Vacuum possible from Gaede mercury pump from 1913.

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the vacuum capabilities of the Gaede mercury pump used in a 1913 experiment by Moseley and Harling, as detailed in the Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. The participants highlight the lack of specific definitions for "high vacuum" in the original paper and share insights on vacuum levels achievable with similar technologies. A mercury diffusion pump, when heated, can achieve vacuums below 10-5 torr, particularly when paired with a cryotrap using liquid nitrogen. The conversation emphasizes the historical context of vacuum technology and the need for further research into early 20th-century vacuum standards.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vacuum technology principles
  • Familiarity with historical scientific literature, specifically the Proceedings of the Royal Society
  • Knowledge of mercury diffusion pumps and their operational mechanics
  • Experience with cryogenic systems, particularly liquid nitrogen applications
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the specifications and performance of the Gaede mercury pump
  • Study the historical context of vacuum standards in the early 20th century
  • Examine the article from Scientific American regarding vacuum pump technologies from the 1960s
  • Learn about modern vacuum measurement techniques and their evolution
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in physics, particularly those focusing on vacuum technology, historical scientific experiments, and engineering applications involving high vacuum systems.

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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