Abstract: A vuilleumier-cycle refrigeration system of the type including first and second communicating, sealed, cylindrical, vessels having first and second displacers respectively mounted therein in sliding, sealing contact with the inner walls thereof, includes magnetic linkage between the two displacers for driving the displacers within the sealed vessels without contaminating the sealed vessels. With regard to the magnetic linkage, there are smaller, auxiliary cylindrical vessels coupled respectively to the first and second vessels, having smaller diameters, and thinner walls than the first and second vessels. Rods attached to the displacers and extending into the auxiliary vessels have magnetic material followers attached thereto. Magnetic-material drivers are moveable along the auxiliary vessels, opposite the followers, to thereby attract and move the magnetic-material followers and their attached displacers.