A turbo molecular pump is a type of vacuum pump that efficiently removes gas molecules from a chamber to create a high vacuum. It uses rapidly spinning blades to impart momentum to gas molecules, directing them toward the exhaust. This design allows for the achievement of very low pressures, making it essential in various scientific and industrial applications. These pumps are commonly used in fields such as semiconductor manufacturing, mass spectrometry, and surface science. They are known for their ability to maintain a clean vacuum environment, which is crucial for experiments and processes that require minimal contamination.