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Title: PCTFE as a solution to birefringence in atom trap viewports

Journal Article · · Review of Scientific Instruments
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4900957· OSTI ID:22392218
;  [1]
  1. TRIUMF, Canada's National Lab for Particle and Nuclear Physics, 4004 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 2A3 (Canada)

We have developed and characterized optical viewports with the glass-to-metal seal made by the plastic PCTFE (polychlorotrifluoroethylene). The goal is to reduce stress-induced birefringence while maintaining ultra-high vacuum compatibility. We have maintained a Stokes parameter S{sub 3} of 0.9986, and achieved <5 × 10{sup −11} Torr partial pressure of air. We have also measured the diffusion and permeation of helium through PCTFE and placed upper limits on nitrogen, oxygen, and argon permeation, as PCTFE has been suggested as an o-ring for transport of environmental noble gas samples, though we know of no other noble gas measurements.

OSTI ID:
22392218
Journal Information:
Review of Scientific Instruments, Vol. 85, Issue 11; Other Information: (c) 2014 AIP Publishing LLC; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0034-6748
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English