Simple techniques for storing ultraclean electron tube components

Recent advances in cleaning techniques for electron device components, coupled with simple techniques for the detection of monolayer amounts of contaminants, have enabled routine achievement of radically improved standards of cleanliness for electron device parts and assemblies. A major practical limitation has been the inability to store clean parts for extended periods without significant degradation of this high order of cleanliness. This paper describes the development of simple storage techniques capable of keeping parts free of detectable contaminants for periods up to several months. Some of the important factors in design of suitable storage containers, their cleanliness requirements, and suitable storage atmospheres are considered.