Ionization chamber detector with cylindrical metal cover, lithium fluoride entrance window with silver chloride seal representative of a class of UV detectors from the early 1950s through the 1960s. It was derived from the Navy BS-2 design and is labelled "Test Chamber M1150." The lithium fluoride window in this detector was designed to admit ultraviolet radiation. The charges generated by the impact of the photons on the interior gas then traveled to the oppositely charged anode electrode. Additional collisions of the ions and electrons with filling gas on their way to the electrodes generated more charges and in effect amplified the signal. This artifact is part of a collection of high energy detectors from the Naval Research Laboratory (see Catalogue numbers 19880001000-19880017000). It was transferred to NASM in 1987.

Display Status

This object is on display in Boeing Aviation Hangar at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.

Boeing Aviation Hangar

Object Details

Country of Origin

United States of America

Type

INSTRUMENTS-Scientific

Manufacturer

Naval Research Laboratory

Dimensions

3-D: 10.2 x 2.5cm (4 x 1 in.)

Materials

Metal, glass and lithium fluoride

Inventory Number

A19880011000

Credit Line

Transferred from the Naval Research Laboratory

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply
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