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Patent for Electronic Light Amplifier

  • 1952-Apr-29

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Public Domain

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U.S. Patent 2,594,740, filed on behalf of Lee de Forest and William A. Rhodes, describes a device for amplifying the intensity of radiation.

Lee de Forest (1873–1961) was an inventor, most notably of Audion vacuum tubes in the early twentieth century. His serial business ventures included work in radio, telegraphy, telephony, broadcasting, and film.

Creator of work
Format
Genre
Extent
  • 7.75 in. W x 11.5 in. L
Language
Inscription
  • (first page, lower left) "100 kv β-rays are essentially absorbed in 2 mm of light material (plastics) .002 mm would absorb 100 V electrons"
  • (page 5, column 7, left margin) "!!"
  • (page 5, column 8, right margin) "good"
Subject
Rights Public Domain Mark 1.0
Credit line
  • Courtesy of Science History Institute

Institutional location

Department
Collection
Series arrangement
  • Series I. Arnold O. Beckman Files
  • Sub-series 1. Correspondence
Physical container
  • Box 1, Folder 18

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Related Items

Cite as

Forest, Lee De, and William A. Rhodes. “Patent for Electronic Light Amplifier,” April 29, 1952. Beckman Historical Collection, Box 1, Folder 18. Science History Institute. Philadelphia. https://digital.sciencehistory.org/works/2227mq412.

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The Science History Institute recognizes there are materials in our collections that may be offensive or harmful, containing racist, sexist, Eurocentric, ableist, or homophobic language or depictions. The history of science is not exempt from beliefs or practices harmful to traditionally marginalized groups. The Institute is engaged in ongoing efforts to responsibly present and address the evidence of oppression and injustice inextricable from the history of science. If you would like to learn more about our ongoing efforts or if you encounter harmful, inaccurate, or insufficient descriptions, please contact us at digital@sciencehistory.org.