What kind of old physics tube is this?

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    Physics Tube
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the identification and purpose of an old physics tube found in a Swiss school's collection, with a tag reading "2037. Dolomiti." Participants explore its potential uses and materials, considering its historical and scientific context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes the tube's tag may refer to the Dolomites, a mountain range in Italy, but does not provide a definitive identification.
  • Another participant suggests that the tube could be related to x-ray or electron-induced fluorescence, indicating a possible application in those areas.
  • Some participants mention that dolomite, the mineral, exhibits piezoelectric effects, which could relate to the tube's function.
  • There is a reference to dolomite often containing fluorite, which is associated with fluorescence under UV light, raising questions about the tube's intended use.
  • One participant speculates that the tube may have been designed to investigate fluorescence and electron emission or to be connected to an induction coil, similar to a Geissler tube.
  • Another participant proposes that the single electrode in the tube might serve as a getter for removing gas inside the tube, though this remains uncertain.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the tube's identification or purpose, with multiple competing hypotheses and uncertainties remaining throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the tube's specific function and the implications of its design, particularly concerning the single electrode and its potential applications.

greypilgrim
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Hi.

I found this strange device in an old physics collection of a Swiss school. What could it be? I think the tag reads "2037. Dolomiti". The Dolomites are a mountain range in Italy. A Geiger counter didn't detect any unusual activity.

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I don't know, either, but dolomite is also a mineral, CaMg(CO3)2, which may be the stone you can see.
May be some sort of x-ray or electron induced fluorescence.
 
If memory serves, dolomite exhibits pizeo-electric effects as well.
 
Klystron said:
If memory serves, dolomite exhibits pizeo-electric effects as well.
According to a geology web site, Dolomite mineral often contains flourite. https://geology.com/minerals/dolomite.shtml
This is the material after which fluorescence is named, because it glows under UV etc. The tube seems to have one electrode, so I am not sure how it would be used, but may have been to investigate fluorescence and electron emission, or may have been intended to be connected to an induction coil and produce fluorescence in the manner of a Geissler tube.
 
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tech99 said:
The tube seems to have one electrode, so I am not sure how it would be used,

I suspect that is a getter for burning off the gas inside the tube
 
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