Stabilized Evaporable Getter Composition for Ring Laser Gyroscopes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ring laser gyroscopes face issues with contaminating gases like oxygen and nitrogen, which can lead to premature electrode oxidation and inefficient gas pumping due to inadequate or excessive deposition of metallic films, causing operational failures and signal interference.
Innovation Solution
A stabilized evaporable getter system is developed by mixing a first getter material, a second getter material, and a metal material, then heat-treating the mixture to create a mixed getter material that is more handleable and securely anchored in a getter holder, preventing material loss during installation and ensuring consistent gas absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If evaporable getter material is used to remove contaminating gases, then gas absorption capability is improved, but material handleability and anchoring stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines evaporable getter material with non-evaporable getter material to create a composite getter composition. The non-evaporable getter material serves as a stable matrix that improves handleability and anchoring properties, while the evaporable getter material maintains its gas absorption capability. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by allowing the evaporable component to function effectively while the non-evaporable component provides structural stability.
2Reliability
If evaporable getter material is used to remove contaminating gases, then gas absorption capability is improved, but material loss during installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The composite getter material combines evaporable and non-evaporable getter materials, where the non-evaporable component provides structural integrity and reduces material loss during handling and installation. The evaporable component remains embedded within the stable matrix, ensuring it is retained in the getter holder while maintaining its gas absorption functionality.
3Reliability
If inconsistent deposition of metallic film occurs, then manufacturing precision deteriorates, but operational reliability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The composite getter material provides more consistent and controlled deposition of metallic film onto internal cavity surfaces. The non-evaporable getter material acts as a stabilizing matrix that ensures uniform distribution and controlled release of the evaporable getter material, leading to consistent film deposition and improved manufacturing precision while maintaining operational reliability.
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 solution ensures the desired amount of getter material is deposited, preventing premature failure and reducing contamination on internal components, thereby maintaining accurate rotation measurements and extending the operational life of ring laser gyroscopes.
Implementation Method 1
heat-treating the getter holder at a temperature below an activation temperature for an exothermic reaction of the mixed getter material but above a melting temperature of the metal material
Implementation Method 2
thin reactive metal films that absorb the contaminant gases in the atmosphere using processes like oxidation or nitridation
Implementation Method 3
thin reactive metal films that absorb the contaminant gases in the atmosphere using processes like oxidation or nitridation
Implementation Method 4
heat-treating the getter holder at a temperature below an activation temperature for an exothermic reaction of the mixed getter material
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods for a stabilized evaporable getter for increased handleability is provided. In certain embodiments, a method includes preparing a first getter material, a second getter material, and a metal material. Additionally, the method includes mixing the first getter material, the second getter material, and the metal material into a mixed getter material. Further, the method includes placing the mixed getter material into a getter holder. Also, the heat-treating the getter holder at a temperature below an activation temperature for an exothermic reaction of the mixed getter material but above a melting temperature of the metal material.