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A compact, easy-to-use leak detector for vacuum systems based on the MQ-8 sensor

S. M. Kovalov, I. V. Beznosenko, A. V. Vasyliev, G. V. Sotnikov

TL;DR

The work presents a dual contribution: a compact, low-cost leak detector for vacuum systems using hydrogen as a tracer detected by a MQ-8 sensor, integrated with an Arduino and Processing for real-time visualization and leak localization; demonstrated on a 200 L chamber with restoration of vacuum to about $4\times10^{-5}$ Pa. It also develops a general mathematical and geometrical framework for dispersion compensation in femtosecond laser systems using prism pairs, enabling precise control of GDD across the spectral range and validating the approach with both analytical and geometric modeling (discrepancy < ~1.1%). Together, the results offer practical tools for accessible vacuum diagnostics in laboratories and robust dispersion-management strategies for DLA-related ultrafast lasers.

Abstract

This paper presents the development of a compact leak detector for vacuum systems that operates using hydrogen as a tracer gas, detected by a semiconductor MQ-8 sensor. The sensor is connected to an Arduino microcontroller, enabling digital signal processing and real-time visualization through the Processing software environment. The designed device is capable of detecting even small hydrogen leaks caused by imperfect sealing of vacuum connections. It is characterized by simplicity, low manufacturing cost, and suitability for laboratory use as an alternative to helium leak detectors. Experimental tests confirmed the effectiveness and stability of the developed leak detector during long-term measurements.

A compact, easy-to-use leak detector for vacuum systems based on the MQ-8 sensor

TL;DR

The work presents a dual contribution: a compact, low-cost leak detector for vacuum systems using hydrogen as a tracer detected by a MQ-8 sensor, integrated with an Arduino and Processing for real-time visualization and leak localization; demonstrated on a 200 L chamber with restoration of vacuum to about Pa. It also develops a general mathematical and geometrical framework for dispersion compensation in femtosecond laser systems using prism pairs, enabling precise control of GDD across the spectral range and validating the approach with both analytical and geometric modeling (discrepancy < ~1.1%). Together, the results offer practical tools for accessible vacuum diagnostics in laboratories and robust dispersion-management strategies for DLA-related ultrafast lasers.

Abstract

This paper presents the development of a compact leak detector for vacuum systems that operates using hydrogen as a tracer gas, detected by a semiconductor MQ-8 sensor. The sensor is connected to an Arduino microcontroller, enabling digital signal processing and real-time visualization through the Processing software environment. The designed device is capable of detecting even small hydrogen leaks caused by imperfect sealing of vacuum connections. It is characterized by simplicity, low manufacturing cost, and suitability for laboratory use as an alternative to helium leak detectors. Experimental tests confirmed the effectiveness and stability of the developed leak detector during long-term measurements.

Paper Structure

This paper contains 14 sections, 27 equations, 13 figures, 2 tables.

Table of Contents

  1. INTRODUCTION
  2. ANALYSIS OF EXISTING METHODS AND DEVELOPMENT PREREQUISITES
  3. HYDROGEN AS A TRACER GAS AND MQ-8 SENSOR AS DETECTOR
  4. OPERATING PRINCIPLE OF SEMICONDUCTOR SENSORS (MQ FAMILY)
  5. ELECTRICAL MODEL AND CONNECTION SCHEME OF THE MQ-8 SENSOR
  6. METHOD FOR LEAK DETECTION AND LOCALIZATION
  7. EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS
  8. CONCLUSIONS
  9. INTRODUCTION
  10. PROBLEM FORMULATION
  11. GDD IN THE LASER CRYSTAL AND ITS COMPENSATION BY A PRISM PAIR
  12. THE INFLUENCE OF PRISM CONFIGURATION ON LASER RADIATION PARAMETERS
  13. CALCULATIONS OF GDD USING GEOMETRIC MODELING
  14. CONCLUSIONS

Figures (13)

  • Figure 1: Laboratory hydrogen electrolyzer used in the experiment.
  • Figure 2: MQ-8 sensor and Arduino microcontroller.
  • Figure 3: Additional reservoir installed at the outlet of the forevacuum pump.
  • Figure 4: Diagram for leak detection in the chamber: 1 is vacuum chamber; 2 is forevacuum pump; 3 is hydrogen electrolyzer; 4 is MQ-8 sensor; 5 is direction of hydrogen flow; 6 is Arduino (digitization and data transfer); 7 is personal computer with visualization software.
  • Figure 5: Dependence of the Arduino analog output signal (ADC, from 0 to 1023) on time.
  • ...and 8 more figures