This is a part from one of a set of specialized "Channeltron" ultraviolet detectors in the collection. It is similar to those used on the Naval Research Laboratory OSO-E corona spectroheliograph. Channeltron tubes converted and amplified ultraviolet radiation into electrical signals that could then be processed for further study. The design of these Bendix tubes is based on a similar principle to the photomultiplier tubes used to convert visible light into electric signals. Channeltron detectors consist of a hollow tube of semiconductive glass sealed at both ends. When a photon strikes the inner surface of the evacuated tube it causes additional electrons to be released from the surface. The electric potential that is set up between the ends of the tube by an applied voltage accelerates those electrons towards the other end of the tube. These release additional electrons each time those strike the walls. The resulting cascade of charges has the net effect of greatly amplifying the signal from the initial ultraviolet photon. The total signal is collected at the anode at the end of the tube for further processing.
The artifact was transferred to NASM in 1988 by NASA (GSFC). It is now stored at the Garber Facility.
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.