Christopher and other members of this group,
I apologize for sending my stumbling inquiry about an A/C pump to this group.? I did so only because the group's core interest was not obvious from the masthead.
Nevertheless, I've had an interest in high vacuum techniques beginning as a youngster when constructing apparatus to generate microwaves at 100 GHz on a hobby basis.? In the late 1950's a researcher at Bell Laboratories developed an improved silicon material for diode frequency multipliers operating in that range.? I wrote and tried to beg a sample, but was told Bell Labs policies limited such distributions to educational institutions.? However, the researcher provided a detailed procedure for how I could create my own by evaporating a molecular layer of phosphorus on a silicon substrate.? I was in the midst of trying to figure out how to assemble the apparatus to do this when I was offered another position that totally consumed my free time and thought.
Later, my career later led to an involvement with high power transmitting vacuum tubes costing in the $100k range where vacuum maintenance was very important.? An interesting recollection was that one manufacturer shared their cost for electrical power to bake out one such type for months was in the $10k range.? This tube sold for about $100k.?
Now at 84, I probably will probably not be utilizing high-vacuum apparatus; however, I enjoy reading about the adventures and accomplishments of others.? So, thanks for allowing me to join this group.
Bruce Hunter
Mill Valley, California
ebrucehunter