Geissler tube

American  

[gahys-ler] / ˈgaɪs lər /

noun

1. a sealed glass tube with platinum connections at the ends, containing rarefied gas made luminous by an electrical discharge.

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Geissler tube British  

/ ˈɡaɪslə /

noun

1. a glass or quartz vessel, usually having two bulbs containing electrodes separated by a capillary tube, for maintaining an electric discharge in a low-pressure gas as a source of visible or ultraviolet light for spectroscopy

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Etymology

Origin of Geissler tube

1865–70; named after H. Geissler (1814–79), German inventor

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Geissler tube

If a Geissler tube, the terminals of which are joined by a copper wire, be approached to the coil, certainly no one would be prepared to see the tube light up.

From The inventions, researches and writings of Nikola Tesla With special reference to his work in polyphase currents and high potential lighting by Martin, Thomas Commerford

In 1868 Huggins compared the spectrum of Winnecke’s comet with that of a Geissler tube containing olefiant gas, and found exact agreement.

From History of Astronomy by Forbes, George

The glow of the Geissler tube or electrically excited gas at low pressure would be an example of "electro-luminescence."

From Artificial Light Its Influence upon Civilization by Luckiesh, Matthew

I have found it practicable to light up in this manner a lamp, and even a Geissler tube, shunted by a short, heavy block of metal, and this result seems at first very curious.

From The inventions, researches and writings of Nikola Tesla With special reference to his work in polyphase currents and high potential lighting by Martin, Thomas Commerford

The resemblance of the cometary spectrum to the spectrum of hydrocarbons in the Geissler tube lends great plausibility to this view.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 7 "Columbus" to "Condottiere" by Various