jxgc

Neon signs are signs made with luminous glass tubes. The tubes which contain neon or other inert gases at low pressure are made to glow by applying high voltage electricity. The tubes can be bent into any shape and a range of colors produced by either the gas used or the colored phosphorescent powder used for coating the tubes. The working principles of the neon sign resemble those of Geissler tube, a tube invented in 1855 by the German physicist, Heinrich Geissler. It was used for demonstrating principles of electricity. Experiments were done by filling the Geissler tube with different gases and applying electric power. It was observed that the gas glowed if subjected to low pressure. It is important to note that Geissler was also glass tube maker.

 Neon gas was discovered by British scientists, William Ramsey and M. W. Travers in 1898. They derived the name from Greek word “neos” meaning “the new gas”. They obtained the gas by liquefying air followed by fractional distillation. The French scientist Georges Claude was the first person to invent a neon lamp which he made by sealing neon gas in a glass tube. He displayed the lamp in Paris in December 1910. Georges then discovered that he could make neon signs with the tubes. He discovered that the tubes could be easily twisted and shaped to make letters and pictures. By mixing other gases with neon Georges was able to produce an array of colors in the tubes. The Penning mixture required least voltage to start and maintain the neon sign. This mixture was made from 98 to 99.5% neon gas and 0.5 to 2% argon. He started making neon signs and selling them in France through his company known as Claude Neon. He introduced neon signs to the United States in 1923. Neon signs quickly became popular for outside advertising.

 By 1950s neon signs were so popular that they could be found everywhere in cities and major road sides where they were visible both during the day and at night. Entertainment joints use the attractive signs to display their services. Bars line their walls with neon signs beer advertisements to boost sales. Even small businesses use neon signs to attract customers. It the dream of many to have their business names in the lights.