Unfoiled Leyden Jar Aids Crookes Tube's Activation
A vintage Crookes tube, a historical artifact of glass electron beam-forming vacuum tubes invented in the latter half of the 19th century, may bring an intriguing aesthetic to your home or workshop if you're seeking something out of the ordinary for your display. One enthusiast, Markus Bindhammer, managed to procure one from AliExpress and carefully created a wooden stand for it, assembled from a repurposed candlestick, oak scraps, and brass feet to emulate the antique mad-scientist aesthetic.
Upon connecting a high-voltage generator and switch, the Crookes tube failed to respond when powered on, due to a capacitance issue. By wrapping the cathode end of the tube with aluminum foil, Bindhammer effectively fashioned what is known as a Leyden jar, igniting the tube into life.
As of this writing, Crookes tubes are no longer available on AliExpress. For those interested in showcasing their own 19th-century electron-streaming experiment, other avenues for acquisition include scientific or educational supply vendors, online marketplaces, specialist vintage or antique scientific equipment dealers, or commissioning a custom glassblower for a replica.
For additional insights into Sir William Crookes' work, the Crookes Radiometer offers a fascinating exploration of his pioneering discoveries within intricate glass structures.
Options for procuring a Crookes tube include:
- Purchasing from scientific or educational supply vendors
- Shopping online on platforms offering cathode ray tubes, often sold as demonstration tools
- Engaging with specialist vintage or antique scientific equipment dealers
- Commissioning a custom glassblower for a replica Crookes tube, provided technical expertise is available
When selecting a Crookes tube, it's essential to verify that the product is a partially evacuated glass tube with electrodes, featuring the classic Crookes tube design. Ensuring the purchased tube is authentic or replicates the essential aspects of the original Crookes tube design is crucial for an accurate historical display.
- Markus Bindhammer's experience with the Crookes tube demonstrates the importance of understanding basic principles of science and technology, such as capacitance and the Leyden jar, when working with vintage electronic devices.
- Intrigued by the Crookes Radiometer's intricate glass structures and Sir William Crookes' pioneering work, one might also consider adding a radio, invented by another scientific pioneer, to their historical display – creating a fascinating connection between the past and present realms of scientific advancement.
