Alkali Metal DispenserS / SIS Type
S / SIS type · current-activated · ultrapure Rb / Cs vapor
An alkali metal dispenser for ultra-high-vacuum systems, offered in two packages — S type (straight strip with a terminal lug at each end) and SIS type (bent mounting bracket in C, L or Z form) — with 20, 30, 40 or 50 mg of metal per unit. A stable alkali-metal compound is compressed with a reducing getter alloy: pass a current and it releases ultrapure vapor at a rate continuously adjustable with the current, while the built-in getter sorbs the reactive gases produced — keeping your chamber clean. Rubidium (Rb) and caesium (Cs) are offered as standard, with other alkali metals available on request. A reliable, safe atom supply for magneto-optical traps (MOTs), chip-scale atomic clocks and quantum sensing devices.
Key Features
Safe, clean, controllable — the first-stage atom supply of a cold-atom system.
Current-Activated, Rate-Adjustable
Release starts with current and stops without it; vapor output is continuously tunable — vapor-pressure control made simple.
Ultrapure Release
Vapor is generated by reduction of a stable alkali-metal compound, with impurity levels far below direct loading of the pure metal.
Built-In Getter
The reducing alloy doubles as a getter, sorbing the reactive gases created during release and protecting chamber vacuum.
Stable & Safe
The metal is packaged as a stable compound, so installation carries none of the risks of reactive alkali metals. Store sealed — do not leave exposed to air for long periods.
Easy Integration
S-type end lugs or SIS-type bent brackets (C / L / Z); one end to the vacuum feedthrough, the other to equipment ground — compatible with common UHV flanges and feedthroughs.
Works With LinQ Sources
Drop-in atom supply for LinQ's 2D-MOT, 3D-MOT and Mini-MOT cold-atom sources, or for any custom vacuum system.
Specifications
Contact us for the full datasheet including loading curves.
| Package | S type (straight strip, terminal lug at each end); SIS type (bent mounting bracket, C / L / Z forms) |
|---|---|
| Available Metals | Rubidium 85Rb / 87Rb, caesium 133Cs; other alkali metals on request |
| Metal Content | 20 / 30 / 40 / 50 mg per unit |
| Length | S type: Rb 28–52 mm, Cs 22–36 mm; SIS type: Rb 32–40 mm, Cs 27–40 mm (depends on metal content) |
| Tube Diameter / Mounting Hole | Ø2.5 mm / Ø2 mm |
| Activation | DC current heating |
| Activation Current | 5–10 A (normal use ~5 A, raise slowly for higher atom density; never exceed 10 A) |
| Activation Temperature | 680–840 °C |
| First Activation | Bake and degas under vacuum first, with a turbo pumping station; start at 2 A and raise ≤ 0.3 A per step; ideally activate three times during bake-out, ≥ 3 h apart |
| Released Purity | ≥ 99.99% (getter sorbs reactive gases) |
| Vacuum Compatibility | Ultra-high vacuum (UHV), bakeable |
| Wiring | One end to the vacuum feedthrough electrode, the other to equipment ground |
| Storage | Store sealed; do not leave exposed to air for long periods; check the release-slit seal before use |
Application Fields
MOTs / Cold Atom Sources
Controllable alkali vapor pressure for 2D-MOT, 3D-MOT and Mini-MOT vapor cells — the first stage of any cold-atom experiment.
Atomic Clocks
Long-life atom supply for chip-scale and compact rubidium clocks.
Quantum Sensing
Alkali-metal filling for vapor-cell devices: magnetometers, interferometers and gyroscopes.
Quantum Computing
Atom-source replenishment and replacement in neutral-atom quantum computing vacuum systems.
A dependable atom supply for your vacuum system
Want loading curves, a specific metal, or volume pricing? Get in touch with our team.
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