Is there a see-through material with low outgassing rate?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the design of a low-atmospheric vacuum chamber capable of achieving pressures below 10^-7 torr while allowing visibility into the chamber. Participants suggest using borosilicate or aluminosilicate glass, which can minimize outgassing when combined with getters or pumps. The feasibility of a clamshell-style chamber is also explored, although concerns about seal surface area and implosion risks are noted. The conversation highlights the importance of evaluating commercial vacuum viewports that may meet the required specifications.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vacuum technology and pressure measurement
  • Familiarity with materials science, specifically borosilicate and aluminosilicate glass
  • Knowledge of outgassing phenomena and methods to mitigate it
  • Experience with vacuum chamber design and construction techniques
NEXT STEPS
  • Research commercial vacuum viewports rated for low pressures
  • Explore the use of getters and pumps in vacuum systems
  • Investigate the properties and applications of borosilicate and aluminosilicate glass
  • Learn about clamshell-style vacuum chamber designs and their sealing challenges
USEFUL FOR

Researchers, physicists, and engineers involved in vacuum technology, particularly those designing vacuum chambers for experimental setups requiring visibility and low outgassing rates.

Daniel Sadlier
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I am helping one of my old physics professor and his Phd design a low-atmospheric vacuum chamber and we're looking at different materials to prevent outgassing. However the tank is almost 1m long and all the equipment inside must be taken out and checked after each test. It would be nice if we could see into see which components aren't working or that need to be replaced. Is there a material out there that is transparent and has a minimal outgassing rate? The vacuum chamber must reduce to less than 10^-7 torr.

Thanks!
 
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Daniel Sadlier said:
less than 10^-7 torr.
Bake out time, resealing, outgassing? Any chance you can build multiple copies of your apparatus, and switch from "failed" to back-up "n" for lower down-time?
 
Borosilicate or aluminosilicate glass could work, but would require the use of a getter or pump to maintain that kind of pressure. There is also the risk of implosion, and it would probably be difficult to find someone to build a chamber that large.

W.r.t. constructing the chamber sliced down the middle (per your other thread,) I think you could definitely get away with a clamshell style chamber, although the surface area of the seal would probably be prohibitive for maintaining pressures that low. Can you actively pump on the system?

Are you at liberty to discuss any other details of the apparatus? An ultra-sciencey detector sounds right up my alley ;)
 
What is wrong with commercial vacuum viewports? Google found some rated for even lower pressures.
 

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