Focus on vacuum and cryogenics

Janis Research has developed a top-loading helium-3 cryostat offering a liquid ³He sample environment and a variable temperature insert with sample in ⁴He vapor. The cryostats were designed for the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory in Tallahassee, Florida; they fit a 32-mm room-temperature bore magnet with a maximum sample space of 17 mm. The base temperature is 300–320 mK in zero magnetic field, 380–400 mK with 400 µW of heat load in zero magnetic field, and 340 mK in a 45-tesla field. The holding time at base temperature is 40–60 hours in zero magnetic field. The sample space is a minimum 17-mm diameter. The ³He pot operating temperature range is 0.3 ~ 70 K. The variable temperature insert has a base temperature of 1.5 K and an operating temperature range of 1.5 ~ 300 K. Janis Research Company LLC, 2 Jewel Drive, Wilmington, MA 01887-3350, http://www.janis.com

Aerotech’s two new rotary stages—the MPS50GR and MPS75GR—are engineered for the confines and requirements of a laboratory or an R&D setting. The MPS-GR series of rotary stages are suitable for optics, measurement, alignment, inspection, and similar applications. The devices have precision worm-gear drive and bearing components for accurate and repeatable positioning and are available with DC servo or stepper motors. The MPS50GR has a 20-mm clear aperture, and the MPS75GR comes with a 30-mm one. The clear aperture allows the MPS-GR series to address applications that require a through hole or accommodations to mount an optic. Those applications include vision, camera, inspection, articulation of beam polarizing lenses, and through holes for cabling or air lines. The rotary stages provide performance of up to 80 arcsec of accuracy, 1 arcsec of resolution, 6 arcsec of repeatability, and 180 degrees/s of maximum speed. The top-load capacity is 12 kg, and the tilt error motion is 40 arcsec. Aerotech Inc, 101 Zeta Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15238, http://www.aerotech.com

The atto3DR, the three-dimensional sample rotator from Attocube, makes it possible to use the full magnetic field of a single solenoid in an arbitrary orientation relative to the sample. The plug-and-play module consists of two piezo-based slip-stick rotators whose combined motion allows for arbitrary mutual orientations of an external magnetic field vector—for example, from a standard single solenoid superconducting magnet—and the sample plane. The atto3DR comes fully wired with 20 measurement lines as twisted pairs. It also includes a convenient leadless ceramic chip carrier mount for quick and easy sample exchange of wire-bonded sample structures that are based on nonmagnetic pogo pins and two resistive encoders for the rotators so that full closed-loop operation is possible. With an outer diameter of 49 mm, the module is compatible with all attoDRY and attoLIQUID cryostat systems. Attocube systems AG, Königinstrasse 11a RGB, 80539 Munich, Germany, http://www.attocube.com

The Cryo-con model 22C is a two-input, four-output control-loop cryogenic temperature controller designed for general-purpose laboratory and industrial use. Each input is independent and, with an appropriate temperature sensor, is capable of temperature measurement to less than 200 mK. The four-output control-loop circuits feature a primary 50-W heater, a secondary 25-W heater, and two 10-V nonpowered outputs. All control modes are supported by all outputs. The front panel incorporates a high-resolution graphics, thin-film transistor-type LCD with an exceptionally wide viewing angle. The 22C has two independent input channels, each of which can be configured to operate virtually any type of cryogenic thermometer, and includes an option for up to two thermocouple sensors. A unique feature is the use of a ratiometric AC resistance bridge to measure all types of temperature sensors. The resistance bridge is used in a constant-voltage AC mode to provide robust support for negative temperature coefficient sensors. Cryogenic Control Systems Inc, 17279 La Brisa, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067, http://www.cryocon.com

According to Lake Shore Cryotronics, its model CRX-6.5K general-purpose, cryogen-free probe station is economical and convenient to use. It is suitable for engineers and scientists who want to characterize materials or test electronic device behavior before undertaking full device development. It can be used by researchers who are conducting liquid nitrogen–based measurements or who need a convenient environment capable of accurately controlling temperatures from under 10 K to 350 K (−263 °C to 77 °C), with an option for up to 675 K (400 °C). More flexible than optical cryostats, the model CRX-6.5K also accommodates larger samples. It features safe, convenient, cryogen-free operation and a self-contained, closed-cycle refrigerator, so no supervision is required during cool down. Lake Shore Cryotronics Inc, 575 McCorkle Boulevard, Westerville, OH 43082, http://www.lakeshore.com

The Master Bond elastomer system EP30D-10 offers the strength, flexibility, performance, and adhesive qualities traditionally associated with epoxies and the toughness and abrasion resistance of polyurethanes. The two-component adhesive is resistant to thermal cycling and chemicals, including water, inorganic salts, acids, and alkalis. Serviceable over the wide temperature range of 4 K to 220 °F, the EP30D-10 has been successfully used in numerous cryogenic applications. It cures at room temperature and more rapidly at elevated temperatures. With its excellent electrical insulation properties and optical clarity, the system is often used in casting and encapsulation applications in the electronics, aerospace, OEM, maintenance, repair and operations, and optical industries. Once cured, the flexibilized system develops a tensile strength of 1500 psi and an elongation exceeding 150% at 75 °F. The adhesive bonds well to a variety of substrates, including metals, wood, concrete, glass, vulcanized rubbers, and many plastics. Master Bond Inc, 154 Hobart Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601, http://www.masterbond.com

The MiniTest 300 from Pfeiffer Vacuum is a vacuum leak detector with quartz window technology. In the device, the helium is detected not as it usually is with a mass spectrometer but with a quartz window sensor. Weighing 5 kg, it can be used for mobile leak detection. When combined with the wireless remote control operation of the company’s RC 500 WL, the detector can be used by one person to test large facilities and systems for leaks. It can operate at a working pressure of up to 200 mbar without requiring additional pressure reduction. A helium partial-pressure measuring device, the MiniTest 300 requires no internal pumping system, and thus maintenance costs are lower than for traditional leak detectors. The detection limit of 5 × 10⁻⁷ mbar l/s—with a system pump speed of 1 l/s—makes it suitable for leak detection in industrial applications such as coating and vacuum systems and for vacuum furnaces. Pfeiffer Vacuum Inc, 24 Trafalgar Square, Nashua, NH 03063-1988, http://www.pfeiffer-vacuum.com

Yeagle Technology has introduced the Ultra Source, an electron-beam source for electron beam–physical vapor deposition (EB–PVD) applications. It retains the advantages of the original Sloan e-beam source, including large hearth capacity, high deposition rates, long filament life, and industrial reliability, but it has been reengineered for improved productivity and uptime. The Ultra Source features large pockets of up to 40 cm³, interchangeable crucibles, a 270° bent-beam design for longer filament life, and XY sweep capability. For users of original Sloan multipocket e-beam sources, the new device shares many of the same components, including expendables, magnets, anodes, beam formers, and filament blocks. Yeagle Technology Inc, 140 Nott Highway, Route 74, P. O. Box 217, Ashford, CT 06278, http://www.ytionline.com

Edwards has launched a new range of dry scroll vacuum pumps suitable for scientific, laboratory, research, and development applications. According to the company, the nXDS pump has excellent pumping capability, reliable vacuum performance, and advanced design features. It is an environmentally friendly, oil-free vacuum pump. As a dry pump, the nXDS has advantages over oil-sealed pumps; there is no need for regular oil changes, and users can benefit from low maintenance. The tip seals may last up to five years, increasing time in service and lowering cost of ownership. The efficient pumps feature intelligent control functions. Control modes include serial, USB, remote parallel, and analog and manual operation with up and down buttons. A full serial communications mode provides feedback about the state of the pump and enables users to optimize processes and schedule routine maintenance conveniently. Edwards Limited, Manor Royal, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 9LW, UK, http://www.edwardsvacuum.com

The new KNF N950.50 series of multiheaded diaphragm vacuum pumps are capable of simultaneously achieving high flow rates and deep vacuums for the quick and automatic transfer or evacuation of air and gases. Their use can reduce system size, weight, and cost while improving pumping performance. The compact, lightweight pumps suit a wide range of applications, including roughing and backing turbomolecular pumps, vacuum ovens and concentrators, chemiluminescence detectors, leak detectors, analytical instruments, and others that require vacuum conditions for various procedures and processes. The pumps can produce maximum flow rates of up to 50 l/m and maximum vacuum of less than 2 mbar abs. A liquid-tolerant pump design mitigates potential adverse effects from handling condensable media. The pumps exhibit a high level of gas tightness, can perform in any installed position, and operate without oil to eliminate any chance of contaminating the pumped medium. KNF Neuberger Inc, 2 Black Forest Road, Trenton, NJ 08691-1810, http://www.knf.com

Nucleofector PLUS supplements are a new add-on product from Lonza for use in combination with its Nucleofector kits. Used instead of the standard kit supplement, the specialized ones allow cryopreservation of freshly isolated or harvested cells in Nucleofector solution. According to the company, the nucleofection technology is the first efficient nonviral transfection method for primary neural cells. Because cell harvesting is decoupled from transfection, nucleofection experiments can be done at users’ convenience. Cells can be collected and stored for use at a later time, and deliver transfection results comparable to fresh cells. Larger cell batches can be cryopreserved so that researchers can avoid batch-to-batch variances in transfection results. Nucleofector PLUS supplements can therefore make whole experimental programs more consistent. Lonza Group Ltd, Münchensteinerstrasse 38, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland, http://www.lonza.com

Two high-pressure, compact residual gas analyzers (RGAs)—the HPQ3 and HPQ3S—have been introduced by MKS Instruments. They are robust, sensitive, fast physical vapor deposition (PVD) chamber sensors that do not require differential pumping. According to the company, the HPQ3 and HPQ3S employ field-proven technology and an advanced electronics platform to create a simple, reliable RGA sensor that is flexible and economical. The quadrupole monitors on both are automated. The RGAs interface with tool and factory process control using the TOOLweb RGA sensor platform, a turn-key, tool-integration software that allows complete integration. They can detect “single figure” ppm air leaks during the PVD process while monitoring all gas species in the mass range of 1–100 amu. The HPQ3 can provide data for processes up to a total pressure of 1.3 × 10⁻³ mbar; the HPQ3S can be used for specific higher-pressure applications up to 1 × 10⁻² mbar. MKS Instruments, 2 Tech Drive, Suite 201, Andover, MA 01810, http://www.mksinst.com

The Dryvac DV 450 from Oerlikon Leybold Vacuum complements the variants of the company’s existing Dryvac pumps and systems. The new pump combines dry screw technology and a compact design with extremely silent operation, low ambient temperatures, and minimal cooling water consumption. The DV 450 has an optimized drive for suction speeds of 450 m³/h and optimized engine efficiency, with only 5.3-kW power consumption at final pressure. A benefit for demanding processes is the operation at very low screw-rotor temperatures. Eliminating the possibility of layer buildup makes the pumps suitable for applications such as solar lamination. Various combinations may be made with the company’s Ruvac pumps. Arranged vertically in a standard mode, the overall plant footprint is reduced; in a horizontal arrangement, the pumps can be placed underneath a plant’s manufacturing systems. Oerlikon Leybold Vacuum USA Inc, 5700 Mellon Road, Export, PA 15632, http://www.oerlikon.com

Sierra Instruments has introduced a new cryogenic version of its InnovaMass 240 multivariable mass vortex flowmeter for advanced, reliable measurement of liquefied gases—including liquid nitrogen, liquid oxygen, liquefied natural gas, and liquefied petroleum gas—down to −328 °F (−200 °C). Historically gauged by inexact turbine flowmeters, liquid gas flow can now be calculated with precision using the new flowmeter, according to Sierra. The InnovaMass contains no moving parts that will wear out or require service, an advantage that provides stable readings and an increased service life. Its special cryogenic temperature resistance temperature detector performs mass calculations using density equations of state for liquid oxygen, nitrogen, argon, and carbon dioxide. The InnovaMass 240 features loop power, a programmable analog output, and a highway addressable remote transducer (or Modbus) signal riding on the same two wires. Sierra Instruments Inc, 5 Harris Court, Building L, Monterey, CA 93940, http://www.sierrainstruments.com

Kurt J. Lesker, in conjunction with UHV Design, has completed a new brochure, Vacuum Manipulation Products for Synchrotron Applications. UHV Design is a supplier of ultra-high-vacuum manipulation devices ranging from linear actuators to complete multiaxis sample manipulators. Combining UHV design principles with experience in industry applications, UHV Design claims its products suit the requirements of synchrotrons for precision, long life, and vacuum performance. With in-house control of design, manufacture, and testing, the company can rapidly customize its UHV manipulators to meet specific needs. The brochure outlines each product offered for synchrotron use and provides examples of their applications on transfer paths, storage rings, beamlines, and end stations. The brochure is available at http://www.lesker.com/NewWeb/Literature/PDF/Synchrotron-KJLC-USA-Brochure.pdf. Kurt J. Lesker Company, 3983 First Street, Livermore, CA 94551-4909, http://www.lesker.com