A Domestic Supply of High-Purity Xenon for Advanced Electronics Processes

Xenon is the leading propellant for the ion thrusters used in satellites and deep-space missions. Its high atomic mass and ionization efficiency enable mass-efficient, long-duration space travel with electric propulsion systems.

These Ion and Hall-effect thrusters rely on xenon to generate thrust, an ideal solution for spacecraft requiring precise orbital adjustments. Satellite station-keeping and deep-space exploration both leverage xenon propulsion.

Messer is actively developing xenon loading cart technology to support space propulsion applications, with an efficient space refueling process for ion thrusters.

As the demand for low-orbit and deep-space propulsion grows, Messer’s solution will help address the fundamental challenge of in-flight refueling: the mass and energy required to transport fuel must be carefully balanced against the operational benefits it provides to long-term mission viability.

Xenon’s unique biological properties make it valuable for medical imaging and anesthesia. Xenon gas enables high-resolution imaging and its low solubility in blood also makes it an effective anesthetic.

Xenon plays a distinct role in plasma etching and ion implantation, two key processes in microchip fabrication. Plasma etching uses xenon’s higher atomic mass to provide greater selectivity and precision, promoting the removal of materials with minimal damage to surrounding structures.

In ion implantation, xenon ions are embedded into semiconductor materials to alter electrical properties and provide tighter control over doping profiles compared to lighter noble gases.