spark chamber

American  

noun

Physics.

1. a device for detecting elementary particles, consisting of a series of charged plates separated by a gas so that the passage of a charged particle causes sparking between adjacent plates.

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spark chamber British  

noun

1. physics a device for detecting ionizing radiation, consisting of two oppositely charged metal plates in a chamber containing inert gas, so that a particle passing through the chamber ionizes the gas and causes a spark to jump between the electrodes

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Etymology

Origin of spark chamber

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

During what he described as a “glorious time for research,” he was deeply involved with development of the spark chamber.

From Washington Post