White PaperPhysical Sciences
Lightweight, Non-Magnetic UHV Suitcases Feature Atlas Technologies Aluminum Vacuum Chambers and Titanium/Aluminum Bimetal Flanges
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Atlas Technologies’ customer, VolkVac Instruments, needed a UHV chamber small enough and light enough to easily carry by hand. It needed to connect to another UHV chamber to allow transfer of samples under vacuum to a chamber in a new location. The sample handoff had to occur without opening the chambers or requiring bake-out. And the chamber had to be completely non-magnetic to allow transport of samples with delicate magnetic properties.
Atlas Technologies machined a vacuum chamber out of a single, solid block of aluminum for enhanced vacuum integrity. Then Atlas bimetal aluminum-titanium flanges were welded to multiple ports of the chamber to allow connection to different vacuum systems. Volkvac fitted the chamber with passive and battery-powered vacuum pumps to maintain UHV pressure.
Read the full story and learn more about explosion bonded specialty metals and the benefits of aluminum vacuum for UHV applications.
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Overview
The white paper discusses the development and advantages of ultra-lightweight aluminum vacuum chambers used in UHV (ultrahigh vacuum) suitcases, specifically designed by VolkVac Instruments in collaboration with Atlas Technologies. These suitcases are essential for researchers needing to transport delicate samples between UHV systems without exposing them to air, which could alter or damage their properties.
Traditional methods of transporting samples often require breaking the vacuum, leading to contamination and lengthy bake-out processes, especially with stainless steel chambers. In contrast, the aluminum chambers designed by Atlas are significantly lighter, easier to machine, and non-magnetic, making them ideal for transporting sensitive samples. The UHV suitcases weigh less than 10 kg, with an even lighter version at under 7 kg, enhancing portability.
The chambers are constructed from a single block of aluminum, ensuring enhanced vacuum integrity, and feature bimetal aluminum-titanium flanges. These flanges are crucial for maintaining airtight seals while providing the necessary durability for sharp knife edges, which are essential for effective sealing. The use of bimetal components allows for a lightweight and non-magnetic solution, addressing the challenges posed by traditional stainless steel materials.
The paper highlights the importance of collaboration between Atlas and VolkVac, emphasizing their combined expertise in aluminum and bimetal technology. This partnership has led to the optimization of UHV suitcases, which now incorporate advanced vacuum pumps and controllers to maintain UHV pressure during transport.
Overall, the white paper illustrates how the innovative design and materials used in these UHV suitcases not only improve the efficiency of sample transport but also enhance the reliability of experiments conducted in various high-tech environments, from particle colliders to semiconductor fabrication. This advancement represents a significant step forward in the field of vacuum technology and sample handling.