What makes a neon sign work?
Neon signs are pieces of Americana, reminiscent of the 1950s and ’60s. After a period when they were considered tacky, the retro glory of the neon sign has caused many to collect and restore this form of consumer art. The science behind how these signs work is simple, but interesting.FunctionNeon signs are basically glass tubes filled with neon gas, which is then submitted to a weak electrical charge through electrodes at the end of the tube. This charge excites the molecules and causes them to glow.FeaturesThe glass tubes are bent to form shapes and letters. Blacked-out areas in the tubes form spaces between characters and words.HistoryThe first signs used only neon gas, but signs then began to incorporate other gasses. Each gas glows a different color, which is why each color has its own tube. Some tubes may be filled with the same gas, but use a different voltage charge to get a different intensity.TypesThe most commonly used gasses for signs are the noble gases neon and argon. Elec