U.H.V. Opening Technique for Analyzing Metal Ceramic Vacuum Tubes

A method whereby a metal ceramic magnetron tube can be opened on an U.H.V. (ultrahigh vacuum), system and then operated for gas analysis with a mass spectrometer is described. A video tape recorder is employed to record gas evolution during both the tube opening and operation, so that instantaneous gas release can be observed.* Vacuum integrity of the tube, on the system, is kept intact at all times. Preparation of a tube for opening is discussed in detail. Gases evolved due to the opening device piercing the metal tube envelope are also discussed.