Vacuum
VSL offers unique services including calibration and consultancy for vacuum sensors and vacuum systems.
Pressure
Vacuum
etrology in a vacuum is the science of measuring practically nothing. In an almost gas-free system, signals are extremely small and distinguishing between signal and noise is a major challenge. Only with accurate, traceable measurements can you be confident how “empty” a vacuum really is.
VSL offers unique services including calibration and consultancy for vacuum sensors and vacuum systems.
Would you like to know more about our services?
Our experts are happy to help.
Michel Brakel
Sales Engineer
Practical Applications of Metrology for Vacuum Systems
Accurate vacuum measurements are essential across many sectors. In the semiconductor industry, for example, they underpin the clean, tightly controlled lithography processes. In healthcare and the pharmaceutical industry, vacuum environments are used in the production of titanium implants and in research into new treatment methods. In the space sector, precise vacuum measurements are vital for testing and qualifying a wide range of components and systems. And in the energy sector, vacuum applications play a key role in plasma generation and thin-film electronics.
Calibration of Vacuum Sensors
In the Netherlands, VSL provides the most accurate and traceable vacuum calibrations across a very wide pressure range, from high vacuum up to near atmospheric pressure including an expanded accreditation for ranges down to 10–8mbar (absolute pressure). Only a handful of national metrology institutes in the world can perform vacuum calibrations. VSL is the only accredited organisation in the Netherlands able to calibrate at such low pressures.
Within this wide pressure range, virtually all common types of vacuum sensors can be calibrated, including ion gauges, capacitive diaphragm gauges (CDGs), spinning rotor gauges, piezo gauges, Pirani gauges, cold and hot cathode gauges, Bayard–Alpert gauges and extractor gauges. All calibrations are carried out using SI-traceable references and include a transparent uncertainty analysis. The results provide solid support for quality and accreditation systems.
Traceability With Short Lead Times
Vacuum calibrations are fully traceable to international standards. We apply clearly defined and well-substantiated measurement uncertainties. At the same time, we offer efficient, predictable turnaround times that align with both industrial and research processes.
Consultancy
Accurately measuring, controlling and interpreting vacuum is a specialist discipline. VSL supports organisations in selecting and combining suitable vacuum sensors for a given pressure range, in designing and assessing vacuum systems and measurement setups, and in drafting and optimising measurement and calibration procedures. We also assist in preparing uncertainty budgets and substantiating them for auditors and customers, and in training and coaching technicians and engineers in metrology for vacuum environments.
Working closely with metrologists and scientists, VSL translates complex metrology into practical solutions for laboratories and production environments.
Custom services
Alongside our standard calibrations, VSL offers tailored solutions for specific challenges in vacuum metrology. These include the development of special measurement setups or reference artefacts, support in integrating vacuum calibration into production or R&D lines, feasibility studies and pilot measurements for new applications or pressure ranges, and tailored proficiency tests (interlaboratory comparisons).
Our combination of advanced facilities, accredited standards and deep expertise in our field makes VSL the partner of choice for organisations whose processes depend on reliable vacuum conditions.
