US3767955A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
High temperature ultraviolet radiation detector
Assignee: Honeywell Inc
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Filing: 1972-06-29
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Granted: 1973-10-23
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Expires: 1992-06-29
Abstract
Abstract An ultraviolet sensitive, gaseous discharge detector of the Geiger-Muller type has a low spurious count rate and a prolonged lifetime at elevated temperatures. The gas filling of the detector comprises a gas mixture of neon and argon with a small amount of hydrogen added. The gas mixture of neon and argon substantially determines the breakdown voltage and ionization efficiency characteristics of the gas filling. The essential function of the hydrogen is to rapidly de-excite argon metastable atoms which would otherwise cause excessive spurious discharge counts.
Inventors
- 👤 R Johnson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 09:58
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01J; H01J47/00; H01J47/08
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
150 words
An ultraviolet radiation detecTor characterized by its low spurious count rate and prolonged lifetime at elevated temperatures, the ultraviolet radiation detector comprising: an envelope including a portion which is substantially transparent to ultraviolet radiation; an anode and cathode closely spaced with respect to one another and spaced at a relatively large distance with respect to the interior surfaces of the envelope; and an ionizable gas filling having a low breakdown voltage, a high average ionization efficiency in a region proximate the anode and cathode, and a low average ionization efficiency in other regions within the envelope, the ionizable gas filling comprising a gas mixture of neon and one or more of the following: argon, krypton, and xenon; wherein the gas mixture substantially determines the breakdown voltage and ionization efficiency characteristics of the ionizable gas filling, and an amount of hydrogen sufficient to rapidly de-excite argon, krypton, or xenon metastable atoms.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
150 words
An ultraviolet radiation detecTor characterized by its low spurious count rate and prolonged lifetime at elevated temperatures, the ultraviolet radiation detector comprising: an envelope including a portion which is substantially transparent to ultraviolet radiation; an anode and cathode closely spaced with respect to one another and spaced at a relatively large distance with respect to the interior surfaces of the envelope; and an ionizable gas filling having a low breakdown voltage, a high average ionization efficiency in a region proximate the anode and cathode, and a low average ionization efficiency in other regions within the envelope, the ionizable gas filling comprising a gas mixture of neon and one or more of the following: argon, krypton, and xenon; wherein the gas mixture substantially determines the breakdown voltage and ionization efficiency characteristics of the ionizable gas filling, and an amount of hydrogen sufficient to rapidly de-excite argon, krypton, or xenon metastable atoms.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The ultraviolet radiation detector of claim 1 wherein the hydrogen partial pressure exceeds about 0.01 torr.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
52 words
The ultraviolet radiation detector of claim 2 wherein the ionizable gas filling comprises less than about 15 mole per cent hydrogen, between about 8 mole per cent and about 60 mole per cent argon, and balance essentially neon; and wherein the percentage of argon is at least twice the percentage of hydrogen.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
38 words
The ultraviolet radiation detector of claim 3 wherein the ionizable gas filling comprises less than about 12 mole per cent hydrogen, between about 30 mole per cent and about 50 mole per cent argon, and balance essentially neon.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3344302A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-10-22 | 1977-04-23 | 1977-10-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-10-22 | 1981-04-23 | 1981-10-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-10-22 | 1985-04-23 | 1985-10-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |