New vacuum transfer case developed by JAEA — Compact and lightweight for the easy transport of advanced materials

To perform surface analysis of advanced materials at special facilities, materials have to be transported in a container connected to a vacuum pump. However, thanks to new developments, they can now be transported more easily. Section Leader Junichiro Kamiya and Deputy Chief Engineer Yuko Morohashi of the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) and their colleagues have developed a lightweight and compact vacuum transfer case that can maintain ultrahigh vacuum for more than 200 days without the need to continuously use a vacuum pump, as in the past. The JAEA plans to commercialize the developed case through Tokyo Electronics, a high-vacuum manufacturer.

Engineers are developing an NEG coating technology that utilizes the getter performance (ability to absorb and adsorb gases) of titanium. The NEG coating on the titanium surface inside the case adsorbs gas molecules contained in components and materials inside the case, allowing it to maintain a high-vacuum condition.

Conventional transfer cases weigh about 30 kg, including the pump. In contrast, the developed prototype is lightweight and compact, weighing about 6 kg and measuring approximately 34 × 15 × 25 cm. Because it does not require a power source or a pump, it can be put in a bag, carried by hand, or even brought onto an airplane. In fact, it was successfully transported from Tokai Village in Ibaraki Prefecture to SPring-8 in Sayo Town in Hyogo Prefecture, by air and rail while maintaining a high-vacuum condition.

The new NEG coating can be applied to electron microscopes and other applications. For example, the vacuum environment can be improved simply by placing NEG-coated titanium sheets, which Tokyo Electronics plans to ship as samples, in a vacuum container for electric testing and baking them.

Kamiya said, "This case allows for easy movement between analytical instruments. We hope to accelerate advanced analytical research by connecting analytical instruments around the world in a network."

Journal Information
Publication: e-Journal of Surface Science and Nanotechnology
Title: SRPES and XPS Analysis of Activation and Deterioration Processes for Ti-Zr-V NEG Coating
DOI: 10.1380/ejssnt.2024-030