Question 6A147

Thoriated tungsten filaments are reactivated to restore their electron emission. These filaments rely on a monatomic layer of thorium on the tungsten surface, which provides a low work function for efficient thermionic emission. Over time, this thorium layer can be depleted, reducing the tube's electron output. Reactivation involves heating the filament to a higher-than-normal temperature for a short period (without plate voltage) to draw thorium atoms from the bulk tungsten to the surface. Subsequently, the temperature is lowered to allow a stable monatomic thorium layer to reform, restoring the filament's electron-emitting capabilities. Other options are incorrect: Barium berylliate and Thorium oxide are components typically found in *oxide-coated cathodes*, which have different failure modes and restoration procedures. Nickel is often used as a structural material for cathodes, not the primary electron emitter that undergoes this specific "reactivation" process.