTDR) III

18 April 2018 | Orlando, FL, United States

Tri-Technology Device Refrigeration (TTDR) II

11 April 2017 | Anaheim, CA, United States

Tri-Technology Device Refrigeration (TTDR)

19 April 2016 | Baltimore, MD, United States

Infrared Technology and Applications XLI

20 April 2015 | Baltimore, MD, United States

Infrared Technology and Applications XL

5 May 2014 | Baltimore, MD, United States

Showing 5 of 11 Conference Committees

Course Instructor

SC840: IR Detector Cryocoolers

This course provides attendees with a basic understanding of all relevant aspects of tactical cryocoolers including working principles, efficiency, reliability, temperature stability, EMI, and vibration. Different types of tactical cryocoolers such as integral and split rotary, conventional and flexure bearing type split linear, and Pulse Tube type coolers are introduced. Their systematic advantages and drawbacks are discussed in detail. You will become fluent with choosing the best type of cryocooler for a specific system.

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