Re: Thoraited Tungsten Rods

["Tesla list" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Original poster: William Beaty <billb@xxxxxxxxxx>

On Thu, 12 Apr 2007, Tesla list wrote:

> The thoriated rods produce ionization in the air around the
> rod.

But is this a common myth?   Do non-radioactive materials work almost as
well when put in tungsten?   Don't forget that vacuum tube filaments
usually have an oxide coating to lower the Work Function at the surface,
which lets the surface spew out lots more electrons.   If that oxide
coating is not used, then the tube filament must be run at incandescent
yellow-orange temperature in order to produce enough electrons.

> This will cause the spark to jump easier.

Google sources say that many oxides do the same.

Perhaps the radioactivity has an effect.   But just the oxide alone
apparently has a huge effect.

(((((((((((((((((( ( (  (   (    (O)    )   )  ) ) )))))))))))))))))))
William J. Beaty                http://staff.washington.edu/wbeaty/
beaty@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx       Research Engineer
billb@xxxxxxxxxx                UW Chem Dept,  Bagley Hall RM74
206-543-6195                    Box 351700, Seattle, WA 98195-1700