Vacuum Technology and Charged Particles Optics

Objectives

This UC could also be called "Accelerator Technology" because it describes the operation of many devices used in large particle accelerators. But, it is intended to provide a more general scope, thus it also includes many industrial and scientific applications that also use extremely low pressures and ion or electron beams.

Vacuum technology is a technology that supports many processes and technologies. It covers the generation, measurement and confinement of pressures down to 10-12 mbar, i.e. over 15 orders of magnitude below the atmosphere. Physical phenomena over this range vary so much that the operating principles of pumps and gauges, as well as material requirements, vary greatly as pressure decreases.

This vacuum technology course, in addition to considering the technological or scientific applications of low pressures, addresses the physical properties of the medium when the pressure drops, the flow of gases, pumping solutions, pressure measurement techniques, selection of materials, the standardization of components, and finally the dimensioning, operation and maintenance of vacuum systems. In addition to classroom teaching of these topics, it includes a considerable amount of laboratory work, so that students can gain some practical experience and consolidate theoretical knowledge.

What is charged particle technology?

Also called “Charged Particle Optics”, this module addresses the processes of production and manipulation of electrons and ions used in accelerators and in many other scientific equipment, especially analytical instruments.

This module covers the physical principles that describe the emission and transport of charged particles, as well as typical solutions for the generation, transport, separation and detection of electrons and ions. It is also stressed the use of an important simulation tool, which allows the design of transport and separation systems.

Training in this field integrates and applies previous knowledge acquired in electromagnetism, atomic and molecular physics, instrumentation and, of course, vacuum technology. In this way, students understand what they have learned and how the acquired knowledge and skills can be applied in common equipment or in research laboratories, preparing them to eventually develop their future professional activity in this field.