ionization gage
Ionization gage
An instrument for measuring vacuum by ionizing the gas present and measuring the ion current. There are two types of ionization gages.
In the hot-filament ionization gage (see illustration), electrons emitted by a filament are attracted toward a positively charged grid electrode. Collisions of electrons with gas molecules produce ions, which are then attracted to a negatively charged electrode. The current measured at this electrode is directly proportional to the pressure or gas density.
In the cold-cathode (Philips or Penning) ionization gage, a high voltage is applied between two electrodes. Fewer electrons are emitted, but a strong magnetic field deflects the electron stream, increasing the length of the electron path which increases the chance for ionizing collisions of electrons with gas molecules. See Vacuum measurement