Abstract: An infrared photodetector is disclosed which is deposited directly onto a Joule-Thomson cryostat. The cryostat includes an elongated body having gas-carrying channels contained therein. The photodetector is deposited directly onto one end of the elongated body to form a direct thermal path between the detector and cryostat, thereby eliminating the need for any intermediate thermal bridge such as a mechanical bond, thermal conductive paste or epoxy. The direct contact between the photodetector material and the cryostat reduces the thermal mass of the structure to be cooled by the cryostat, thereby decreasing both the time and the quantity of gas required to cool the detector.