Comparison of argon, krypton and xenon as admixtures in neon glow-discharge reference tubes

Special glow-discharge reference tubes containing neon-krypton, neon-xenon, neon-0.3% argon-krypton and neon-0.3% argon-xenon mixtures have been examined, the krypton or xenon content varying from 0.001 to 1%. The tubes had molybdenum electrodes and the total gas pressure was either 40 or 20 mm Hg. The striking voltage, running-voltage/current, running-voltage/temperature, initial drift, impedance/frequency and noise-voltage/current characteristics have been determined. The results of the studies are presented and discussed and are compared with those previously obtained for neon-argon tubes. It is concluded that certain desired tube characteristics can frequently be obtained by the correct choice of the gas mixture.