Co*her"er (?), n. (Elec.)
Any device in which an imperfectly conducting contact between
pieces of metal or other conductors loosely resting against each other
is materially improved in conductivity by the influence of Hertzian
waves; -- so called by Sir O. J. Lodge in 1894 on the assumption that
the impact of the electic waves caused the loosely connected parts to
cohere, or weld together, a condition easily destroyed by tapping. A
common form of coherer as used in wireless telegraphy consists of a
tube containing filings (usually a pinch of nickel and silver filings
in equal parts) between terminal wires or plugs (called
conductor plugs).
Co*her"er (?), n. (Elec.)
Any device in which an imperfectly conducting contact between
pieces of metal or other conductors loosely resting against each other
is materially improved in conductivity by the influence of Hertzian
waves; -- so called by Sir O. J. Lodge in 1894 on the assumption that
the impact of the electic waves caused the loosely connected parts to
cohere, or weld together, a condition easily destroyed by tapping. A
common form of coherer as used in wireless telegraphy consists of a
tube containing filings (usually a pinch of nickel and silver filings
in equal parts) between terminal wires or plugs (called
conductor plugs).