Analysis of Gases at Very Low Pressures by Using the Omegatron Spectrometer

Abstract

A mass spectrometer of the omegatron type is described by which gases up to mass number 44 can be detected and analyzed at pressures as low as 10−10 mm. Performance characteristics of this spectrometer are given together with a description of auxiliary vacuum equipment with which it was used for studies of high vacuum phenomena. Results are given for analyses of: 1. the gas evolving from a number of materials used in high vacuum work; 2. the residual gas existing above getters of the flash type; and 3. the residual gas in television picture tubes. The gases found in the residual gas mainly are argon, methane, and water vapor.