US Patent 7053536 Gas discharge tube having electrodes with chemically inert surface

A new gas discharge tube with end electrodes having chemically inert surfaces is disclosed. As the surfaces are resistant to the build-up of layers, such as oxide layers, a discharge tube according to the invention exhibits higher selectivity and better performance (e.g. higher heat-resistance and longer life-cycle time) than prior art devices, simultaneously as it offers an environmentally acceptable solution.