Electron and ion optics expertise
Decades of experience supplying electron gun, ion gun and cathode-emitter systems for UHV surface and space physics.
Our OEM Partner
Kimball Physics
Electron Guns, Ion Guns, Vacuum Chambers & UHV Hardware
Scanwel is the authorised UK distributor for Kimball Physics, a manufacturer of electron gun systems, ion gun systems, Multi-CF vacuum chambers and UHV hardware for surface physics, space physics and quantum computing applications.
Profile & Advantages
Specialist Electron Guns, Vacuum Chambers and UHV Hardware for Precision Research
Kimball Physics is a specialist manufacturer of electron gun and power supply systems, ion gun systems, Faraday cup and phosphor screen detectors, and Multi-CF vacuum chambers and hardware, for UHV surface physics, space physics and processing applications. As Kimball Physics' authorised UK distributor, Scanwel supplies and supports the full range for UK research institutions, universities and industry.
Kimball Physics Multi-CF vacuum chambers and mounting hardware form an integrated, modular system with ConFlat (CF) sealing surfaces at every port, standardised and interchangeable to save time and ensure experimental set-ups can be assembled easily and reproduced accurately.
Modular Multi-CF chamber system
Multi-CF vacuum chambers and hardware are standardised and interchangeable, from miniature 0.95 inch CF ports up to 10 inch systems.
Precision detectors
Faraday cup and phosphor screen detectors provide visual and quantitative beam position, size and distribution data with no moving parts.
Stainless steel and titanium options
Standard vacuum chambers and fittings in 316L stainless steel, with titanium options available for specialist applications.
Products & Resources
Electron Gun Systems
Electron gun and power supply systems for UHV surface physics, space physics and processing applications.
View product
Cathodes & Electron Emitters
Lanthanum hexaboride (LaB6), tantalum and other cathodes providing reliable electron sources via thermionic emission.
View product
Ion Gun Systems
Ion gun systems for surface physics, charge neutralisation and secondary ion mass spectrometry applications.
View product
Detectors
Faraday cup and phosphor screen particle detectors for beam position, size and distribution measurement.
View product
Multi-CF Vacuum Chambers
Modular UHV vacuum chambers with integrated ConFlat (CF) sealing surfaces, in stainless steel or titanium.
View product
Multi-CF Hardware & Accessories
Lock rings, screw clamps, copper gaskets, alumina spacers and stainless steel cylinders for Multi-CF vacuum systems.
View productTechnical resource
View resourceElectron Gun Systems Summary
Selection and specification information for Kimball Physics electron guns and power supplies.
Technical resource
View resourceMulti-CF Vacuum Hardware Overview
An introduction to the modular Multi-CF vacuum chamber and hardware system.
Technical resource
View resourceFaraday Cup Detector Overview
Operating principles, configurations and options for Kimball Physics Faraday cup detectors.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Kimball Physics electron guns, vacuum chambers and UHV hardware, and Scanwel's role as UK distributor.
What is an electron gun used for in vacuum systems?
An electron gun generates and accelerates a focused beam of electrons, used in UHV surface physics, space physics and electron microscopy for imaging, analysis and material processing applications.
What is thermionic emission and how does it relate to Kimball Physics cathodes?
Thermionic emission is the release of electrons from a heated material's surface. Kimball Physics supplies cathodes - including lanthanum hexaboride (LaB6) and tantalum types - that use thermionic emission as a reliable electron source for electron gun systems.
What is a Multi-CF vacuum chamber and how does the lock ring system work?
A Multi-CF vacuum chamber is a modular UHV chamber with ConFlat (CF) sealing surfaces built into every port, standardised so hardware and components can be swapped between chambers. Kimball Physics's lock ring system secures components at each CF port using a split ring and screws rather than welded flanges, making assembly and reconfiguration faster and more repeatable.
What are Faraday cups and phosphor screens used for?
Faraday cups and phosphor screens are particle beam detectors: a Faraday cup measures beam current directly by collecting charge, while a phosphor screen provides a visual image of beam position, size and distribution. Kimball Physics supplies both for electron and ion beam diagnostics.
What hardware is needed to assemble a Multi-CF vacuum chamber system?
Multi-CF assemblies typically use lock rings, screw clamps, copper gaskets and alumina spacers at each CF port, along with stainless steel or titanium cylinders and chambers - all standardised by Kimball Physics for interchangeable, repeatable builds.
Contact SalesDiscuss Kimball Physics products with ScanwelGet expert advice, pricing and technical information on Kimball Physics electron guns, ion guns, vacuum chambers or UHV hardware, direct from Kimball Physics' authorised UK distributor.
Kimball Physics enquiry
Tell us what you need
Use the form to enquire about Kimball Physics electron gun systems, ion guns, Multi-CF vacuum chambers, UHV hardware or related OEM support in the UK.