Study of the UHV compatibility of selected ferritic stainless steels for application in vacuum systems of future gravitational wave detectors
Abstract
Next-generation gravitational wave detectors (GWDs) such as the Cosmic Explorer and Einstein Telescope demand extensive ultra-high vacuum systems, making material cost and performance critical considerations. This study investigates the potential of ferritic stainless steel as a cost-effective alternative to the commonly used austenitic stainless steel for UHV components, focusing on the analysis of outgassing rates pre and post-bakeout at 80C and 150C for 48 hours. The tested ferritic stainless steels exhibit significantly lower hydrogen content than standard AISI 304L steel. After bakeout, the hydrogen outgassing rates - measured down to 10-15 mbar l s-1 cm-2 - are three orders of magnitude lower than those of similarly conditioned austenitic stainless steels. These results highlight ferritic stainless steel as a promising, economical, and high-performance candidate for future GWDs vacuum systems.
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