Cryogenics Activities / Cryogenics cryocoolers

Full range of compact, efficient and reliable cryogenics solutions for all your needs

  • Defence
  • Land

Cryogenics is a key enabling technology for systems across defence, civil, industry or space applications, providing essential performance at extremely low temperatures. Thales offers high-expertise cryogenic products, developed across two dedicated sites in France and the Netherlands, that are compact, efficient, and reliable. Leveraging many advanced technologies, Thales delivers tailored solutions to meet the specialised needs of diverse industries and critical applications.

Key figures

Thales, your partner in building long-term success

  1. 110,000+

    cryocoolers delivered

  2. #1 in Europe

    in cryogenic technology between 50K and 200K

  3. 35+ years of experience

    in manufacturing and supplying cryocoolers

  4. 100+ cryocoolers in space

    for low-cost space applications and more

Compact, Efficient and Reliable cryocoolers for enhanced infrared imaging

For over 35 years, Thales has manufactured a comprehensive range of advanced cryocoolers including Rotary Integral Stirling, Linear Stirling, and Pulse-Tube. Designed for high-performance infrared systems, our technology reduces thermal noise, enhancing image resolution and long-distance detection in the harshest environments. Their flexible designs adapt to specific needs while maintaining proven reliability.

Over time, our teams have improved, not only the reliability of our cryocoolers, but also made them more compact, quieter, lighter, and more energy-efficient, ideal for SWaP applications. Based on Stirling or Pulse-tube technology, our single-stage cryocoolers are suitable for cooling down small components to temperatures below 50 Kelvin (K). Thales ensures maximum customer satisfaction by providing associated products (coldfingers, tooling, drivers) along with a wide range of support services.

Cryocooling technology

Key figures

Full range of cryocoolers for all your needs

15K - 150K
Cold temperature range
Up to 10W @ 77K
Maximum cryogenic capacity
Less than 1W 
SWAP cooler input power
1.8+ million
Pulse Tube operating hours
100+
cryocoolers sent to space

Related cryogenic solutions

Explore the solutions that leverage cryogenic technologies

SOPHIE Hand Held Thermal Imagers for land operations

SOPHIE Ultima and SOPHIE Optima allow platoon leaders and specialised forces units to operate during the day and at night.

  • Dismounted combat
  • Defence
  • Land

Airborne Tactical Reconnaissance & Targeting

Attack, Reconnaissance, Navigation

  • Air combat
  • Fighter
  • Defence

Optronics Mast Family

Next-generation sensors and stabilisation technology for optimal situational awareness, even in the roughest of seas

  • Defence
  • Naval
  • Anti submarine warfare

Contact us for more information about our solutions

Q&A

The most common questions regarding cryocoolers