Structure modification tests of a staged pulse tube refrigerator have
been carried out for the purpose of increasing the performance and sim
plicity. The influence of operation parameters on cooling effect has b
een tested. To reach liquid helium temperatures by a two-stage pulse t
ube refrigerator, a double-orifice configuraton is utilized for enhanc
ing the phase shift effect. Experimental results and a discussion are
also presented. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.