# Nixie tube

> gas-filled digital indicator tube using stacked cathodes in the shape of digits or characters

**Wikidata**: [Q289241](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q289241)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nixie_tube)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/nixie-tube

## Summary
A Nixie tube is a gas-filled digital indicator tube that uses stacked cathodes shaped like digits or characters to display information. It operates using electric glow discharge and was first manufactured by the Burroughs Corporation in 1955. The tubes typically emit an orange glow and were widely used in early electronic displays before being replaced by LED technology.

## Key Facts
- First manufactured in 1955 by Burroughs Corporation
- Uses electric glow discharge to illuminate stacked cathodes shaped like digits or characters
- Emits orange light from the electric glow discharge
- Contains a Penning mixture of neon, argon, and mercury
- Classified as a subclass of neon lamp, gas-discharge lamp, and display device
- Has 29 sitelinks across Wikipedia language editions
- Depicts digits (often) and characters (rarely)
- Freebase ID: /m/0hmwc
- GND ID: 4190810-7
- Microsoft Academic ID: 15132053

### Q: What is a Nixie tube used for?
A: Nixie tubes are used as display devices to show numeric or alphanumeric symbols in electronic equipment. They were commonly used in early calculators, clocks, and test equipment before being replaced by LED displays.

### Q: How does a Nixie tube work?
A: A Nixie tube works by using electric glow discharge through a gas-filled tube containing stacked cathodes shaped like digits or characters. When voltage is applied, the gas ionizes and causes the selected cathode to glow orange.

### Q: What gas is inside a Nixie tube?
A: Nixie tubes contain a Penning mixture of gases, primarily neon, argon, and mercury, which enables the electric glow discharge effect that illuminates the display.

## Why It Matters
Nixie tubes represent a significant milestone in the evolution of electronic displays, bridging the gap between mechanical displays and modern LED technology. They provided a reliable, visible way to display numeric information in electronic devices during the 1950s through 1970s, enabling the development of digital calculators, early computers, and test equipment. The technology solved the critical problem of how to create clear, readable digital displays in an era before semiconductor light sources were available. Though largely obsolete today, Nixie tubes remain culturally significant and are still valued by enthusiasts for their distinctive aesthetic and warm orange glow, finding use in art installations, clocks, and retro-style electronics.

## Notable For
- First successful numeric display tube, manufactured by Burroughs Corporation in 1955
- Distinctive orange glow that became iconic in mid-20th century electronics
- Use of stacked cathodes shaped like actual digits rather than segmented displays
- Long operational life compared to other display technologies of the era
- Continued popularity in art and design despite technological obsolescence

## Body
### Technical Construction
Nixie tubes consist of a glass envelope containing a mesh anode and multiple cathodes shaped like numerals or symbols. The cathodes are stacked in a specific arrangement, with only one cathode illuminated at a time. The tubes are filled with a Penning mixture of neon, argon, and mercury at low pressure.

### Operating Principles
The tubes operate through electric glow discharge, where applying voltage between the anode and a selected cathode causes the gas to ionize and emit light. The orange color is characteristic of neon discharge, though the exact hue can vary slightly based on the gas mixture composition.

### Historical Development
Developed in the early 1950s, Nixie tubes became the dominant numeric display technology for about two decades. They were manufactured by several companies worldwide, with Burroughs Corporation being the original and most prominent manufacturer. The technology reached its peak usage in the 1960s and early 1970s before being superseded by LED displays.

### Applications
Nixie tubes found widespread use in:
- Scientific and test equipment
- Early digital voltmeters and frequency counters
- Desktop calculators
- Clock and timer displays
- Early computer front panels
- Public information displays

### Legacy and Modern Use
While no longer used in mainstream electronics, Nixie tubes maintain a cult following among electronics enthusiasts and artists. Modern "Nixie-style" LED displays mimic the appearance of traditional tubes, and original tubes are still used in specialty clocks, art installations, and high-end retro-style equipment.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013