Vacuum possible from Gaede mercury pump from 1913.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the historical context and capabilities of vacuum pumps, specifically the Gaede mercury pump used in experiments from 1913. Participants are exploring the definitions and standards of high vacuum during that time period, as well as the performance of different types of vacuum pumps.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Historical

Main Points Raised

  • One participant is modeling an experiment from 1913 and seeks clarification on what constituted a high vacuum at that time, specifically in relation to the Gaede mercury pump.
  • Another participant recalls a Scientific American article discussing vacuum pump options and challenges at low pressures, suggesting it may provide relevant information.
  • A different participant shares personal experience with a mercury diffusion pump, noting that it achieved a vacuum below 10-5 torr with the aid of a cryotrap.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus on the specific standards for high vacuum in 1913, and multiple viewpoints regarding vacuum capabilities and historical context are present.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the lack of clear definitions from the original 1913 paper regarding what was considered a high vacuum, as well as the potential limitations of historical knowledge on vacuum technology.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those studying the history of vacuum technology, the development of experimental physics methods, or individuals involved in vacuum systems and their applications.

sum10fishy
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I am working on a computer simulation for an undergraduate capstone project. In the simulation I am trying to model an experiment done by Moseley and Harling in 1913 described in the paper The Attainment of High Potentials by the Use of Radium found in the Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. Series A, Containing Papers of a Mathematical and Physical Character Vol. 88, No. 605, Jul. 1, 1913.

In the paper they draw a vacuum using a Gaede mercury pump while heating their apparatus as well as some other measures to try and achieve a very high vacuum, however, they never state what they consider a high vacuum.

Does anyone know what was considered the highest possible vacuum in 1913? I have done a good deal of searching but have had no luck in finding what vacuum was possible with this pump or at that time.

Thanks
 
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Scientific American did an excellent writeup on the various vacuum pump options and the issues arising at really low pressures, below .001 Tor. This was sometime in the 1960s, if memory serves, but it would answer your question.
 
I used a mercury diffusion pump (quite) some time ago. With a bit of heating the vacuum got down below 10-5 torr.
Of course there was a cryotrap between the pump and the vacuum vessel (liquid nitrogen).
 
Thank you both for the replies! I will see if I can get my hands on a copy of that article.
 

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