Multiscale design of cryogenic thermoelectric coolers for infrared detectors
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Cryogenic thermoelectric cooling of infrared (IR) detectors remains challenging because the performance of multistage coolers is governed by strongly coupled electrical, thermal, and geometrical parameters. Here, we present a multiscale design methodology combining the optimal control method (OCM), which determines the optimal stage configuration, operating current, and thermoelectric leg geometry, with finite-element modeling (FEM), which quantifies parasitic heat influx and refines the module design under realistic operating conditions. The methodology was demonstrated through the design of an eight-stage thermoelectric cooler for a 10 mW infrared detector operating at 150 K. The optimized architecture consists of a six-stage Bi 2 Te 3 -based high-temperature section and a two-stage hybrid Bi 0.5 Sb 1.5 Te 3 /Bi 0.91 Sb 0.09 ultra-low-temperature section. Compared with a conventional Bi 2 Te 3 design, the proposed architecture reduces the required number of thermoelectric unicouples by approximately 12 % (869 vs. 977) and decreases the electrical power consumption by approximately 12 % while maintaining the required cooling performance. FEM simulations further showed that parasitic heat influx increases the electrical power consumption of the ultra-low-temperature stage by approximately 34 %, demonstrating that these losses must be considered during module optimization. The proposed multiscale methodology enables the module architecture, geometry, and operating conditions to be determined before prototype fabrication.
Source: Energy Conversion and Management
Language: English
Subfield: Materials Chemistry
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,600
OpenAlex ID: W7222210170