Abstract: The present invention discloses a vacuum chamber having operating pressures in the ultra-high vacuum (UHV) range (10?8 torr to 10?13 torr) and incorporating transparent windows, said windows constructed from transparent materials (preferably glass), and having low helium permeability velocity under operating and storage conditions. Embodiments may also contain surface coatings on windows to reduce helium permeation. Also disclosed herein is a method for vacuum processing said chamber by heating entire chamber and exposing the inside and outside of the chamber windows to helium free environments. Methods for final sealing said chamber are also discussed. The vacuum chamber is useful as a container for optically-cooled atoms for use in quantum information and atomic clocks and as a sensor for magnetic fields, gravitational fields, and inertial effects.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a vacuum chamber having operating pressures in the ultra-high vacuum (UHV) range (10?8 torr to 10?13 torr) and incorporating transparent windows, said windows constructed from transparent materials (preferably glass), and having low helium permeability velocity under operating and storage conditions. Embodiments may also contain surface coatings on windows to reduce helium permeation. Also disclosed herein is a method for vacuum processing said chamber by heating entire chamber and exposing the inside and outside of the chamber windows to helium free environments. Methods for final sealing said chamber are also discussed. The vacuum chamber is useful as a container for optically-cooled atoms for use in quantum information and atomic clocks and as a sensor for magnetic fields, gravitational fields, and inertial effects.

Abstract: Neutral particles, such as atoms and molecules, transported along a path having at least one curved region are selectively conveyed or filtered according to each particle's velocity by generating an inhomogeneous magnetic field across a cross-section of the path. The neutral particles may be transported through a physical tube or simply through the region defined by the magnetic field. The path may have more than one curved region and may additionally have one or more straight regions. The magnetic field may be generated for example by homogeneously or inhomogeneously magnetized permanent magnets or by current carrying elements. The magnetic elements may additionally be used in conjunction with at least one piece of a high permeability magnetic material for focussing or containing the magnetic field.