Photonic Materials Technology Section (PMTS)

Ferroelectric and Scintillator Materials Laboratory

Getter is a reactive material that is placed inside a vacuum system to absorb the active gas molecules to improve and maintain the vacuum. When active gas molecules such as H2, CO2, O2, N2 and H2O strike the getter material, they combine with it chemically (Chemisorption) or physically (Physi-sorption). As a consequence, getter removes small amounts of gas from the evacuated space. It plays a critical role in maintaining vacuum levels and ensuring the proper functioning of vacuum systems and devices. Getter materials are commonly used clean energy applications, noble gas separation, carbon sequestration, and removal of residual gases in vacuum cavities or chamber. Such materials are very reactive and specifically designed with high porosity to allow high gas sorption capacities. The aim of our laboratory is to synthesized Zr-16%Al alloy for non-evaporating getter application.

Fig. 1 (a) Raw materials used for arc-melting (b) Photograph of Zr-16%Al ingots obtained after arc-melting

Fig. 2 Photographs of powder and annular pellets of 84% Zr-16% Al alloy

Fig.3 Dimensional changes in 84% Zr-16% Al alloy as a function of temperature

Fig.4 Phase, Microstructural and Compositional analysis of 84% Zr-16% Al alloy

Fig.5 High resolution XPS spectra of Zr-3d core levels for Zr-16%Al

Fig.6 (a) Photograph of sample holder assembly of Zr-16Al getter (b) Schematic of sample holder assembly with RGA set up

Fig. 7 Residual Gas desorption during background at 420oC, initial temperature rise, pumping during activation process