The VPAL-A, manufactured by The Science Source
(TSS), has a number of interesting add-on packages that may be used with other
manufacturers' vacuum pumping systems and trainers. For those with MKS VTS-1B
trainers, I have indicated if a fitting adapter is needed or other accessory is
needed.
Contact The Science Source for ordering
details on the VPAL-A kits.
Please direct inquiries to me about using these TSS
VPAL-A kits with other vacuum systems.
Plasma Topics Kit #46010
This TSS kit includes a dc high voltage, current
limited power supply, components to perform sputter deposition, fixturing and
phosphor screen to create and view an electron beam, and a Hittorf ("detour")
tube to demonstrate obstructed and constricted glow discharges. (Please see
these video clips of a similar
ebeam device and a
Hittorf
tube.)
The TSS Plasma Topics Kit requires a special 1-3/8
inch diameter chamber with a KF40 compression fitting. These may be ordered
from TSS. The KF40 fitting replaces the standard 1-1/2 inch compression fitting
that is supplied with the MKS VTS-1B.
To use this kit, your vacuum system should be
capable of achieving stable pressures over the range of 50 milliTorr to 5 Torr.
Crookes Radiometer #46040
Toy radiometers are evacuated to a specific
pressure range and are then sealed. This item from TSS is a radiometer that is
connected to a KF40 flange. When connected to a pumping system that is equipped
with a pressure gauge, you can observe a variety of effects as the pressure
decends to about 1 Torr and then to below 0.1 Torr. The use of this device is
greatly enhanced if you are simultaneously observing a pressure vs time plot
(as may be done with the VTS-1B's MKS146 software). This radiometer shows
outgassing and thermal transpiration effects in a very vivid way.
Your vacuum system should be capable of operation
down to about 60 milliTorr or better.
Thermal Conductivity and Mean Free Path
#46042
This device consists of a hot wire element and
constant current power supply. It acts as a simple Pirani gauge. When the
sensor is attached to a vacuum system and the voltage across the filament is
monitored, the characteristic S-shaped voltage-pressure curve will be produced.
The most interesting use of the device is to use the relationships involving
mean free path, thermal conductivity and the filament diameter to calculate the
diameter of an "air" molecule. A full explanation is included with the device.
The sensor is contained in a 3/8 inch diameter
aluminum tube. This will insert directly into the fitting at the top of the
VTS-1B's standard glass chamber.
Your vacuum system should be capable of operation
over a range of 50 milliTorr to 5 Torr.
Who says you need high vacuum conditions to
metallize a substrate by vacuum evaporation? This accessory consists of a glass
chamber, substrate support, filament fixture and starter supply of consumables.
The source material is a common alloy of two metals - one with a low vapor
pressure and the other with a high vapor pressure (feel free to guess what the
alloy is). When heated to a moderate temperature, only the high vapor pressure
component is evaporated. This device demonstrates a practical vacuum process
(evaporation) and also provides an excellent demonstration of vapor pressures.
Using this device on the MKS VTS-1B requires a
special 1-3/8 inch diameter chamber with a KF40 compression fitting. This may
be ordered from TSS. The KF40 fitting replaces the standard 1-1/2 inch
compression fitting that is supplied with the MKS VTS-1B.
To use this accessory, your vacuum system should be
able to achieve a base pressure below 100 milliTorr.
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