Abstract:
The partial pressure gauge consists of a combination of a magnetically confined cold-cathode discharge for the ionization of the residual gas in a vacuum system (ion source) and the magnetic separation of the ion masses (mass spectrometer). A suitable inhomogenous magnetic field configuration is instrumental in producing such a discharge that the energy spread of the ions is sufficiently small, which in turn guarantees the resolution required for mass separation in partial pressure measurements (for purposes of leak detection). The ions are accelerated solely within the electric field of the discharge. The special shape of the cold-cathode discharge influences the electric field in such a manner that the energy of the emitted ions is low and remains virtually independent of the potential applied to sustain the discharge. Due to the low ion energy a moderate magnetic field suffices for the mass separation. Hence, the mass spectrometer and the ion source can be integrated within the same magnetic field assembly.
Abstract:
Apparatus for ionizing gases at very low pressures comprising inner and outer electrodes wherein the inner electrode is substantially circular in cross section and the outer electrode surrounding the inner electrode may be other than a figure of revolution or may be eccentrically positioned with respect to the inner electrode which inner electrode is less in length than two times the length of the surrounding outer electrode and is spaced therefrom a distance which is greater than the diameter of the inner electrode for a distance of not less than two-thirds the length of the surrounding outer electrode.
Abstract:
A COLD CATHODE MAGNETRON IONIZATION GAUGE FOR MEASURING VERY LOW PRESSURES, PARTICULARLY IN ENVIRONMENTS SUBJECT TO HIGH ACCELERATION AND VIBRATION CONDITIONS. MAGNETIC FLUX FOR INFLUENCING THE PATH OF ELECTRONS IS PROVIDED BY MEANS OF A HOLLOW MAGNET ENTIRELY ENCLOSED WITHIN THE GAUGE CAVITY. THE LOCATION OF THE MAGNET AND THE POSITION AND CONFIGURATION OF A PAIR OF CATHODES IS SUCH THAT A MAXIMUM PORTION OF THE AVAILABLE FLUX IS CONFINED TO THE USEFUL INTERNAL VOLUME OF THE GAUGE. THIS CONSTRUCTION ENSURES THAT MAGNETIC FLUX CLOSING OUTSIDE THE GAUGE IS HELD TO A MINIMUM.