Thermionic diodes valve diodes Selenium rectifier
Today they are still used in a few high power applications where their ability to withstand transient voltages and their robustness gives them an advantage over semiconductor devices. The recent (2012) resurgence of interest among audiophiles and recording studios in old valve audio gear such as guitar amplifiers and home audio systems has provided a market for the legacy consumer diode valves.
http://www.schoolphysics.co.uk/age14...ode/index.html
As you may know, if a metal is heated it may emit electrons. The hotter it is the more electrons are emitted. Of course some materials are better than others for emitting electrons. This emission of electrons due to the heating of a surface is called thermionic emission. This is the basis of the thermionic diode.
http://www.schoolphysics.co.uk/age16...ode/index.html
This is basically a two-electrode valve [an anode and a heated cathode] the space between the anode and cathode being evacuated.
Today they are still used in a few high power applications where their ability to withstand transient voltages and their robustness gives them an advantage over semiconductor devices. The recent (2012) resurgence of interest among audiophiles and recording studios in old valve audio gear such as guitar amplifiers and home audio systems has provided a market for the legacy consumer diode valves.
http://www.schoolphysics.co.uk/age14...ode/index.html
As you may know, if a metal is heated it may emit electrons. The hotter it is the more electrons are emitted. Of course some materials are better than others for emitting electrons. This emission of electrons due to the heating of a surface is called thermionic emission. This is the basis of the thermionic diode.
http://www.schoolphysics.co.uk/age16...ode/index.html
This is basically a two-electrode valve [an anode and a heated cathode] the space between the anode and cathode being evacuated.
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