REMOTE FIRED RF GETTER FOR USE IN METAL INFRARED DETECTOR DEWAR

摘要

An infrared detector assembly (10) of the type used in munition and night vision systems has an RF activated getter (50). Such detector assemblies (10) include a tubular coldfinger (22) surrounded by a vacuum and supporting an infrared detector array (26) and related components. The RF getter (50) is located remote from the detector (26) and engages an inner wall surface of a metallic dewar housing (14). The RF getter (50) is activated via RF inductive heating (100, 102) directly through the metal dewar housing (14) such that sensitve IR detector components and hermetic braze joints are kept below their critical temperature. As a result, longer vacuum life and greater operational reliability of the infrared detector assembly (10) are provided.