Neon sign
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In the signage industry, neon signs are electric signs lighted by long luminous gas-discharge tubes that contain rarefied neon or other gases. They are the most common use for neon lighting, which was
1936 neon marquee sign for a theater in Auburn, California, as rebuilt in 2006
An enormous number of colors can be created by combinations of different gases and fluorescent coatings in the tube.
A neon sample display case in a glass studio
Neon
Geissler tube
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A Geissler tube is a precursor to modern gas discharge tubes, demonstrating the principles of electrical glow discharge, akin to contemporary neon lights, and central to the discovery of the electron.
Neon sign
…a strict definition. Nonetheless, the term "neon sign" remains in use even when using these other gases. The neon sign is an evolution of the earlier Geissler tube, which is a sealed glass tube containing a "rarefied" gas (the gas pressure in the tube is well below atmospheric pressure). When a voltage is applied…
Drawing of Geissler tubes illuminated by their own light, from 1868 French physics book, showing some of the many decorative shapes and colors
Modern recreation of a Geissler tube in a museum
Straight Geissler tubes filled with various gases
Geissler tubes at museum