[time-nuts] PRS10 rubidium lamp module failure

[Arthur Dent]

..."apparently got hot enough to create a localized thermal runaway in
its lead wire."

I don't think that explanation is correct. There are no signs of
discoloration
caused by overheating anywhere else in the photo and yet the lead wire
has apparently melted as you say. That would probably require at least a
2000 degree temp which would cause lots of damage. Are there any signs
of chemical contamination that could have caused this? Not the same but
In older equipment that had leaky Hg batteries I've seen similar damage.

-Arthur