Influence of argon content on the characteristics of glow-discharge tubes

Measurements have been made to determine the effects of varying the argon content of glow-discharge stabilizer tubes on the striking and running voltages, the magnitudes and durations of the initial drifts, the running-voltage/temperature and running-voltage/current curves and the impedance/frequency and noise characteristics. Neon-filled and helium-filled tubes, with argon contents varying from zero to 3.5% and having cerium cathodes, have been specially manufactured for the investigations. The results of the work are presented here and discussed.