This year’s Vacuum Technology Division (VT) program introduces two new sessions: The first is dedicated to vacuum equipment miniaturization (see VT1 below) and the second to vacuum technology in support of homeland security, intended applicable for any country. A session on large vacuum systems encourages contributions from production, space simulation, and accelerator vacuum systems. We will again have a session based on space vacuum issues as well as a session on reduction of outgassing resulting from an evaluation of the adsorption/desorption phenomena of materials and materials processing. Also featured are traditional sessions on pressure measurement and pumping. Within the VT poster session, we are promoting the 2nd Annual Student Poster Competition with a cash prize. For more information about the competition please contact Tim Gessert, tim_gessert@nrel.gov. We will continue our program, entitled “Ask The Experts,” initiated last year and based in the Equipment Exhibition, where experienced vacuum experts will be available to help answer perplexing vacuum technology issues. Finally, the program again includes a panel discussion on selected topics of current vacuum technology and science issues, especially on new development in vacuum science or needs from other divisions to help development in other fields; suggested topics may be submitted to Lars Westerberg, lars.westerberg@fysik.uu.se. Abstract submissions are welcome for the following sessions:

VT1     Miniature Vacuum Pumping Devices, Gas Dynamics in Small Channels at Low Pressures, and New Capabilities Enabled by Miniaturization

R. Kline-Schoder, Creare, Inc., "Miniature High Vacuum Pump for Mars Analytical Instruments"

VT2     Portable Instruments and Space Applications

D.J. McComas, Southwest Research Institute, "Development of MEMS for Space Applications"

VT3     Vacuum Technology in Support of Global Homeland Security

S. Semancik, National Institute of Standards and Technology, "The Role of Vacuum-Based Processes in Developing High Performance Chemical Microsensors"

VT4     Adsorption/Desorption Phenomena on Vacuum Materials and Procedures for Reduction of Outgassing

M. Leisch, Graz University of Technology, Austria, "Surface Morphology and Surface Composition of Vacuum Fired Stainless Steel"

VT5     Pumping, Pressure Measurement & Calibration

A. Chew, BOC Edwards, UK, "Review of Experience of a Single Mechanism for High Vacuum Pumping"

VT6     Large Vacuum Systems

F.G. Collins, University of Tennessee Space Institute, "Recent Advances to Enhance Space Simulation"

VT7     Vacuum Technology Poster Session (including Student Poster Competition with Cash Award)