VARIABLE APERTURE MECHANISM FOR CRYOGENIC ENVIRONMENT, AND METHOD

摘要

A device (10) operable in a ultra-high vacuum and in a cryogenic environment. The device has bi-stable solenoid motors (18) configured to drive a shutter assembly (12) defining an aperture (15) having a first shape when the motors are each disposed in the respective first position, and wherein the aperture has a second shape when the motors are each disposed in the respective second position. Actuators (30) responsive to the motors are thermally isolated from the cryogenic shutter assembly except when the motors position the shutter assembly to change a shape of the aperture. The device is suitable for use in FLIR and other thermally sensitive devices.