Nor-Cal Products offers the researcher complimentary devices for sample transfer and positioning in ultra-high vacuum systems. Combined with our vacuum chambers, load locks, gate valves, all-metal valves, feedthroughs, viewports, frames and roughing accessories, we can provide a complete turn-key research system. Each standard component can readily be customized to meet our customer’s specific requirements, such as sample heating and cooling, special lengths or stepper motor drivers. All of Nor-Cal’s sample transfer and manipulation devices are made from the highest quality materials and lubricants to withstand repeated UHV bakeouts. When selecting a sample handling system, consideration must be given to its operation with goniometers and precision gearboxes. These devices typically require that the sample be solidly held and moved in a precise way. The sample platen must be docked to a goniometer so as not to limit the degrees of freedom or degrade the goniometer’s resolution.

Sample Transfer System
This sample transfer system uses thin (.040 inch) sample plates with six sawtooth shaped ramps, profiled on the plate’s edge. The sample transfer probe is fitted with a fork consisting of three tab-shaped spring fingers positioned radially on a barrel. The sample plate locks on to the fork by rotating the fork’s fingers over three of the six ramps. When the fork is rotated, the locking fingers slide up the ramps to stops. The plate is gripped by the spring fingers, holding it tight to the barrel of the fork. Transferring the sample from the probe fork to a manipulator sample dock is done with a rotary motion. The dock has the same type of locking fingers as the fork. The plate is mated to the dock by orienting it so that the three unused ramps can receive the dock’s fingers. Rotating the fork releases the plate at the same time the fingers on the dock grip and lock the plate to the manipulator. This rotary movement makes a smooth sample transfer from the fork to dock and back again. Nor-Cal’s sample transfer system allows easy, forgiving sample transfer from a rotary/linear feedthrough to the sample dock mounted inside the chamber. Systems are available for sample sizes ranging from 1/2 inch to 3 inches. Each system includes a dock assembly custom fitted to place the sample on target in your particular chamber, a transfer fork assembly which mounts to a rotary/linear device and two stainless steel sample plates. Molybdenum sample plates are also available.

Load Lock Chamber
Load lock chambers are an efficient means to introduce a sample into a vacuum chamber without impacting the main chamber vacuum. Load Locks are provided with a six inch CF flange for mounting to the gate valve, a six inch Add-A-Door with 7056 glass viewport, a 23/4 inch CF flange for attachment of the linear feedthrough, and two 23/4 inch CF flanges for pumping and gauges. Standard finish is electropolished. Custom sizes and configurations are readily available

Add-A-Doors
An Add-A-Door can provide easy access to a vacuum system when elastomer seals are acceptable. The hinged, Viton sealed door is quickly bolted to an existing CF (Conflat style) flanged chamber port. The door is opened easily by turning a knurled knob. These doors are available for 23/4 to 10 inch OD flanges with a solid metal door or with a viewport. Standard finish is electropolished. Custom sizes can be supplied upon request
 

XYZ Precision Manipulator
The PMXYZ manipulator provides high precision positioning at a minimum cost. It features precision pre-loaded cross-roller stage control with pre-loaded micrometerto- stage coupling. The X-Y guide system is made of hardened carbon steel. Support tube option includes a 3/4 inch OD tube and end bearing support. This increases rigidity on longer rotary shafts.
 

Z-Translators
Z translators feature a compact yet stable linear motion design, suitable for a variety of applications including use with our differentially pumped rotary seals. They may also be used with feedthrough utility hats and rotary motion feedthroughs.
 

Linear Motion Thimbles
The compact design and reliable operation of these linear motion thimbles allows precision linear probe positioning to distances up to two inches. Features include a clear bore design with a stainless steel welded bellows. Anodized aluminum collar is threaded to perform linear movement.
 

Utility Hat
Feedthroughs can be mounted to the base flange of the XYZ Manipulator or to a utility hat. A utility hat is the preferred method when X-Y movements of the sample will cause excessive flexing and abrading of utility lines in vacuum. The utility hat can be mounted between the precision rotary feedthrough and the traveling flange on top of the XYZ to provide X-Y movement of utility lines with the sample. Additionally, the utility hat can be used on top of a differentially pumped rotary seal to allow 360º polar rotation of utility lines along with the sample.( See photo next page.) The standard utility hat comes with a 13/4 inch tube, two 23/4 inch CF flanges and four 11/3 inch CF ports for mounting feedthroughs. Standard finish is electropolished. Custom sizes can be supplied upon request.
Alignment Gimbals
Alignment gimbals allow a precise angle alignment to be established (and repeated) between two flanges. When the base flange of a gimbal is attached to the chamber flange (or traveling stage of a positioning device) and a probe is attached to the tilting flange, probe angle and tip position can be changed. Alignment gimbals were designed as an inexpensive method to align docking systems and actuate sample transfers. Gimbals cantilever the (horizontal) load when the linear feedthrough flange and the load lock are horizontally mounted and can also compensate for droop in long horizontal mounted linear feedthrough probes. Single axis alignment gimbals are also available. Call for pricing and availability
 

Differentially Pumped Rotary Seals
Differentially pumped rotary seals provide 360º of continuous rotation through the vacuum wall of a UHV system. They have two stages of differential pumping isolated by graphite-impregnated, expanded, Teflon seals on special sealing surfaces. A pre-loaded ball bearing set accurately controls the rotating stage position, allowing the unit to be successfully used with manipulators and other precision positioning devices. For easier and more accurate angle adjustment, a worm drive fine adjust option is available. Rotary seals are also available with an anti-backlash stepping or synchronous motor drive. Sizes up to 4 inch ID are standard, while larger sizes are available on request.
 

Motorized Rare Earth Magnetic Rotary Motion Feedthrough
The rare earth magnetic series rotary drives are designed to provide exceptional, long life performance. They are UHV compatible and are an excellent option to conventional bellows sealed and other rotary devices. They can be adapted to pulsed laser deposition (PLD) target clocking and continuous rotation of targets and substrates, as well as applications that require small profiles and high performance. There are no sliding seals or magnets in vacuum and stray magnetic fields are virtually nonexistent. The in-vacuum armature is made of paramagnetic materials with stainless steel and silicon nitride bearings and is capable of repeated bake-out to 200ºC with magnets removed. Out-of-vacuum bearings are accessible for lubrication and the magnet drive is easily removable

1/4 Inch Precision Rotary Motion Feedthroughs
Precision rotary feedthroughs provide 360º continuous rotation and may be used to define a polar axis for a sample or probe or to actuate a mechanical device, such as a shutter, inside the vacuum chamber. Typically used for polar rotation on top of an XYZ manipulator.
 

3/8 Inch Precision Rotary Motion Feedthrough
Precision rotary feedthroughs are commonly used to define a polar axis for a sample or probe. They provide 360º continuous rotation and are mounted on top of XYZ manipulators and other stages. They are also used separately where precision angular orientation is needed
 

Pneumatically Actuated Linear Motion Feedthrough
Commonly used as positioning devices for shutters and beam stoppers.
 

Heavy-Duty Push-Pull Linear Motion Feedthroughs
Manually operated linear motion positioning device designed for UHV applications
 

Linear Vacuum Feedthrough
Manually operated linear motion positioning device with rotary actuation.
 

Magnetic Linear/Rotary Feedthrough
Magnetically coupled feedthroughs offer exceptional linear/rotary motion for short to medium stroke sample introduction and transfer of light loads. The standard magnetic driver package provides more than 150 ounce-inches of torque and four pounds of linear force. The inside traveler has no magnets, but it is made of magnetically permeable material
 

Coaxial Magnetic Linear/Rotary Feedthrough
Magnetically-coupled linear/rotary feedthroughs offer unparalleled smooth rotary motion for medium to long stroke sample introduction and transfer of light loads. The coaxial design features a 3/4 inch linear support tube with rotary bearing in the tip to guide the 1/4 inch rotary probe. In addition to rotary motion, the design includes a linear driver, for additional axial force and tactile feedback.
 

Wobble Sticks
WBL wobble sticks offer a simple means of positioning samples in vacuum by permitting Z-axis and tilt movements.
All stainless steel construction designed for use in high vacuum or UHV environments.
 

Rotary Wobble Sticks
RWS wobble sticks provide Z-axis, polar rotation, and polar axis tilt to allow tip positioning inside a vacuum chamber. They offer an inexpensive alternative for sample introduction and manipulation