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CF Flanged Sapphire Viewports

CF Flanged Sapphire Viewports

CF Flanged Sapphire Viewports: High-Performance Optical Access for UHV Systems

CF Flanged Sapphire Viewports from TFM are engineered to deliver exceptional durability and optical clarity in ultra-high vacuum (UHV) environments. Designed for compatibility with knife-edge ConFlat® (CF) flanges, these sapphire viewports are built using high-purity materials that meet the rigorous standards required for UHV performance. The robust sapphire window resists chemical attack, mechanical abrasion, and thermal cycling, making it the material of choice for challenging optical applications.

Each viewport is compatible with fully annealed copper gaskets, which minimize strain on the optical surface during sealing and bakeout processes. For systems where material deposition is a concern—such as in sputtering or etching environments—a viewport shutter is strongly recommended to protect the sapphire window and extend its service life.

Key Features of CF Flanged Sapphire Viewports:

  • UHV-Compatible Construction: Made from 304L stainless steel and high-purity sapphire, these viewports maintain vacuum integrity at pressures down to 10⁻¹⁰ Torr.

  • Excellent Mechanical and Thermal Stability: Sapphire provides high scratch resistance and can withstand significant thermal gradients, making it ideal for environments where optical access must be preserved over long operational periods.

  • Secure Knife-Edge Sealing: Designed for use with fully annealed copper gaskets, which reduce mechanical stress and ensure a reliable vacuum seal during thermal cycling or bakeout (up to 250°C).

  • Broad Spectral Transmission: Sapphire transmits light effectively from the ultraviolet (UV) through the mid-infrared (IR) range, making it ideal for spectroscopy, imaging, and diagnostics under vacuum.

Applications of CF Flanged Sapphire Viewports:

  • Laser and beamline diagnostics in UHV systems

  • Plasma monitoring in semiconductor processing tools

  • Optical observation in corrosive or high-temperature environments

  • Spectroscopy and emission analysis in research and production chambers

TFM’s CF Flanged Sapphire Viewports are designed for critical optical access in UHV environments where durability, purity, and transmission clarity are paramount. When paired with a viewport shutter, these viewports offer long-lasting performance in the harshest vacuum conditions.

Charts

Ordering Table

Drawing Flange / Mounting Window Material View Area Window Thickness Flange Material Sleeve Material Thermal Range Parallelism Surface Finish Transmission PartNumber
Tooltip DN16CF (1.33" OD) UV Sapphire 0.59 0.062 304L SS Kovar -100C to 450C <3 Arc Minutes 50/20 Scratch-Dig 50%@250nm (External) VPZL-133S
Tooltip DN16CF (1.33" OD) UV Sapphire 0.46 0.062 304L SS Kovar -100C to 450C <3 Arc Minutes 50/20 Scratch-Dig 50%@250nm (External) VPZL-133SS
Tooltip DN35CF-DN40CF (2.75" OD) DUV Sapphire 0.94 0.080 304L SS Kovar -100C to 450C <3 Arc Minutes 20/10 Scratch-Dig 70%@250nm (External) VPZL-275DUS
Tooltip DN35CF-DN40CF (2.75" OD) UV Sapphire 0.94 0.080 304L SS Kovar -100C to 450C <3 Arc Minutes 50/20 Scratch-Dig 50%@250nm (External) VPZL-275S
Tooltip DN35CF-DN40CF (2.75" OD) UV Sapphire 1.50 0.080 304L SS Kovar -100C to 450C <3 Arc Minutes 50/20 Scratch-Dig 50%@250nm (External) VPZL-275SW
Tooltip DN63CF (4.50" OD) DUV Sapphire 1.44 0.080 304L SS Kovar -100C to 450C <3 Arc Minutes 20/10 Scratch-Dig 70%@250nm (External) VPZL-450DUS
Tooltip DN63CF (4.50" OD) DUV Sapphire 1.94 0.094 304L SS Kovar -100C to 450C <3 Arc Minutes 20/10 Scratch-Dig 70%@250nm (External) VPZL-450DUSW
Tooltip DN63CF (4.50" OD) UV Sapphire 1.44 0.080 304L SS Kovar -100C to 450C <3 Arc Minutes 50/20 Scratch-Dig 50%@250nm (External) VPZL-450S
Tooltip DN63CF (4.50" OD) UV Sapphire 1.94 0.094 304L SS Kovar -100C to 450C <3 Arc Minutes 50/20 Scratch-Dig 50%@250nm (External) VPZL-450SW

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FAQ

Tube fittings are designed for tubes (measured by outside diameter and wall thickness) used in high-pressure and instrumentation applications, whereas pipe fittings are for pipes (identified by nominal pipe size) primarily used in fluid transport.

 

Common valve types include ball valves, gate valves, check valves, butterfly valves, and globe valves. Each serves a specific function—from quick shutoff (ball/gate valves) to flow regulation (globe valves).

 

  • For tubing, measure the outside diameter; for pipes, refer to the nominal pipe size (using conversion charts if needed). Always match the valve or fitting size to your pipe’s dimensions and flow requirements.

  • Frequently used thread types include NPT (National Pipe Tapered), BSP (British Standard Pipe), and UNC, along with slip-fit options that rely on compression or fusion rather than threads.

Interchangeability depends on manufacturer specifications and certification. Always verify compatibility via manufacturer guides or certified interchangeability charts.

 

  • A coupling is a short, straight fitting used to join two pipes or tubes. It provides a secure, leak-tight connection and can sometimes serve to extend or repair piping runs.

Consider valve type, pressure and temperature ratings, material compatibility with your fluid, actuation method (manual or automatic), and maintenance requirements.

 

  • Valves regulate flow by opening, closing, or partially obstructing the pathway. Their mechanisms (such as the rotation of a ball or the linear movement of a gate) determine the speed and precision of flow control.

  • A flange is a flat, circular component used to connect pipes, valves, or other equipment. Bolted together with gaskets, flanges provide a secure, leak-proof joint that facilitates both assembly and maintenance.

  • Manual valves require physical operation via handles or levers, whereas actuated valves use mechanisms—pneumatic, electric, or hydraulic—to open and close automatically or remotely.

  • Issues include leaks caused by improper installation, over-tightening, degraded seals, material incompatibility, and fatigue from repeated cycling. Regular inspection and proper installation practices help mitigate these problems.

Regular maintenance involves periodic inspections, cleaning or replacing worn seals, ensuring proper torque during installation, and adhering to manufacturer guidelines and local plumbing codes to preserve system integrity.

 

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