What is Tsvitektory and where they had been used

Have you ever heard of such as a radioelement Tsvitektor (another name Vestektor)? Sure, the older generation of radio professionals and amateurs will say yes and smile nostalgically, but personally, I recently learned about this element. Explore the old literature, I was surprised to realize that this is the first semiconductor element, which is used extensively in electronics, and at first glance, its simplicity is striking. Interesting? Then now I'll tell you everything in detail.

The device Tsvitektora

Tsvitektor - a copper-oxide or otherwise kuproksny eliminator and was first established in the US in 1927.

And it is structured extremely simple: to produce it is necessary to take a copper plate and place it into the burning kiln in order to plate on the surface was formed a thin layer of cuprous oxide.

In this case a copper layer formed will have unilateral conductivity. Ie in the same direction it will pass an electric current freely, and in the opposite almost none. In this case, the resistance difference can reach several thousand.

After primary processing plate undergoes additional processing, which is contained in the following:

Another hot plate is immersed in a weak aqueous solution of butyl alcohol. During this procedure, the recovery process is started and obtain metal copper, that formed oxide layer literally sealed between the copper metal, i.e. created a so-called sandwich.

It seems simple, but there are nuances. To make such a product operated successfully, it is necessary to use a highly pure copper, and the process oxidation must occur under strictly regulated temperature, which should not be more than 1%.

Where used, and when he appeared in the USSR

Initially, only an element used as a rectifier for charging the batteries from an AC network.

But later this element found its application in electronics. So tsvitektor successfully replaced the crystal detectors in the detector receivers.

Note. By the way, Tsvitektor name - it is nothing like an acronym ZVI - Central Radio Laboratory of All-Union research Bitter.

In 1936, it launched production at the Gorky plant electronics and became a godsend for radio amateurs, because it is almost eternal detector sufficient sensitivity.

Of course, it is rare exhibits, because now in modern electronics are beginning to run the show nanotechnology, but I believe that to know how it all began very helpful. If you feel the same way, and you like the article, then put the Like. And thank you for reading this until the end.

For the preparation of the article have been used sources:

Ridiofront Journal. 1934, issue №14, №16 1936 release.

The young radio amateur. Issue 100 V. Borisov G. 1951.