Aerogel-supported filament

Patent · 16 May 1995

OSTI ID:55820

Wuest, C R; Tillotson, T M; Johnson, III, C V

The present invention is a thin filament embedded in a low density aerogel for use in radiation detection instruments and incandescent lamps. The aerogel provides a supportive matrix that is thermally and electrically nonconductive, mechanically strong, highly porous, gas-permeable, and transparent to ionizing radiation over short distances. A low density, open-cell aerogel is cast around a fine filament or wire, which allows the wire to be positioned with little or no tension and keeps the wire in place in the event of breakage. The aerogel support reduces the stresses on the wire caused by vibrational, gravitational, electrical, and mechanical forces. 6 Figs.

• Research Organization: University of California
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• Assignee: University of California, Oakland, CA (United States)
• Patent Number(s): US 5,416,376/A/
• Application Number: PAN: 7-969,084
• OSTI ID: 55820
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
44 INSTRUMENTATION
INCLUDING NUCLEAR AND PARTICLE DETECTORS
DESIGN
FILAMENTS
FOAMS
IONIZING RADIATIONS
LIGHT BULBS
MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS
POROUS MATERIALS
RADIATION DETECTORS
SUPPORTS