20 May 2025

NEG pumps and their role in R&D and high vacuum applications

NEG-pomp

What are NEG pumps?
NEG pumps (non-evaporable getter pumps) are a specialized type of UHV pump (ultra high vacuum) that remove gases through chemical sorption. Unlike mechanical pumps, NEG pumps have no moving parts. They use reactive metal alloys that, once activated by heat, bind gas molecules to their surface. This enables a highly stable vacuum environment with pressures below 10⁻⁹ mbar.

NEG technology is often used as a stand-alone solution in compact UHV systems or as a supplement to turbomolecular or ion pumps—particularly when extreme vacuum conditions must be sustained over long periods.

Why use a NEG pump in R&D environments?

In research fields such as particle physics, aerospace, materials science and electron microscopy, stable ultra-high vacuum conditions are critical. Typical applications include:

  • surface science and atomic-level reaction studies
  • residual gas analysis (RGA)
  • UHV tubes and accelerator systems

NEG pumps are highly suitable for these settings due to:

  • extremely low ultimate pressure: reaching below 10⁻¹⁰ mbar without mechanical interference
  • vibration-free and silent operation: perfect for sensitive experimental setups
  • compact design: ideal for tight integration in small UHV systems
  • long service life: due to passive operation and absence of wear parts
  • high pumping speed for active gases like O₂, H₂, CO and CO₂

UHV systems: ensuring reliability and stability

In ultra high vacuum systems, pressure stability is essential. Even minor pressure fluctuations can compromise measurement results or affect the reliability of experimental processes. NEG pumps contribute to long-term vacuum stability through continuous gas sorption as long as they remain active.

At Acclon Technologies, we frequently integrate NEG pumps alongside other solutions such as ion getter pumps, titanium sublimation pumps, and digital vacuum controllers, all fully compatible with complex UHV setups.

Who should consider using a NEG pump?

If you operate a system that:

  • Requires long-term UHV conditions
  • Needs minimal maintenance
  • Must be vibration-free
  • Has tight space constraints (e.g. beamlines, cleanroom setups, UHV enclosures)

then a non-evaporable getter pump may be your ideal solution. Especially in laboratories, synchrotrons, or semiconductor applications, NEG pumps provide the performance and durability needed.

Our expertise in UHV and NEG technology

Acclon Technologies specializes in custom vacuum solutions for both research and industrial applications. We supply NEG pumps from trusted manufacturers such as Gamma Vacuum and offer, tailored pump selection advice, on-site installation and activation, integration support for existing systems, UHV technology training via our Acclon Academy.

Curious whether a NEG pump suits your research setup? Contact us for tailored advice or request a free technical consultation. We’re here to help, under pressure.