Customer: University of Cambridge
Research Group: Department of Physics – Semiconductor Physics Group
Original lead: Mr. Ken Heng Teoh - Scientist / Associate Scientist
New lead: Edward L Smith PhD - Postgraduate Student in Physics
Relationship: PI-KEM has supported the University of Cambridge’s advanced materials research for over 10 years
PI-KEM Equipment: Compact High Pressure Gas Tube Furnace
PI-KEM Supply Partner: MTI Corp
Installation Level: Single Piece - Customised
The Requirement:
Researchers within the Department of Physics were seeking a specialised furnace system capable of operating at elevated temperatures while maintaining both pressure and controlled oxygen flow.
The application required precise environmental control for advanced material property analysis and semiconductor research. Standard furnace configurations did not fully meet the project's requirements, making technical consultation and specification development essential.
The Challenge:
The project began with an enquiry for a high-pressure oxygen tube furnace capable of operating at temperatures up to 1100°C.
During initial discussions, the research team identified a critical requirement: maintaining pressure while continuously refreshing oxygen within the chamber.
The project involved:
- Defining the correct technical specification
- Facilitating discussions between the customer and MTI engineers
- Assessing available furnace technologies
- Coordinating a customised equipment configuration
- Managing manufacture, shipping, installation and training
As the project progressed, customer requirements evolved and installation schedules changed, requiring careful coordination between Cambridge and MTI's engineering team.
The Solution:
PI-KEM worked closely with the University of Cambridge and MTI Corporation to specify and deliver a customised:
OTF-1200X-S-HP-50A Compact High Pressure Gas Tube Furnace
Configured with:
- 20 mm internal diameter tube
- Operating temperatures up to 1100°C
- FAcc (Furnace Accuracy) package
- Constant pressure and constant flow capability
- On-site installation and training services
After facilitating detailed technical discussions, PI-KEM facilitated communication between the customer and MTI engineers to ensure the final system met the research requirements.
Installation & Commissioning:
Following on from manufacture and international shipment, PI-KEM coordinated installation activities between the University of Cambridge and MTI.
The installation included:
- Two MTI engineers travelling from MTI headquarters in California, USA
- Two days of on-site installation and commissioning
- User training for multiple researchers
- Verification of system operation and functionality
Despite installation dates being revised by the University of Cambridge research team during project planning, PI-KEM worked with all parties to successfully reschedule and deliver the project without disruption.
The installation was overseen by:
- Fiona Rouse, Director, PI-KEM
- Adam Gadsby, Head of Operations, PI-KEM
Training was delivered to:
- Edward Smith
- Jinyu Han
- Hajing Meng
- Cheng Liu
The Outcome:
The University of Cambridge successfully commissioned the furnace system for advanced material property analysis and semiconductor research.
By managing the project from initial enquiry through to installation and training, PI-KEM provided a single point of contact throughout the process, ensuring technical requirements, manufacturing coordination, logistics and user readiness were all aligned.
Project Highlights:
✓ Customised high-pressure furnace configuration
✓ Technical consultation between customer and manufacturer
✓ International coordination with MTI engineers
✓ Installation, commissioning and user training included
✓ Successful placement within a leading UK research institution
Conversation to Completion. Enabling Your Objectives.
