Applications for non-evaporative getters in microwave tubes

The principle getter material studied was ST-172 which incorporates small amounts of an alloy of zirconium, vanadium, and iron distributed over a porous matrix of zirconium. Getter activation is achieved by removing a layer of oxygen that forms on the getter when exposed to atmosphere. ST-172 can be activated by heating to 500/spl deg/C, the same temperature as used for bakeout of most microwave tubes. After activation, the getter is effective at room temperature.