discharge tube

A discharge tube is a glass or metal chamber used to produce light by passing an electric current through a gas or vapor inside it. When electricity flows, it excites the gas atoms, causing them to emit visible or ultraviolet light. This principle is used in things like neon signs, fluorescent lights, and certain types of scientific instruments. The tube's design allows control over the gas and electric conditions, enabling specific lighting effects or measurements. It’s an essential component in technologies that rely on electrified gases to generate light or analyze their properties.