Design of a modular and versatile interlock system for ultrahigh vacuum machines: A crossed molecular beam setup as a case study

The design of a modular, versatile interlock system for ultrahigh vacuum machines is presented. This system can monitor the pressure (ultrahigh vacuum and high vacuum), the status of the power (power failure, power fluctuations, and scheduled power outages), the operation mode of the pumps (operation versus failure), the flow of cooling water, the humidity and temperature levels in the laboratory, as well as the concentration of toxic gases. If any of the set points is triggered, the vacuum machine is protected fully automatically. The interlock system is also interfaced to an automated paging system, thus transmitting a pager signal to the person on duty. Since the interlock system is modular in nature, it can be expanded and be adapted stepwise to incorporate additional safety and monitoring functions as needed. (c) 2006 American Institute of Physics.