In this video, I walk through the process of building a dummy load for ion getter pumps—a practical tool for troubleshooting high-vacuum systems like electron and ion columns. Before we dive into the build, I explain how ion pumps work, why they’re essential for ultra-high vacuum (UHV) environments, and how they help monitor pressure by generating a small current as gas molecules are ionized and trapped.

When pressure readings seem off, a dummy load—essentially a known high-value resistor—can help isolate whether the problem lies in the pump, the power supply, or the vacuum system itself. I’ll show you how using resistors like 200 MΩ, 5 GΩ, and 50 GΩ can simulate pressures ranging from 10⁻⁷ to 10⁻¹⁰ mbar.

Whether you’re maintaining a lab setup or supporting engineers in the field, this is a handy tool for diagnosing issues and validating system performance. Stick around as I build three precision dummy load cables and explain how to safely use them in high-voltage vacuum applications.

Keywords: ion getter pump, vacuum troubleshooting, dummy load, UHV systems, high voltage resistor, pressure simulation, Ohm’s law, electron microscope maintenance