Partnerships and Technology Transfer

Technology Summary

Fermilab builds superconducting radiofrequency accelerators that require ultra-clean, ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems. In order to protect these systems from irreparable damage, the various components must be cleaned, assembled, and installed using particle-free practices and leak-checked to a very high sensitivity.

The Technology

The Fermilab Particle Safe Vacuum Cart is a system that can pump down and vent up UHV “particle free” superconducting radiofrequency systems in a slow, controlled manner, allowing one to safely move through different pressure levels without stirring up particles in the vacuum system. The system is constructed with commercially available off-the-shelf components and controlled via a custom software interface.

Benefit

Fermilab’s Particle Safe Vacuum Cart ensures safe, high-quality construction of superconducting radiofrequency accelerators, and can be used in many other UHV applications. The intellectual property package includes a bill of materials, schematics, images, instructions, maintenance regimen, and custom software interface.

Applications and Industries

• Ultra High Vacuum applications