The present invention relates to turbomolecular vacuum pumps and an
arrangement for reducing or eliminating an accumulated static charge in
the rotor caused by an interaction of the rotor with either electrically
charged or neutral particles in the pumped media. Electrical charge
exchange between the rotor and the electrically grounded stator is
effected through a wire or other means of electrical contact, or through
charge emission devices such as a field emission tip. In either case,
electrostatic charges in the rotor are reduced or eliminated.