Standard Specifications of CF Flanged Sapphire Viewports:

• Features high-grade Firebird Optics sapphire windows.

• CF Flanges made from 304L SS and sleeves from Kovar for UHV compatibility. Other materials available upon request.

• Viewports sealed with fully annealed copper gaskets, which serve to reduce strain.

• Three standard view area sizes of 15mm, 38mm and 49mm available. Custom sizes available upon request.

Handling and Safety Guide for CF-Flanged Sapphire Viewports

CF-flanged sapphire viewports are precision components used in high-vacuum environments. Proper handling and safety measures are essential to maintain their integrity and performance.

Handling Procedures

1. Clean Environment: Handle viewports in a clean room or clean area to prevent contamination.

2. Wear Gloves: Always wear clean, lint-free gloves to avoid transferring oils and dirt from your hands.

3. Use Proper Tools: Utilize appropriate tools such as clean tweezers or vacuum-compatible fixtures for handling.

4. Avoid Touching Optical Surfaces: Handle the viewport by the flange or edges to prevent fingerprints and smudges on the optical surfaces.

5. Protect from Scratches: Place the viewport on soft, clean surfaces to avoid scratches. Do not stack multiple viewports without protective layers in between.

6. Secure Storage: Store viewports in a clean, dry environment when not in use. Use protective cases or containers to shield them from dust and physical damage.

Installation Guidelines

1. Inspect Seals: Before installation, inspect the CF flange seals for any damage or contamination.

2. Clean Flanges: Ensure both the viewport and mating flange are clean. Use a suitable solvent and lint-free cloth to remove any contaminants.

3. Proper Alignment: Align the viewport correctly with the mating flange to prevent misalignment, which can cause leaks.

4. Tightening Bolts: Use a torque wrench to evenly tighten the bolts in a crisscross pattern. Follow the manufacturer's recommended torque specifications to ensure a proper seal without over-tightening.

5. Vacuum Leak Test: After installation, perform a vacuum leak test to verify the integrity of the seal.

Safety Precautions

1. Handle with Care: Sapphire is strong but brittle. Avoid dropping or applying excessive force, which can cause chipping or cracking.

2. Temperature Gradients: Be cautious of rapid temperature changes. Gradual heating or cooling is recommended to prevent thermal shock.

3. Chemical Compatibility: Ensure that any chemicals used in the vicinity of the viewport are compatible with both sapphire and the CF flange materials.

4. Pressure Limits: Adhere to the manufacturer's specified pressure limits to avoid damaging the viewport.

5. Safety Gear: Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses and gloves when handling and installing viewports.

Maintenance and Inspection

1. Regular Inspections: Periodically inspect installed viewports for signs of damage, contamination, or seal degradation.

2. Cleaning: If cleaning is necessary, use appropriate, non-abrasive materials and solvents that are compatible with sapphire.

3. Replacement: Replace any viewports showing signs of damage or degradation to maintain vacuum system integrity.