Study on Coated Zr-V-Cr Getter with Pore Gradient Structure for Hydrogen Masers

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Vacuum Technology
• Atomic Physics

Background:

• Hydrogen masers require high vacuum for frequency stability.
• Getter pumps, using non-evaporable getters, are crucial for maintaining this vacuum.
• Existing Zr-V-Cr getters face powder-dropping issues, compromising vacuum and device longevity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the powder-dropping problem in Zr-V-Cr getters.
• To improve both sorption performance and mechanical properties of getter pumps.
• To develop a more reliable getter for hydrogen maser applications.

Main Methods:

• Coating Zr-Cu films onto a Zr-V-Cr matrix to create a pore gradient structure.
• Vacuum sintering to form a gradient interface and modify pore structure.
• Characterization of structural, sorption, and mechanical properties.

Main Results:

• The (Zr-Cu)/(Zr-V-Cr) getter exhibited a gradient interface and modified pore structure.
• The new getter demonstrated superior sorption properties compared to SAES company products.
• The Zr-Cu film effectively prevented powder from dropping, resolving a critical issue.

Conclusions:

• The developed pore gradient getter successfully solves the powder-dropping problem.
• This new getter offers enhanced performance and mechanical stability for hydrogen maser vacuum systems.
• The innovation is significant for future high-vacuum maintenance in hydrogen masers.