LASP has four TVAC chambers available for use by external customers. These allow for testing from extreme ultraviolet through the far infrared wavelengths. All the chambers are equipped with a Residual Gas Analyzer (RGA) to verify cleanliness, can support Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) testing, and are controlled by LabView software, which logs temperature/pressure data. All cylindrical shaped chambers open to class 7 clean space.
The size, base pressure, and temperature capabilities are shown in the expandable sections below:
BEMCO Chambers
Our Bemco chambers are our small-sized vacuum chambers used to conduct thermal and optical tests. Due to their size and capabilities, they are ideal for performing small instrument, subsystem, and CubeSat tests, such as thermal vac and thermal balance, and can also be used for optical testing through a window on the door.
Inner diameter (in) | Depth (in) | Platen Width (in) | Height above Platen (in) | # Thermal Zones | Platen temp range | Shroud temp range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
29.5 | 48.8 | 18.5 | 22.05 | 1 (Platen) | 70C to -70C | N/A |
Pressure (Torr) | Interface Options | Window | TCS Available |
|---|---|---|---|
Capable of 10e-8 | 2.75″ CF (2+) | Door Location | 24 |
Inner diameter (in) | Depth (in) | Platen Width (in) | Height above Platen (in) | # Thermal Zones | Platen temp range | Shroud temp range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
27.02 | 34.76 | 22.75 | 20.81 | 2 (Shroud + Platen) | 70C to -70C | 100C to -170C |
Pressure (Torr) | Interface Options | Window | TCS Available | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Capable of 10e-8 | 2.75″ CF (2+) | Door Location | 24 | Platen can be configured to run LN2 for -170C operation |
MOBI
MOBI is our medium-sized vacuum chamber used to conduct thermal and optical tests. MOBI is ideal for performing top-level instrument tests, such as thermal vac and thermal balance, and can also be used for optical testing through a large window or collimated beam snout that is under vacuum. This allows for multiple light sources ranging from the ultraviolet to the mid-infrared.
Inner diameter (in) | Depth (in) | Platen Width (in) | Height above Platen (in) | # Thermal Zones | Platen temp range | Shroud temp range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
53.5 | 68 | 36 | 45 | 2 (Shroud + Platen) | 70C to -70C | 100C to -170C |
Pressure (Torr) | Interface Options | Window | TCS Available | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Capable of 10e-8 | 2x 11″ ASA 1x 13″ ASA | 14″ fused silica on rear of chamber | 24 | LASP has a limited selection of adapters from ASA flanges to CF |
Jimmy
Jimmy, our largest vacuum chamber, is used to conduct thermal and optical testing for spacecraft and large instruments. This includes thermal vac and thermal balance as well as optical testing through a window on the rear of the tank.
Inner diameter (in) | Depth (in) | Platen Width (in) | Height above Platen (in) | # Thermal Zones | Platen temp range | Shroud temp range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
120.6 | 155.9 | 72 | 106.9 | 5 (4x Shroud + Platen) | 100C to -170C | 100C to -170C |
Pressure (Torr) | Interface Options | Window | TCS Available | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Capable of 10e-8 | Variety ISO and ASA | Various Locations | 192 | LASP has a limited selection of adapters from ASA/ISO to CF |