Abstract :
Following previous investigations of the space-charge smoothing factor, the concept of the mutual conductance of a valve is examined in more detail than hitherto. As a result, it is found theoretically that the smoothing factor, or the fluctuation current, is dependent on the anode circuit of the valve, and may vary over a range of about two to one, under space-charge-limited conditions. Experimental results are given which support this conclusion. A similar investigation of the fluctuation of resistors in which thermal equilibrium exists shows that their fluctuation current, unlike that of valves, is quite independent of the circuit attached to the resistor.
