Vakuumerzeugung

Vakuumerzeugung refers to the process of creating a vacuum, a space devoid of matter, or more practically, a space where the pressure is significantly lower than atmospheric pressure. This is achieved through various methods and technologies, collectively known as vacuum technology.

The fundamental principle behind most vacuum generation is the removal of gas molecules from a confined space. This can be accomplished using pumps. Different types of pumps are suited for different vacuum levels. Rough vacuum pumps, like rotary vane pumps, can reduce pressure to around 10^-2 to 10^-3 millibar. For higher vacuum levels, diffusion pumps or turbo-molecular pumps are employed, capable of reaching pressures below 10^-6 millibar. Ultra-high vacuum (UHV) requires specialized techniques and pumps, often involving cryopumps or ion pumps, to achieve pressures below 10^-9 millibar.

Applications of vacuum generation are widespread. In industry, it is used in processes such as vacuum coating for semiconductor manufacturing and optical lens production, vacuum drying of heat-sensitive materials, and vacuum packaging to extend shelf life. Scientific research relies heavily on vacuum for particle accelerators, mass spectrometry, and electron microscopy. In everyday life, vacuum cleaners are a common example of a device that utilizes partial vacuum creation for cleaning. The precise level of vacuum required dictates the specific method and equipment used in its generation.