Wehnelt interrupter
The Wehnelt interrupter is a historic device based on electrolytes , which enables the rapid rhythmic interruption of a direct current (up to 2,000 interruptions per second). It was invented in 1899 by the German physicist Arthur Wehnelt .
Working principle
The interrupter consists of a vessel filled with dilute sulfuric acid into which a wide lead plate is immersed. Opposite it is a fine platinum tip that is passed through the glass wall or the lid. If the current is now allowed to enter through the platinum tip, through the liquid and exit again through the lead plate, the liquid is decomposed at the platinum tip. A glowing gas envelope forms, which interrupts the flow, but is immediately thrown off, whereupon it forms anew, etc.
After each formation, the flow is interrupted, after each throw-off it is closed.
application
The Wehnelt interrupter was u. a. applied to:
literature
- Emanuel Müller-Baden et al. (Hrsg.): Library of general and practical knowledge for military candidates. For study and self-tuition in the main fields of knowledge and languages . tape 3 .. Berlin 1905.
- G. Alb. Nilsson: The Wehnelt interrupter as a vibration generator. An experimental study . Lund 1917 (Lund, Univ., Diss., 1917).