At its essence, Scitek specialises in vacuum technology, providing a variety of instruments and components tailored for diverse physics applications. These encompass plasma physics, leak detection, thin film deposition, and gas analysis. Our offerings span a wide spectrum of vacuum pumps, gauges, and valves, catering to needs ranging from rough vacuum to ultra-high vacuum. Furthermore, Scitek offers solutions in mass flow control, plasma characterization, and glovebox technologies.
Plasma Physics
Plasma physics, exploring charged particle behavior, reveals insights into fusion energy, astrophysics, and more. Plasma Technologies merge theory and practice, driving innovation and scientific exploration across fields. They transform industries with precision modifications, coatings, and processing using ionized gases. Vital in electronics, healthcare, and energy, they enhance performance and sustainability. Creating ultra-thin layers, sterilizing medical tools, and boosting adhesion, plasmas shape advanced materials for a sustainable future.
Leak Detection
Tracer gas leak detection is a method used to locate leaks in various systems by introducing a tracer gas, like helium or hydrogen, into the system. Pfeiffer Vacuum, a leader in vacuum technology, offers advanced solutions for tracer gas leak detection. They offer a comprehensive suite of leak detection solutions encompassing various methods. Mass spectrometers are also provided to discern leaking gases. These methods rely on pressure differentials, detecting gas flow through leaks. Pfeiffer Vacuum’s solutions ensure product integrity, safety, and environmental compliance, making them vital across industries.
Thin-Film Deposition
Thin film deposition, a cutting-edge process, involves depositing a thin layer of material onto a surface, enhancing properties like conductivity or reflectivity. Kurt J Lesker, a leader in this field, offers advanced solutions utilizing techniques such as physical vapor deposition (PVD) and chemical vapor deposition (CVD). LC Technologies, in collaboration with Kurt J Lesker, specializes in glovebox-integrated thin film deposition, catering to emerging technologies in a controlled environment. This technology’s fundamental principle lies in controlled material deposition, driving innovation in industries ranging from electronics to optics, enabling tailored material characteristics for diverse applications.
We also represent Protec Surface Technologies who excel in customized and high-volume production, catering to diverse industries. Their expertise lies in tailoring coatings to meet specific requirements, enhancing properties like hardness and wear resistance. This differentiation, combined with their efficient production capabilities, positions Protec as a preferred choice for industries seeking tailored, high-quality thin film coatings.
Gas Analysis
Mass spectrometry identifies and quantifies gas components based on their mass-to-charge ratios. This process involves ionising gas molecules, separating ions based on mass, and measuring their abundance. Widely used in research, environmental monitoring, and industrial applications. Pfeiffer Vacuum’s mass spectrometers provide valuable insights into gas composition, enabling precise quality control and process optimization for various industries. Their range detects and measures trace gases, isotopes, and impurities with exceptional accuracy.
Vacuum Gauges
Vacuum measurement gauges the pressure within a vacuum system, crucial for controlling processes. Various technologies, such as Pirani, Penning, cold cathode, and capacitance diaphragm gauges, are employed. Pirani gauges measure pressure through thermal conductivity, while Penning gauges use ionisation. Cold cathode gauges rely on electron emission, and capacitance diaphragm gauges gauge pressure by measuring diaphragm deflection. These methods exploit gas behaviour under different pressures. Pfeiffer Vacuum, a leader in vacuum technology, offers a range of measurement solutions, ensuring precise pressure analysis for diverse industrial applications.
Vacuum Valves
Vacuum valves are integral components in controlling gas flow within vacuum systems, ensuring optimal pressure levels. Various valve types include gate valves, butterfly valves, and ball valves. Gate valves utilize a sliding plate, while butterfly valves use a rotating disc. Ball valves feature a spherical closure. Fundamental knowledge lies in maintaining airtight seals to prevent leaks. Pfeiffer Vacuum and VAT, renowned industry leaders, offer a range of high-quality vacuum valves. These valves operate based on valve type principles, ensuring reliable gas flow control and system integrity across industries like manufacturing, research, and semiconductor production.
Rough Vacuum to Ultra-High Vacuum
The range between rough vacuum and ultra-high vacuum (UHV) covers a wide span of pressure levels within vacuum systems. Rough vacuum typically spans from atmospheric pressure (1013 mbar) down to approximately 10^−3 mbar. Ultra-high vacuum, on the other hand, extends from 10^−7 mbar to 10^−11 mbar or better.
The differences primarily lie in pressure levels and the applications they serve. Rough vacuum is used in various industrial processes, vacuum filtration, and basic laboratory operations, offering a substantial reduction in gas molecules compared to atmospheric conditions. High vacuum, which follows rough vacuum, refines control over pressure for more precise applications such as chemical vapor deposition and physical vapor deposition.
Ultra-high vacuum (UHV) is an extreme level of vacuum that requires meticulous system design, ultra-clean conditions, and specialised equipment. It’s crucial for highly sensitive applications like surface analysis, electron microscopy, and particle accelerators. Achieving UHV involves minimizing gas molecules to levels approaching those found in outer space, enabling research and processes that demand minimal molecular interference.
Pfeiffer Vacuum provides a comprehensive array of vacuum pumps, each employing distinct technologies for specific applications. Rotary vane pumps employ rotating blades to compress gas, catering to a wide pressure range. Diaphragm pumps utilize reciprocating diaphragms for oil-free suction, suitable for various gases and clean environments. Dry pumps, incorporating claw or screw mechanisms, remove gas without contact, ideal for pristine conditions. Turbomolecular pumps employ rapidly spinning blades to achieve high vacuum levels, essential for sensitive processes. Roots pumps, featuring interlocking rotors, facilitate rapid gas transfer. Rooted in mechanical and gas dynamics principles, these technologies fulfill diverse industry vacuum requirements. Vacuubrand’s diaphragm pumps tailored for physics research provide oil-free vacuum, minimizing vibration and noise. Ideal for clean environments, these pumps deliver precise pressure control, ensuring accurate outcomes in sensitive experiments. Their technology supports consistent performance, making them essential tools for maintaining controlled conditions and enabling reliable results in various physics research applications.
Mass Flow Control
Mass flow control is a technology that precisely manages the rate of gas flow. It involves adjusting flow to a set rate regardless of pressure or temperature changes. This relies on the correlation between flow rate and the differential pressure across a flow element. Alicat specializes in this field, offering advanced mass flow controllers. These devices ensure accurate gas flow in applications from industry to research. By maintaining consistent and controlled gas delivery, Alicat’s controllers contribute to efficient processes and reliable results.
Glovebox Technology
Glovebox technology involves creating a controlled environment, typically enclosed by a sealed chamber with gloves for external manipulation. This enables handling of sensitive materials in a controlled atmosphere, shielding them from moisture, oxygen, and contaminants. The fundamental principle is to maintain an isolated environment through tightly sealed enclosures, ensuring material integrity and safety. LC Technology Solutions specializes in glovebox technology, offering advanced systems for various applications, from pharmaceuticals to electronics. These solutions ensure precise control over the environment, safeguarding materials and enabling research and manufacturing processes with stringent atmospheric requirements.