Ultra-high vacuum (UHV) environments are critical for many analytical instruments and particle accelerators used
to analyze the properties of materials and atoms. UHV systems are characterized as requiring a vacuum of
10-9 torr or better. At this level of vacuum even steel components outgas large quantities of moisture. Massive pumping systems are needed to remove molecules as they are generated.
We developed Silcosteel®-UHV treatment specifically to significantly reduce outgassing by steel components
in UHV systems. A Silcosteel®-UHV layer over the steel surface is a barrier that keeps moisture isolated from the
UHV environment. The Silcosteel®-UHV layer does not liberate any atmosphere of its own. The figures below
demonstrate the superior evacuation profile sustained by using Silcosteel®-UHV-treated components vs.
non-treated components in a UHV assembly. Clearly, Silcosteel®-UHV treatment makes it possible to maintain a
UHV environment with less pumping capacity.
Further, when not under vacuum, the Silcosteel®-UHV surface is far less likely to accrue a coating of water
and other airborne molecules than is a non-treated surface. This greatly reduces the length of time required to
re-attain a UHV environment.
Silcosteel®-UHV treatment is available as a custom service. For information, refer to
Custom Coating Services.
