Product bulletin
Cesium, 99.98% (metals basis)
Catalog Number: 10146
Alfa Aesar packages the elemental alkali metals in borosilicate straight breakseal ampoules under vacuum. This is due to
the high reactivity of these metals with air, moisture, acids and oxidizers. These materials should be stored in a dry area
away from acids, oxidizers and combustibles.
To remove the cesium from the breakseal ampoule, carefully place the glass-coated iron slug that has been provided in
the protective tube arm of the ampoule. Next, connect the tube arm to a vacuum or inert atmosphere. Use a magnet to
manipulate the iron slug to break the thin glass seal containing the cesium. Heat the cesium so that it will flow easily
through the tube.
The approximate dimensions of the ampoules are as follows:
1g
Total length: 13cm
Length of the closed portion containing the cesium: 5 cm
Length of the arm: 8 cm
Diameter of the ampoule: 9-10 mm ID, 12 mm OD
5g
Total length: 13.3 cm
Length of the closed portion containing the cesium: 6.3 cm
Length of the arm: 7 cm
Diameter of the ampoule: 11 mm ID, 15 mm OD
Figure 1: Diagram of Ampoule for 1 gram and 5 gram ampoule (not drawn to scale)
25g
Total length: 15.8 cm
Length of the closed portion containing the cesium: 9.8 cm
Length of the arm: 6 cm
Diameter of the main portion: 25 mm
Diameter of the arm: 12 mm ID, 14 mm OD
Figure 2: Diagram of Ampoule for 25 gram ampoule (not drawn to scale)
100g
Total length: 22 cm
Length of the closed portion containing the cesium: 13.5 - 14 cm
Length of the arm: 8 cm
Diameter of the main portion: 35 mm
Diameter of the arm: 14 mm ID, 16 mm OD
Figure 3: Diagram of Ampoule for 100 gram ampoule (not drawn to scale)