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Photon emission spectrum of ion pumps
Antonios Kontos1, Rainer Weiss2
1Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson, Annandale-on-Hudson, New York 12504, USA.
The Review of Scientific Instruments
|April 4, 2023
Summary
Ion pumps in gravitational-wave detectors can emit UV photons, potentially causing noise by charging surfaces. This study measured photon emissions, finding significant UV output above 5 eV, consistent with bremsstrahlung radiation.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Astronomy
- Experimental Physics
Background:
- Gravitational-wave detectors require extreme sensitivity, making noise reduction critical.
- Charge accumulation on experimental surfaces, like mirrors, can introduce unwanted noise.
- Ultraviolet (UV) photon emission from experimental components is a hypothesized source of this charge accumulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the UV photon emission spectrum of the Agilent VacIon Plus 2500 l/s ion pump.
- To determine if ion pumps contribute to noise in sensitive experiments through UV photon emission.
- To understand the conditions influencing UV photon production in ion pumps.
Main Methods:
- Measured the photon emission spectrum of an Agilent VacIon Plus 2500 l/s ion pump.
- Varied parameters including gas pressure, ion-pump voltage, and the type of gas being pumped.
- Analyzed the spectral characteristics and intensity of emitted photons.
Main Results:
- Observed significant UV photon emission above 5 eV from the ion pump.
- Photon emission intensity and spectrum shape were dependent on gas pressure, voltage, and gas type.
- The emission spectrum is consistent with bremsstrahlung radiation as the photon production mechanism.
Conclusions:
- Ion pumps, specifically the Agilent VacIon Plus 2500 l/s, emit UV photons capable of charging surfaces.
- Bremsstrahlung is identified as the likely mechanism for UV photon production in these ion pumps.
- This UV emission represents a potential noise source for sensitive experiments like gravitational-wave detectors.
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