Mass Flow Controller from MKS Instruments Helps to Study Plasma in Space

ANDOVER, Mass., Oct. 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MKS Instruments, Inc. (NASDAQ: MKSI) is proud to announce that another one of its GE50A Mass Flow Controller (MFC) products has been installed in the PK-4 Plasma Crystal Laboratory in the International Space Station (ISS). The MFC is part of the latest Experiment Interface (ExpIF) Extension of the PK-4 laboratory that was installed in the European Columbus Research Module of the ISS on July 23, 2018. This mission was carried out under a program of and funded by the European Space Agency.

Installation of the Experiment Interface Extension featuring an MKS Mass Flow Controller for the PK-4 Plasma Crystal Laboratory on the International Space Station

The PK-4 Plasma Crystal Laboratory was launched in 2014 to conduct an ongoing series of experiments to determine the behavior of low-temperature plasmas in space. PK-4 generates complex plasma crystals in a glass tube filled with inert gas. The data derived from various experiments with these complex plasmas can provide new insights into the physics of condensed materials, help to answer fundamental astrophysical questions and enable future applications in semiconductor technology and medicine.

The original PK-4 laboratory module already features a GE50A Mass Flow Controller and other MKS instruments such as the 750C High Pressure Baratron® Absolute Capacitance Manometer, a 640B Absolute Pressure Controller and a 910 Absolute Piezo Vacuum Transducer.

The GE50A is used to control the flow of Neon, Argon and mixtures of both gases. Its high accuracy and flexibility in terms of multi-gas, multi-range and communications were the main reasons for integrating the MKS GE50A in the new ExpIF extension module.

For additional information on the MKS Instruments General Purpose GE50A Mass Flow Controller, please visit https://www.mksinst.com/product/product.aspx?ProductID=1362.

Please note that the view expressed herein can in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion of the European Space Agency.

About MKS Instruments

MKS Instruments, Inc. is a global provider of instruments, subsystems and process control solutions that measure, monitor, deliver, analyze, power and control critical parameters of advanced manufacturing processes to improve process performance and productivity for our customers. Our products are derived from our core competencies in pressure measurement and control, flow measurement and control, gas and vapor delivery, gas composition analysis, residual gas analysis, leak detection, control technology, ozone generation and delivery, power, reactive gas generation, vacuum technology, lasers, photonics, sub-micron positioning, vibration control and optics. We also provide services relating to the maintenance and repair of our products, installation services and training. Our primary served markets include the semiconductor, industrial technologies, life and health sciences, research and defense. Additional information can be found at www.mksinst.com. 

Company Contacts:

Bill Casey
Senior Director - Marketing Communications
Tel: +1 978-645-5400
E-mail: bill_casey@mksinst.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/84a1f54f-1a96-488c-be5f-02f5f1fd6656

Source: MKS Instruments, Inc.