Abstract:
An ionization gauge to measure pressure, while controlling the location of deposits resulting from sputtering when operating at high pressure, includes at least one electron source that emits electrons, and an anode that defines an ionization volume. The ionization gauge also includes a collector electrode that collects ions formed by collisions between the electrons and gas molecules and atoms in the ionization volume, to provide a gas pressure output. The electron source can be positioned at an end of the ionization volume, such that the exposure of the electron source to atom flux sputtered off the collector electrode and envelope surface is minimized. Alternatively, the ionization gauge can include a first shade outside of the ionization volume, the first shade being located between the electron source and the collector electrode, and, optionally, a second shade between the envelope and the electron source, such that atoms sputtered off the envelope are inhibited from depositing on the electron source.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for operating a multi-hot-cathode ionization gauge is provided to increase the operational lifetime of the ionization gauge in gaseous process environments. In example embodiments, the life of a spare cathode is extended by heating the spare cathode to a temperature that is insufficient to emit electrons but that is sufficient to decrease the amount of material that deposits on its surface or is optimized to decrease the chemical interaction between a process gas and a material of the at least one spare cathode. The spare cathode may be constantly or periodically heated. In other embodiments, after a process pressure passes a given pressure threshold, plural cathodes may be heated to a non-emitting temperature, plural cathodes may be heated to a lower emitting temperature, or an emitting cathode may be heated to a temperature that decreases the electron emission current.
Abstract:
An ionization gauge for isolating an electron source from gas molecules includes the electron source for generating electrons, a collector electrode for collecting ions formed by the impact between the electrons and gas molecules, and an electron window which isolates the electron source from the gas molecules. The ionization gauge can have an anode which defines an anode volume and retains the electrons in a region of the anode. The ionization gauge can have a plurality of electron sources and/or collector electrodes. The collector electrode(s) can be located within the anode volume or outside the anode volume. The ionization gauge can have a mass filter for separating the ions based on mass-to-charge ratio. The ionization gauge can be a Bayard-Alpert type that measures pressure or a residual gas analyzer that determines a gas type.
Abstract:
Ionization gauge and method of operating same where the gauge may be of the Bayard-Alpert type and include a shield which completely encloses the electron source, the anode, and the collector electrode so that potentials external to the shield do not disturb the electric charge distribution within the shielded volume to thus stabilize the sensitivity of the gauge. The ionization gauge is further characterized by the following features which may be present either alone or in combination including: (a) the anode is provided with end caps which extend radially inward at least 25% of the radius of the anode but not more than 75% of the radius; (b) the ion collector has a diameter of not less than 0.015 in. and not more than 0.080 in.; (c) the ion collector extends at its free end at least through one of the partial end caps of the anode; (d) the electron source is not substantially longer axially than the region within the anode volume in which the electric field is predominantly directed radially inward and where the electron source is located substantially only adjacent to the foregoing region; (e) the anode is provided with a substantially uniformly transparent grid structure in the regions where the electrons enter the anode volume and where they exit from the anode volume.
Abstract:
A hot filament ionization gauge is provided with a very small diameter and/or very short collector to limit interception of X-ray flux. Suitable gauge sensitivity is achieved by additionally collecting ions at the collector support, which is shielded from the X-ray flux by a shield. Collection of ions by the shield is avoided by maintaining the shield at grid potential.
Abstract:
The rate of vapor deposition in a vacuum furnace heated by electron bombardment is monitored or controlled. The vapor is ionized, preferably by the same electron bombardment as produces it. The ionized vapor radiates light which is detected at one or more locations within the furnace, preferably by a photomultiplier optically coupled by a light pipe to the interior of the furnace. The light detector produces a signal indicative of the intensity of the light detected and, hence, of the vapor density. Optical filters may be used to pass light of frequency characteristic of particular elements, so that the relative intensity of the particular elements in the vapor may be selectively detected. The signals may be recorded or used to control the heating and, hence, vapor density, as by controlling the electron emission from an electron gun.