A new electronic rectifier

A new rectifier utilizing a partially oxidized disk of copper as a rectifier unit is described. The disks may be arranged into groups suitable for all fields of rectifier applications. The rectification appears to take place at the junction between the copper and the oxide without observable physical or chemical changes, and is similar in character to rectification by the hot-cathode type of rectifiers. The physical characteristics of assembled rectifiers and a method of designing the same for special purposes are outlined and some of the design problems discussed. It is pointed out that the new rectification phenomenon is of a radically different nature from those observed in structurally somewhat similar contact rectifiers. The usual theories of contact rectification, which are based on electrolysis or thermoelectricity, are not applicable to the present case. The new phenomenon is discussed in the light of more recent theories based on electron affinities of copper and copper-oxide, which are in better accord with the observations. Some applications are given for which the rectifier seems to be especially suited.