How to use a new, filled Cs reservoir from Ionplus
Problem
I received a new, filled cesium reservoir but don’t know what to do with it.
Solution
Purpose
Ionplus now ships filled Cs reservoirs that are ready for use without the need of handling Cs. This is mostly useful for customers who do not own their own glove box or who don’t want to handle liquid cesium. This is how a new reservoir is put into operation:
Safety notice
The following work is only to be performed by trained personnel with the proper safety equipment in place and in accordance with local laws and regulations.
Caustic cesium metal is used in the ion source. Cesium causes severe skin burns and eye damage. Wear suitable protective clothing, gloves and eye/face protection when handling cesium or the ion source assembly.
Cesium used in the ion source reacts violently when in contact with water and humidity. Keep away from water and humidity to prevent fire, explosion, and bodily injury.
Instruction
If you have determined that the previous Cs reservoir is empty, perform a source revision and cap the old reservoir with a blind nut. Old reservoirs can be cleaned and reused/refilled by the customer or be shipped back to Ionplus for refilling. If you refill the cesium reservoir yourself, please just use the aluminum gasket (ordering number 1001438) instead of the gasket plate (part No. 5).
Once the source revision is finished and only the Cs reservoir needs to be inserted, do the following:
Remove the blind plug (part No. 4) and insert the piercing pin (part No. 6).
Gently turn the piercing pin (wrench size 12mm) clockwise, right up to the stop. This will puncture the gasket plate No. 4.
Carefully remove the piercing pin (part No. 6) while holding the reservoir upright in order to avoid spillage of the cesium.
Insert the cesium reservoir in the AMS' ion source, connecting it to the cesium nozzle by the connection fitting.
Close up the ion source and start pumping immediately to avoid oxidation of the cesium in the reservoir.