What are neon signs? How do they work?

Neon signs are luminous signs that are made using electrified, glowing tubes filled with neon gas or other noble gases. They are widely used for advertising and decorative purposes due to their bright and colorful display.

The basic principle behind the functioning of a neon sign involves the process of gas discharge. Here’s a step-by-step explanation of how neon signs work:

1. Glass Tubing: Neon signs consist of long, narrow glass tubes that are bent into various shapes to form letters, symbols, or designs. These tubes are typically made of borosilicate glass, which can withstand the high temperatures generated during the production process.
2. Noble Gases: The tubes are filled with noble gases, such as neon, argon, or a mixture of gases. Neon emits a reddish-orange glow, while argon emits a blue light. Other gases or additives can be used to produce different colors. Visit : https://www.illusionneon.com/
3. Electrodes: Each tube has two electrodes attached to its ends. One electrode is connected to a high-voltage power supply’s positive terminal, and the other is connected to the negative terminal. The electrodes are typically made of metal, such as aluminum or copper.
4. Ionization: When a high voltage is applied across the electrodes, it creates an electric field within the tube. This electric field excites the atoms of the gas inside the tube, causing them to lose electrons and become ionized. The ionized gas atoms are known as plasma.
5. Electroluminescence: As the electrons regain their lost energy levels and recombine with the ionized gas atoms, they release photons of light. This process is called electroluminescence. The specific gas used determines the color of the emitted light.
6. Phosphor Coating (optional): Some neon signs have a phosphor coating on the inside of the glass tube. This coating absorbs the ultraviolet (UV) light emitted by the ionized gas and re-emits it as visible light. This technique is used to produce a wider range of colors, including white.
7. Control Systems: Neon signs can be connected to control systems that regulate the power supplied to the tubes. This allows for the control of brightness, flashing, or other lighting effects.

Neon signs are highly durable and can last for many years when properly maintained. They have been popular since the early 20th century and continue to be used in various applications, adding a vibrant and eye-catching element to advertising, storefronts, and architectural designs.