Vacuum Chamber Window
Vacuum Chamber Window
(OP)
Sorry for the "noob-ness" of my first post. Hopefully I've put it in the right forum.
I am trying to design a vacuum chamber window with a working range as low as 10^-7 Torr. The size and form of the window are dictated by the existing chamber and the blank aluminum panel that the window will replace. The window is for normal observation and doesn't require specific optical properties other than visible light transmission.
Originally I wanted to use a cast acrylic but I'm concerned with outgassing. The advantage of acrylic is the ability to make it 477x777mm at a relatively low cost.
Fused-Silica Quartz seems better suited for VH/UHV but is seems much more expensive per unit of viewing area.
The task will get axed if it is prohibitively expensive or minimally functional. Is there an option that I have overlooked?
Thanks,
Rick
I am trying to design a vacuum chamber window with a working range as low as 10^-7 Torr. The size and form of the window are dictated by the existing chamber and the blank aluminum panel that the window will replace. The window is for normal observation and doesn't require specific optical properties other than visible light transmission.
Originally I wanted to use a cast acrylic but I'm concerned with outgassing. The advantage of acrylic is the ability to make it 477x777mm at a relatively low cost.
Fused-Silica Quartz seems better suited for VH/UHV but is seems much more expensive per unit of viewing area.
The task will get axed if it is prohibitively expensive or minimally functional. Is there an option that I have overlooked?
Thanks,
Rick





RE: Vacuum Chamber Window
RE: Vacuum Chamber Window
How are you sealing the window to the chamber?
Have you investigated the wide variety of current commercial solutions?
Regards,
Cory
Please see FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.
RE: Vacuum Chamber Window
CoryPad: The current blank panel uses a standard Parker face o-ring seal with a dovetail groove. The panel is secured with M10 SHCS around the perimeter.
I have looked at M.D.C., Huntington and Abbess Instruments webpages. There isn't a problem finding materials that can handle that range of vacuum. Rather, I need a material that is inexpensive at such large sizes AND capable of handling that level of vac.
You mentioned Acrylic and Quartz... they both have problems that are mentioned in my first post. I guess I will look into the others you mentioned in the meantime.
RE: Vacuum Chamber Window
RE: Vacuum Chamber Window
RE: Vacuum Chamber Window
I will look into the ultem but I'm holding out hope that the acrylic will work out.
Thanks for all the replies. Keep 'em coming.