Small scale vacuum chamber for general use

Abstract

For this thesis a small scale vacuum chamber assembly was designed and fabricated. This chamber's purpose is to provide high quality vacuum conditions for a variety of samples. Often these samples are in need of precise temperature control. An ultra-high vacuum remains the best environment to provide precise and efficient temperature (not accounting for the energy needed to evacuate the chamber). Once completed the vacuum chamber basically consists of a base plate upon which the chamber assembly is mounted. Additional accessories were designed into the assembly to aid in the disassembly of the chamber. Ideally, the user would mount their sample to a flange that possesses a sample holder. That flange can then be mounted to a rail for easy insertion into the chamber. The compact size of the chamber combined with the easy removal and installation of the sample will expedite experimentation. Moreover, the simple design will allow for easy use by a broad spectrum of users in need of precise temperature control.