Polyimide-Coated NEG Getter for Nitrogen Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing getter systems face challenges in maintaining their absorption properties when exposed to air and require high-temperature re-activation, which is not compatible with all device manufacturing processes, especially in applications involving glass-to-glass sealing and organic-based devices, and they interact negatively with nitrogen, reducing their capacity.
Innovation Solution
A composite getter system comprising Non-Evaporable Getter (NEG) materials with at least 80% of their surface coated with a polyimide or polyamide compound, with a thickness between 0.1 and 1 mm, acting as a protective layer between the NEG material and the environment, preventing degradation and maintaining absorption capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If getter materials are used to remove gaseous impurities, then absorption capacity is improved, but they interact negatively with nitrogen reducing their capacity
Solution Approach 1:
A polymeric container acts as an intermediary barrier between the getter material and the external environment. The container walls prevent direct contact between nitrogen and the getter material, eliminating the harmful interaction while allowing the getter to maintain its absorption capacity for other gases like oxygen and water vapor.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite structure combining a polymeric container with getter material inside. This composite system leverages the nitrogen impermeability of the polymer while maintaining the gas absorption capabilities of the getter, achieving versatility in nitrogen environments without sacrificing absorption capacity.
2Reliability
If getter materials are exposed to air, then they can be activated, but their absorption properties are impaired over time
Solution Approach 1:
The polymeric container provides preliminary protection to the getter material, preventing air exposure during storage and transport. This allows the getter to be activated only when needed inside the sealed container, maintaining its absorption properties over extended periods without degradation from premature air exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The polymeric container creates an inert barrier that isolates the getter material from reactive air components. By preventing contact with oxygen and moisture in the air, the container preserves the getter's absorption properties while still allowing activation to occur when the getter is placed in the vacuum environment inside the container.
3Quantity of substance
If high-temperature re-activation is applied to restore absorption properties, then absorption capacity is improved, but it is not compatible with glass-to-glass sealing and organic-based devices
Solution Approach 1:
The polymeric container serves as a protective intermediary that allows the getter to be activated at lower temperatures. The container structure enables activation processes that do not require high temperatures, making the system compatible with temperature-sensitive devices while still achieving the necessary absorption capacity restoration.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the activation parameters from high-temperature processes to lower-temperature methods. By modifying the activation approach to be compatible with the polymeric container and temperature-sensitive devices, the system achieves absorption capacity restoration without the harmful effects of high-temperature exposure to glass and organic materials.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The composite getter system effectively preserves the NEG material's activity in air, avoids the need for high-temperature re-activation, and maintains capacity even in nitrogen environments, ensuring prolonged activation times and improved performance in various device applications.
Implementation Method 1
at least 80% of the NEG materials surface facing the environment is coated with said polyimide or polyamide based compounds and said coating has a thickness comprised between 0.1 and 1 mm
Implementation Method 2
Getters are materials capable of removing gaseous impurities down to very low levels
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention refers to a composite getter system (20) comprising NEG materials (22) coated with a polyimide or polyamide based compound (23).