Hi folks,
as you know, I am currently trying to build Nixie tubes. I am making
some progress, but I still need to figure out the vacuum part. Here is
where I am so far:
I use a reasonably priced (100EUR) 1-stage rotary vane pump that has a
stated final pressure of 0.05mbar. Realistically, let's say it will end
up at 1mbar. Now I have a three-way valve where one end is connected to
the vacuum pump and a vacuum meter, the other one to my glass bulb (i.e.
the Nixie tube in spé), and the third to my Penning mixture (2% Ar in
Ne, 1bar).
I evacuate the bulb as far as possible (to about 1mbar I guess) and then
wash it with my Penning mixture for some time (i.e. leave the vacuum
pump running while feeding my Penning mixture to the bulb. After some
time (what time exactly? 10s or 1 minute?) I disconnect the vacuum pump
and feed some more Penning mixture to the glass bulb until the final
pressure of about 30 Torr (i.e. 40mbar) is reached.
Then I heat the glass bulb at the pump port and disconnect it from the
system.
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So those are my first ideas, my questions are:
1) What could I use as a vacuum gauge? I need to have a resolution of
about .1mbar, and a range of 1bar down to 1mbar or so. Does anyone know
where to buy those at a reasonable price?
2) The vacuum pump I am considering to purchase is a pump that is used
in refrigeration technique. Is it essential to use a 2-stage pump? I
have no experiences in this area, that is why I ask. I just assume that
with washing the tube I can make up for some of it.
3) Any comments? Suggestions?
Thanks for your time,
and may the glow be with you,
Jens
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