[time-nuts] C-Beam Usage

[Chuck Harris]

The photocell (photomultiplier really) should last forever if it is
kept "dark", and in a vacuum.  Discrete P-M tubes tolerate storage quite
well.

I believe that the traditional cause for C-beam tubes to fail in storage is
degradation of vacuum.  These new tubes are unbelievably clean inside, and have
as near to perfect seals as is possible.  I was absolutely amazed to find
my tube had made it through 10 years of careless storage with a good hard
vacuum.  I suspect that mine is not unique in this regard.

-Chuck

Poul-Henning Kamp wrote:
> 
> I don't know if turning off the Cs oven also turns off the photocell,
> but you certainly do not use up your precious cesium when it is frozen
> solid.
>