Inside a synchrotron light source, tiny electrons cannot travel through ordinary atmospheric conditions. Instead, they must move within specially designed vacuum chambers that simulate conditions close to outer space. Ion pumps function like “mechanical lungs,” continuously removing air molecules from the vacuum chamber to maintain the ultra-clean environment required for electron circulation.

To operate these pumps, a high-voltage power supply for ion pumps (Ion Pump Power Supply) is essential.

Typically, the high-voltage power supplies used to control these pumps—operating at +7,000 V and −7,000 V—must be imported from abroad at extremely high cost. Recognizing this challenge, Thai engineers began developing a “Made in Thailand” high-voltage power supply capable of meeting international standards.

The newly developed system offers several advanced features:

• Performance comparable to internationally imported equipment
• Touchscreen control interface with real-time status monitoring
• Ethernet connectivity for remote operation and monitoring
• Built-in interlock safety system that automatically cuts off power in case of abnormal conditions
• Successfully tested in synchrotron accelerator systems including the Linear Beam Transport (LBT), Booster Synchrotron, and Storage Ring
• Capable of supporting ultra-high vacuum (UHV) levels below 5 × 10⁻¹⁰ Torr

Through the dedication and innovation of engineers at the Synchrotron Light Research Institute, this development represents an important milestone for Thailand’s vacuum technology sector.

The innovation contributes to several long-term benefits:

• Reducing reliance on imported technology – eliminating long procurement times and high costs
• Supporting the development of advanced scientific instruments – including particle accelerators and advanced materials research laboratories, while paving the way for Thailand’s future 3 GeV synchrotron light source
• Strengthening economic competitiveness – enabling technology transfer to Thai industries and creating potential for future export-oriented manufacturing

With extensive experience in advanced vacuum technologies, the institute also provides expertise in designing, constructing, and maintaining integrated vacuum systems for organizations interested in adopting such technologies.

Fun Fact:

The 7,000-volt power used in this system is about 30 times higher than household electricity, yet it is carefully engineered to remain safe and stable while maintaining vacuum conditions as rarefied as outer space.

This innovation is not merely a power supply—it is a key that unlocks the potential of Thai science on the global stage.

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Article by:

Mr. Supan Boonsuya, Accelerator Maintenance and Operation Officer (Electrical Engineer)