Recommended Safety Procedures for the Selection and Use Of

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Recommended Safety Procedures for the Selection and Use Of IJk Health and Welfare Sante et Bien-etre social Canada Canada 79-EHD-41 recommended safety procedures for the selection and use of demonstration-type gas discharge devices in schools Recommended Safety Procedures for the selection and use demonstration-type gas discharge devices in schools CONTINTS Pag_e 1 INTRODUCTION 1 >. G<\5 DISCHARGE TUBES 2 ?. 1 Col d Cathode X-ray Tube 3 2.7. Shadow or Fluorescent Effect Tube i 1.3 Magnetic or Deflection Effect Tube 3 2.4 Heat Effect Tube 4 2.5 High or Low Vacuum Effect Tube 4 2.6 Other Gas Discharge Tuoes 4 3. RADIATION HAZARDS 5 3.1 1972 Radiation Protection Bureau Survey 5 3.2 Exposure Rates 5 3.3 Poor Demonstration Procedures 6 4. STANDARDS FOR NEW GAS DISCHARGE DEVICES 8 ::., RECOMMENDED SAFETV PRECAUTIONS 9 5.1 General Safety Recommendations 9 5.2 Specific Recommendations 9 5.2.1 X-ra.y Tubes 9 5.2.2 Other Gas Discharge Tubes 10 REFERENCES 11 APPENDIX 1: Dose Equivalent Limits for Pupils in Schools 13 APPENDIX 2: Radiation Emitting Devices Regulations for Demonstration-Type Gas Discharge Devices 1L. TABLES 19 FIGURES 21 (SEE REVERSE SIDE) Page 17 STANDARDS OF FUNCTIONING 5. Every device shall function in such a way that the emission of X-rays therefrom, under all possible conditions of operation and for as long as the device has its original components or has replacement components recommended by the manufacturer, is such that the average exposure rate of X-rays to an object having a 10 square centimetre cross section and centred at 5 centimetres from any accessible external surface of the device does not exceed 0.5 mi 11iroentgen per hour. RECOMMENDED SAFETY PROCEDURES FOR THE SELECTION AND USE OF DEMONSTRATION-TYPE GAS DISCHARGE DEVICES IN SCHOOLS Environmental Health Directorate Health Protection Branch Published by authority of the Minister of National Health and Welfare 79-EHD-41 COPIES OF THIS REPORT CAN BE OBTAINEO FROM: Information Directorate Department of National Health and Welfare Brooke Claxton Building Ottawa, K1A 0K9 CONTENTS Page 1. INTRODUCTION 1 2. GAS DISCHARGE TUBES 3 2.1 Cold Cathode X-ray Tube 4 2.2 Shadow or Fluorescent Effect Tube 4 2.3 Magnetic or Deflection Effect Tube 4 2.4 Heat Effect Tube 5 2.5 High or Low Vacuum Effect Tube 5 2.6 Other Gas Discharge Tubes 5 3. RADIATION HAZARDS 7 3.1 1972 Radiation Protection Bureau Survey 7 3.2 Exposure Rates 7 3.3 Improper Use Procedures 8 4. STANDARDS FOR NEW GAS DISCHARGE DEVICES 11 5. RECOMMENDED SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 13 5.1 General Safety Recommendations 13 5.2 Specific Recommendations 13 5.2.1 X-ray Tubes 13 5.2.2 Other Gas Discharge Tubes 14 REFERENCES 15 APPENDIX 1: Dose Equivalent Limits for Pupils in Schools 17 APPENDIX 2: Radiation Emitting Devices Regulations for Demonstration-Type Gas Discharge Devices 19 TABLES 23 FIGURES 25 ui FOREWORD Modern science laboratories in educational institutions employ as teaching aids a variety of equipment for demonstration and experimentation. Many of the devices used are capable of emitting X-rays, microwaves or other potentially hazardous radiations at levels greater than considered acceptable. One class of demonstration device in widespread use in schools is the gas discharge tube. Some gas discharge tubes, in particular the cold cathode type, can emit X-rcvs at signi- ficantly high levels. Unless such tubes are used carefully, and with due regard for t^ood radiation safety practices, they can result in exposures to students that are in excess of the maximum levels recommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection. This document has been specially prepared to assist science teachers and others using demonstration-type gas discharge devices to select and use such devices so as to present negligible risk to themselves and to students. It contains useful information on safety proce- dures that should be followed when performing these demonstrations or experiments. Clearly a document such as this cannot cover all possible situations, nor can it substitute for the exercise of sound judgement, so the recommendations may need modification in unusual ci. ;um- stances. Interpretation or elaboration on any point in this document can be obtained by contac- ting the Radiation Protection Bureau in Ottawa. This document was drafted by Dr. W.M. Zuk and Mr. E. Rabin. AVANT-PROPOS Dans les laboratoires de sciences modernes des établissements d'enseignement, divers appareils sont employés comme outils didactiques à des fins de démonstration et d'expérimentation. Bon nombre de ces appareils peuvent émettre des rayons X, des micro-ondes ou d'autres rayonnements potentiellement dangereux à des intensités de rayonnement supérieures aux limites acceptables. Le tube à décharge est l'une des catégories de dispositifs pour démonstrations dont l'usage est répandu dans les écoles. Certains de ces tubes, particulièrement les tubes à cathode froide, peuvent émettre des rayons X dont l'intensité est très élevée. Si les personnes qui utilisent de tels tubes ne sont pas prudentes ou n'observent pas les mesures de protection contre les rayonnements, les élèves peuvent être soumis à des irradiations supérieures à celles qui sont recommandées par la Commission internationale de protection contre les radiations. Le présent document s'adresse particulièrement aux professeurs de sciences et à d'autres personnes qui emploient des dispositifs à décharge pour démonstration, afin de les aider à choisir et à utiliser de tels dispositifs de manière à ce que leurs élèves et eux-mêmes courent le moins de risques possible. Le document renferme des renseignements utiles sur les mesures de sécurité à observer au cours des démonstrations ou des expériences. Il est évident qu'un document du genre ne peut couvrir toutes les situations possibles ni remplacer le bon sens. Il se peut donc que les recommandations doivent être modifiées dans des circonstances particulières. On peut obtenir des explications ou des éclaircissements sur des aspects quelconques du document en communiquant avec le Bureau de la radioprotection à Ottawa. Le présent document a été rédigé par Messieurs W.M. Zuk et E. Rabin. VI 1- INTRODUCTION In Canada, as in many other countries, increasing numbers of demonstrations and experiments in school science programs involve use of potential sources of ionizing radiation. As a result, large numbers of students under the age of 18 years are susceptible to being unneces- sarily exposed to ionizing radiation. It is particularly important that all such exposure be avoided. Because it occurs at an early age, any gonadal irradiation from such demonstrations makes for maximum contribution to the population genetic dose. For this and other reasons, 1 2 the International Commission on Radiological Protection (I.C.R.P.) has recommended ' dose limits for pupils in schools of one-tenth of the dose limits recommended for individual member?; of the public. In 1972 the Radiation Protection Bureau surveyed secondary schools in the Ottawa area to determine what demonstration-type radiation emitting devices were available in the schools and to assess the nature and extent of hazards associated with their use. Particular emphasis was placed on gas discharge tubes because of an earlier U.S. study which revealed that cold cathode gas discharge devices were widely available in U.S. schools and were capable of emitting X-rays at hazardous levels. The results of the Ottawa area study, described briefly in section 3, confirmed the U.S. findings and pointed to the need for regulatory action to control demonstration-type gas discharge devices. The survey results also strongly indicated that there was a definite need for safe use guidelines for such devices. Interim guidelines were produced and widely circulated in Canada shortly after the results of the survey were known. The intent of this document is to formalize the interim guidelines and to provide more comprehensive recommendations which, when adhered to, will ensure that demonstration- type gas discharge devices present no radiation hazard either to pupils or teachers. - 2 - 2. GAS DISCHARGE TUBES For many years, gas discharge tubes have been in widespread use in schools for experi- mental treatment of atomic physics. These devices are designed to demonstrate the production, properties and effects of electrical discharges in gases and the luminous phenomena which accompanies them. Some discharge tubes are specifically designed to generate X-rays; in others, X-ray emission is incidental to the intended purpose. In its basic form, a gas discharge tube consists of a partially evacuated, sealed glass tube, containing the gas of interest at a predetermined pressure, and two or more electrodes for applying a high voltage to the enclosed gas. Gas discharge tubes are usually classified in accordance with the means used to produce electron emission from the cathode. Discharge tubes in which the electrons are produced by means of thermionic emission are referred to as hot cathode tubes. By employing a heated filament to produce the electrons, such tubes have been designed to demonstrate the desired effects with operating voltages below 5000 volts and without accompanying x-rad'ation. Several demonstration-type hot cathode tubes are available commercially. In the 1972 survey, referred to in Section 1, no x-radiation was detected from such tubes when operated at voltages within the manufacturer's specified operating range. The second catagory of discharge tubes does not employ a heated cathode; the electrons are released from the cold cathode surface by positive ion bombardment. The positive ions are generated by ionization of gas atoms contained in the tube. Such tubes are classified as cold cathode tubes. A variety of high voltage sources is used to operate cold cathode discharge tubes, but induction coil power supplies, because of their low price, are used most frequently.
Recommended publications
  • Vacuum Tube Theory, a Basics Tutorial – Page 1
    Vacuum Tube Theory, a Basics Tutorial – Page 1 Vacuum Tubes or Thermionic Valves come in many forms including the Diode, Triode, Tetrode, Pentode, Heptode and many more. These tubes have been manufactured by the millions in years gone by and even today the basic technology finds applications in today's electronics scene. It was the vacuum tube that first opened the way to what we know as electronics today, enabling first rectifiers and then active devices to be made and used. Although Vacuum Tube technology may appear to be dated in the highly semiconductor orientated electronics industry, many Vacuum Tubes are still used today in applications ranging from vintage wireless sets to high power radio transmitters. Until recently the most widely used thermionic device was the Cathode Ray Tube that was still manufactured by the million for use in television sets, computer monitors, oscilloscopes and a variety of other electronic equipment. Concept of thermionic emission Thermionic basics The simplest form of vacuum tube is the Diode. It is ideal to use this as the first building block for explanations of the technology. It consists of two electrodes - a Cathode and an Anode held within an evacuated glass bulb, connections being made to them through the glass envelope. If a Cathode is heated, it is found that electrons from the Cathode become increasingly active and as the temperature increases they can actually leave the Cathode and enter the surrounding space. When an electron leaves the Cathode it leaves behind a positive charge, equal but opposite to that of the electron. In fact there are many millions of electrons leaving the Cathode.
    [Show full text]
  • THE HOT-CATHODE DISCHARGE in HELIUM by Michael A. Gusinow A
    The hot-cathode discharge in helium Item Type text; Thesis-Reproduction (electronic) Authors Gusinow, Michael Allen, 1939- Publisher The University of Arizona. Rights Copyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author. Download date 02/10/2021 14:07:46 Link to Item http://hdl.handle.net/10150/319504 THE HOT-CATHODE DISCHARGE IN HELIUM by Michael A. Gusinow A Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of the DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements For the Degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE In the Graduate College THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA 1963 STATEMENT BY AUTHOR This thesis has been submitted in partial fulfillment of re quirements for an advanced degree at The University of Arizona and is deposited in the University Library to be made available to bor­ rowers under rules of the Library. Brief quotations from this thesis are allowable without special permission, provided that accurate acknowledgment of source is made. Requests for permission for extended quotation from or reproduction of this manuscript in whole or in part may be granted by the head of the major department or the Dean of the Graduate College when in their judgment the proposed use of the material is in the interests of scholarship. In all other instances, however, permission must be obtained from the author. SIGNED APPROVAL BY THESIS DIRECTOR This thesis has been approved on the date shown below: / Date Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering ii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The author wishes to express his appreciation to Dr.
    [Show full text]
  • INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH by MICHAEL RIORDAN
    THE INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH by MICHAEL RIORDAN ORE THAN A DECADE before J. J. Thomson discovered the elec- tron, Thomas Edison stumbled across a curious effect, patented Mit, and quickly forgot about it. Testing various carbon filaments for electric light bulbs in 1883, he noticed a tiny current trickling in a single di- rection across a partially evacuated tube into which he had inserted a metal plate. Two decades later, British entrepreneur John Ambrose Fleming applied this effect to invent the “oscillation valve,” or vacuum diode—a two-termi- nal device that converts alternating current into direct. In the early 1900s such rectifiers served as critical elements in radio receivers, converting radio waves into the direct current signals needed to drive earphones. In 1906 the American inventor Lee de Forest happened to insert another elec- trode into one of these valves. To his delight, he discovered he could influ- ence the current flowing through this contraption by changing the voltage on this third electrode. The first vacuum-tube amplifier, it served initially as an improved rectifier. De Forest promptly dubbed his triode the audion and ap- plied for a patent. Much of the rest of his life would be spent in forming a se- ries of shaky companies to exploit this invention—and in an endless series of legal disputes over the rights to its use. These pioneers of electronics understood only vaguely—if at all—that individual subatomic particles were streaming through their devices. For them, electricity was still the fluid (or fluids) that the classical electrodynamicists of the nineteenth century thought to be related to stresses and disturbances in the luminiferous æther.
    [Show full text]
  • Lee De Forest Claimet\He Got the Idea for His Triode ''Audion" From
    Lee de Forest claimet\he got the idea for his triode h ''audion" from wntching a gas flame bum. John Ambrose Flen#ng thought that story ·~just so much hot air. lreJess telegraphy held excit­ m WIng promise at the beginning of the twentieth century. Peo­ ~With Imagination could seethe po.. tentlal thot 'the rematkoble new technology offered forworlct1Nk:le com­ munfcotion. However, no one could hove predicted the impact that the soon-to-be-developed "osdllotlon volve" ond "oudlon" Wireless-telegra­ phy detector& wauid have on elec­ tronics technology. Backpouncl. Shortly before 1900, · Guglielmo Morconl had formed his own company to develop wireless­ telegraphy technology. He demon­ strated that wireless set-ups on ships eot~ld~messageswlth nearby stations on other ships or on land. t The Marconi Company hOd also j transmitted messages across the EhQ­ Jish Channel. By the end of 1901. Mar­ coni extended the range of his equipmenttospantheAtlan1tcOcean. It was obvlgus. 1hot ~raph ~MeS with subrhatlrie cables and ihelr lnber­ ent flmltations woUld soon disappear, Ships· at sea would no longer be iso­ la1ed. No locatlon on Eorth would. be too remote to send and receive mes­ sages. Clear1y; the opportunity existed tor enormous tiOOnciql gain once Jelio­ ble equlprrient was avoltable. To that end, 1Uned electrical circuits were developed to reduce the band­ width of the signals produced by ,the spark transrnlf'tirs. The resonont clfcults were also used in a receiver to select one signal from omong several trans­ missions. Slm~deslgn principles for resonont ontennas were also being explored and applied, However, the senstflvlty and reUabltlty of the devices used to ctetectthe Wireless signals were still hln­ cterlng the development of commer­ () cial wireless-telegraph nefWorks.
    [Show full text]
  • Series 600 Hot Cathode Bayard-Alpert Ionization Vacuum Gauges
    InstruTech® Series 600 Hot Cathode Bayard-Alpert Ionization Vacuum Gauges BA600 Mini IG: Electron Bombardment (EB) degas design 1 x 10-9 to 5 x 10-2 Torr Measurement Range BA601 UHV Nude: Electron Bombardment (EB) degas design 2 x 10-11 to 1 x 10-3 Torr Measurement Range 2 BA602/BA603: Resistive degas (I R) design BA600 BA601 -10 -3 4 x 10 to 1 x 10 Torr Measurement Range Wide range of emission currents (100 μA to 10 mA) All 4 models can be degassed using electron bombardment, BA602/BA603 can also be degassed using resistive degas (I2R) BA602 BA603 Description The hot cathode Bayard-Alpert ionization vacuum gauge (IG) operates by ionizing the Collector gas inside the gauge and then measuring the number of ions generated. The ions are Filament 1 Grid then collected giving a measurement of the density or pressure of the gas inside the Filament 2 transducer. The various electrodes used in the transducer design are a collector surrounded by a circular grid with one or two filaments outside the grid. An electric current is passed through the filament to cause the filament temperature to increase. As the filament temperature is increased, electrons are emitted from the filament surface. The bias voltage between the filament and the grid will accelerate the electrons toward the grid. Most electrons will pass through the grid volume and exit the other side of the grid and then be drawn back into the grid for another traversal through the grid volume. Eventually, most electrons will impact the grid surface generating a current between the filament and the grid which is referred to as the emission current.
    [Show full text]
  • Photomultiplier Tubes 1)-5)
    CHAPTER 2 BASIC PRINCIPLES OF PHOTOMULTIPLIER TUBES 1)-5) A photomultiplier tube is a vacuum tube consisting of an input window, a photocathode, focusing electrodes, an electron multiplier and an anode usu- ally sealed into an evacuated glass tube. Figure 2-1 shows the schematic construction of a photomultiplier tube. FOCUSING ELECTRODE SECONDARY ELECTRON LAST DYNODE STEM PIN VACUUM (~10P-4) DIRECTION e- OF LIGHT FACEPLATE STEM ELECTRON MULTIPLIER ANODE (DYNODES) PHOTOCATHODE THBV3_0201EA Figure 2-1: Construction of a photomultiplier tube Light which enters a photomultiplier tube is detected and produces an output signal through the following processes. (1) Light passes through the input window. (2) Light excites the electrons in the photocathode so that photoelec- trons are emitted into the vacuum (external photoelectric effect). (3) Photoelectrons are accelerated and focused by the focusing elec- trode onto the first dynode where they are multiplied by means of secondary electron emission. This secondary emission is repeated at each of the successive dynodes. (4) The multiplied secondary electrons emitted from the last dynode are finally collected by the anode. This chapter describes the principles of photoelectron emission, electron tra- jectory, and the design and function of electron multipliers. The electron multi- pliers used for photomultiplier tubes are classified into two types: normal dis- crete dynodes consisting of multiple stages and continuous dynodes such as mi- crochannel plates. Since both types of dynodes differ considerably in operating principle, photomultiplier tubes using microchannel plates (MCP-PMTs) are separately described in Chapter 10. Furthermore, electron multipliers for vari- ous particle beams and ion detectors are discussed in Chapter 12.
    [Show full text]
  • A Practical Approach to Transist Vacuum Tube Amplifiers
    A PRACTICAL APPROACH TO TRANSIST VACUUM TUBE AMPLIFIERS BY F. J. BECKETT TEKTRONIX, INC. ELECTRONIC INSTRUMENTATION GROUP DISPLAY DEVICES DEVELOPMENT Two articles published in past issues of Service Scope contained information that, in our experience, is of particular benefit in analyzing circuits. The first article was "Sim- plifying Transistor Linear-Amplifier Analysis" (issue #29, December, 1964). It describes a method for doing an adequate circuit analysis for trouble-shooting or evaluation pur- poses on transistor circuits. It employs "Transresistance" concept rather than the compli- cated characteristic-family parameters. The second article was "Understanding and Using Th6venin's Theorem" (issue #40, October, 1966). It offers a step-by-step explanation on how to apply the principles of ThBvenin's Theorem to analyze and understand how a circuit operates. Now we present three articles that will offer a practical approach to transistor and vacuum-tube amplifiers based on a simple DC analysis. These articles will, by virtue of additional information and tying together of some loose ends, combine and bring into better focus the concepts of "Transresistance." Part I THE TRANSISTOR AMPLIFIER INTRODUCTION Tubes and transistors are often used to- there is an analogy between the two. It 50, it seems pointless not to pursue this ap- gether to achieve a particular result. Vacu- is true of course, that the two are entire- proach to its logical conclusion. um tubes still serve an important role in ly different in concept; but, so often we In this first article we will look at a electronics and will do so for many years come across a situation where one can be transistor amplifier as a simple DC model ; to come despite a determined move towards explained in terms of the other that it is and then, in the second article, look at a solid state circuits.
    [Show full text]
  • Lorentz Force Demonstrator
    LORENTZ FORCE DEMONSTRATOR LFD001 1 10 2 9 3 4 8 5 6 7 Figure 1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION The LFD001 Lorentz Force Demonstrator is a “fine beam tube” device in which a sharply focused electron beam is projected into a vacuum containing a trace of inert gas. Ionization of the gas around the electron beam creates a glowing discharge marking the path of the electrons and helping to maintain the sharp focus of the beam. The demonstrator shows deflection of the beam by transverse electric fields and by magnetic fields of various orientations. The value of e/m can be found by bending the electron beam into a circular path with a homogeneous magnetic field and measuring the accelerating voltage of the electron gun, the strength of the magnetic field, and the radius of the circular beam path. The components of the device are shown in Figure 1: 1. “Fine beam” vacuum tube 6. Accelerating and deflection voltage controls 2. Helmholtz coils 7. Power and coil current controls 3. Transparent metric ruler 8. Accelerating voltage and coil current meters 4. Angle scale and pointer for tube 9. Mirror for parallax elimination 5. Current direction indicators 10. Case with black interior for better visibility 847-336-7556 1 www.unitedsci.com SPECIFICATIONS Fine beam vacuum tube Diameter: 160mm Rotation: tube and socket rotate ±180° Angle scale: 0° — ±180° x 5° Accelerating voltage: 250V max. Helmholtz coils: Coil mean diameter: 280mm Coil separation: 140mm 140 turns per coil Max. current: 2.5A Power supply unit: Accelerating voltage: 0—250V dc Coil current:0.5—2.5A, reversible, with current direction indicators Electrostatic deflecting voltage: 50—250V, reversible Accuracy of meters: ±2.5% Power input: 110VAC 60Hz, 45W Maximum continuous operation: 1 hour Operating conditions: Temperature: 0 – 40°C, Humidity: 20 –80% Dimensions: 35cm x 30cm x 45cm (l x w x h) Weight: 11kg CONTROLS 12 11 9 10 4 6 5 1 2 3 8 7 Figure 2 Figure 2 shows the front panel of the power supply unit: 1.
    [Show full text]
  • Cathode Ray Tube
    Cathode ray tube Quick reference guide Introduction The Cathode Ray Tube or Braun’s Tube was invented by the German physicist Karl Ferdinand Braun in 1897 and is today used in computer monitors, TV sets and oscilloscope tubes. The path of the electrons in the tube filled with a low pressure rare gas can be observed in a darkened room as a trace of light. Electron beam deflection can be effected by means of either an electrical or a magnetic field. Functional principle • The source of the electron beam is the electron gun, which produces a stream of electrons through thermionic emission at the heated cathode and focuses it into a thin beam by the control grid (or “Wehnelt cylinder”). • A strong electric field between cathode and anode accelerates the electrons, before they leave the electron gun through a small hole in the anode. • The electron beam can be deflected by a capacitor or coils in a way which causes it to display an image on the screen. The image may represent electrical waveforms (oscilloscope), pictures (television, computer monitor), echoes of aircraft detected by radar etc. • When electrons strike the fluorescent screen, light is emitted. • The whole configuration is placed in a vacuum tube to avoid collisions between electrons and gas molecules of the air, which would attenuate the beam. Flourescent screen Cathode Control grid Anode UA - 1 - CERN Teachers Lab Cathode ray tube Safety precautions • Don’t touch cathode ray tube and cables during operation, voltages of 300 V are used in this experiment! • Do not exert mechanical force on the tube, danger of implosions! ! Experimental procedure 1.
    [Show full text]
  • Frequency Characteristics of the Electron-Tube Oscillation Generator
    FREQUENCY CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ELECTRON—TUBE OSCILLATION GENERATOR BY RAY STUART QUICK B. S. University of California, 1916 THESIS Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING IN THE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF THE! UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS 1919 UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS THE GRADUATE SCHOOL I HEREBY RECOMMEND THAT THE THESIS PREPARED UNDER MY SUPERVISION BY Hay Stuart 4uick ENTITLED Jgraqstaney Character i st.i cs of the Electron-Tube Oscillation Generator BE ACCEPTED AS FULFILLING THIS PART OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF Master of Snionoe in Eleotri nol Engin eering . \Mm Head of Department Recommendation concurred in :! Committee on Final Examination* *Required for doctor's degree but not for master's 1 CONTENTS I INTRODUCTION Page 1. Scope of work 2 2. Historical review. 2 II THEORETICAL DISCUSSION OP PROBLEM 1. General principles of operation. 4 2. Circuits used. 6 3. Work of previous investigators. 6 4. Mathematical solution of circuits. 8 III APPARATUS AND METHODS 1. Electron- tubes used. 13 2. Circuit properties. 13 3. Frenuency determinations. 13 IV DATA AND EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS 1. Observed conditions necessary for constant eurrent and for oscillating eurrent. 36 2. Oscillograms. 36 3. Experimental results. 37 V CONCLUSIONS 1. Comparison of experimental ^nd theoretical results. 45 2. Suggestions as to future work 45 VI BIBLIOGRAPHY 47 2 I INTRODUCTIOU 1. Scope of Work. The development of the electron- tube ( also called three-electrode vacuum tube, vacuum- tube, thermionic amplifier, audion, etc. ) has brought to light many new and interest- ing problems. In using the tube as a source of continuous oscilla- tions it is desirable to be able to predetermine the frequency, wave-form and amplitude characteristics.
    [Show full text]
  • Valve Types and Char
    ‘Technical Shorts’ by Gerry O’Hara, VE7GUH/G8GUH ‘Technical Shorts’ is a series of (fairly) short articles prepared for the Eddystone User Group (EUG) website, each focussing on a technical issue of relevance in repairing, restoring or using Eddystone valve radios. However, much of the content is also applicable to non-Eddystone valve receivers. The articles are the author’s personal opinion, based on his experience and are meant to be of interest or help to the novice or hobbyist – they are not meant to be a definitive or exhaustive treatise on the topic under discussion…. References are provided for those wishing to explore the subjects discussed in more depth. The author encourages feedback and discussion on any topic covered through the EUG forum. Valve Types and Characteristics Introduction The Technical Short on ‘Valve Lore’ deals with using valves in receivers in general terms – their evolution through the years, types and general application in Eddystone receivers, as well as tips on sourcing valves and testing them. The Technical Shorts on ‘Eddystone Circuit Elements’ and ‘Receiver Front-Ends’ take a closer look at how valves are selected and used in particular circuits within Eddystone valve receivers. In preparing these articles, it occurred to me that an insight into some of the basics underlying the selection of a particular valve for an application in a receiver would be useful. In order to do this, some consideration of valve ‘fundamentals’ is necessary and how these influence their application and use in receivers. So here I deal mainly with the basics of valve construction and design and then their electrical parameters and important operating characteristics.
    [Show full text]
  • Photomultiplier Tube Basics Photomultiplier Tube Basics
    Photomultiplier tube basics Photomultiplier tube basics Still setting the standard 8 Figures of merit 18 Single-electron resolution (SER) 18 Construction & operating principle 8 Signal-to-noise ratio 18 The photocathode 9 Timing 18 Quantum efficiency (%) 9 Response pulse width 18 Cathode radiant sensitivity (mA/W) 9 Rise time 18 Spectral response 9 Transit-time and transit-time differences 19 Transit-time spread, time resolution 19 Collection efficiency 11 Very-fast tubes 11 Linearity 19 Fast tubes 11 External factors affecting linearity 19 General-purpose tubes 11 Internal factors affecting linearity 20 Tubes optimized for PHR 12 Linearity measurement 21 Measuring collection efficiency 12 Stability 21 The electron multiplier 12 Long-term drift 21 Secondary emitting dynode coatings 13 Short-term shift (or count rate stability) 22 Voltage dividers 13 Gain 1 Supply and voltage dividers 23 Anode collection space 1 Applying the voltage 23 Anode sensitivity 1 Voltage dividers 2 Specifications and testing 1 Anode resistor 2 Maximum voltage ratings 1 Gain adjustment 2 Anode dark current & dark noise 1 Magnetic fields 2 Ohmic leakage 1 Thermionic emission 1 Magnetic shielding 27 Field emission 1 Environmental considerations 28 Radioactivity 1 Temperature 28 PMT without scintillator 1 Atmosphere 29 PMT with scintillator 1 Mechanical stress 29 Cathode excitation 1 Radiation 29 Dark current values on test tickets 1 Reference 30 Afterpulses 17 www.photonis.com Still setting Construction the standard & operating principle A photomultiplier tube is
    [Show full text]