Pressure gauge filament for neutral gas density measurement using alternating current as source power

The heating current could be reduced by using a thinner filament in combination with alternating current with suitably chosen frequency to reduce mechanical stresses. The benefit of such a technique is besides saving of heating power, especially space-saving by applying thinner power supply cables. To estimate the suitability of such a solution a feasibility study by means of numerical methods has been carried out. The main subject of the investigation was the hot-filament for which alternating current has been used as power source. This paper provides first of all the main guidelines and features important in developing a pressure gauge filament heated by alternating current from the mechanical point of view.