Sizing the apparatus is an unknown quantity - at this juncture. I do know - by way of the back of the envelope - that this stuff cools like Jack the Bear. And if we had a thermocouple-based loop-back system to electronically regulate the release (think disposable butane lighter hack) so that if we are detecting a return to above acceptable imager temps .. we deliver a metered blast of mind-bendingly cool Chill-Out.
This could well be delivered to the back of a single-stage peltier cooler providing a nice chilly back-door temperature. Ideally; a sintered metal spheroid pad attached to the back of the single-stage Peltier device would provide needed thermal mass (thermal inertia) ostensibly to even out the humps .. allow for more regulated behaviour. mhm : )
Could have a 'starter can' to get the thermal ball rolling .. and then switch to auto. Monitor coolant left in can by placing can on analytical balance of some description .. i.e digital scale.
I'm glad you like my left-field, out-of-bounds ideas : )
reasonably readable discussion re: CCD cooling considerations - check out some of the other articles they have to offer. Nice broad range .. reasonably in-depth..could benefit from a bit of proof-reading ..oh well ... busy world we live in. : )
http://www.astrophys-assist.com/educate/noise/noise.htm
The stuff is cheap .. I see it on sale at the various electronic shops around town .. 4 bucks a half liter-sized vessel we'll suggest. Plus tax. : )
some circuit chiller specs .. not that much info online (surprisingly)
http://images.google.ca/images?hl=en...-8&sa=N&tab=wi
Silicone Grease
Ask around at contractor plumbing supply-houses for silicone grease .. otherwise tough to find .. used in high (hard) vacuum systems .. expensive on ebay (tube for 40+ dollars) .. 5 gram little pot for 3 dollars at plumbing place woo hoo : ) I use it on any and all rubber fittings. Protects against UV degradation and won't chew rubber - over time - as petroleum-based greases/lubricants are known to do. 10 - 4
