Residual gas analyzer, or RGA, is a common process monitor in vacuum process. It is a special type of mini-scale mass spectrometer that allows us to know the partial pressures of the gases in the vacuum chamber. For example, one common usage of RGA is helium leak detection: pouring helium gas on to the wall …
Tritium, symbolized as 3H, is a rare radioactive isotope of hydrogen with an atomic number of one and two neutrons, making it the heaviest of all the isotopes of hydrogen. This element has gained tremendous interest in both scientific research and industrial applications due to its unique properties. Tritium emits beta radiation and decays into …
Introduction This is a picture of a Fusor reactor in its star mode, emitting neutrons and sending energy around it, applying the same theories as our sun. “Star mode”, the simple but meaningful name has fascinated me for a long time. Last summer, I finally finished my own Fusor fusion reactor. Here, I will introduce …
Hipace is Pfeiffer’s most recent set of turbo pumps. It features a high compression ratio, low ultimate vacuum, and high rough vacuum (you can start it when < 2400Pa!). I purchased two broken Hipace80, one with a good controller and flange, and one with a good blade and bearing but defective flange. I hope to …
Actinium is a rare, silvery-white, radioactive metal that belongs to the actinide series of elements in the periodic table. It was discovered in 1899 by the French chemist André-Louis Debierne and named after the Greek word “aktis,” which means beam or ray, due to its highly radioactive nature. One of the most outstanding properties of …
Read more “Actinium—a sample rare because of its uselessness”
Element 137Cs, also known as Cesium-137, is a radioactive isotope that has captured the attention of scientists and industries alike due to its outstanding properties. It is a member of the alkali metal group and is produced through nuclear fission of uranium and plutonium in nuclear reactors. One of the most notable properties of Cs-137 …
Read more “137Cs—the most widely used industrial radioactive source”
Radium is a fascinating and unique element that has captured the imagination of scientists and the public alike since its discovery in the late 19th century. It is a highly radioactive metal that is renowned for its luminescent and glowing properties, making it one of the most visually striking elements in the periodic table. Radium …
Radon is a radioactive, colorless, odorless, and tasteless noble gas that has fascinated scientists and researchers for decades. It is a naturally occurring element that is found in soil, rocks, and groundwater, and is produced by the decay of uranium and thorium. Radon is the heaviest gas among the noble gases, and it is highly …