The Principles of the Solion

A new technique, based upon electrochemical phenomena, has led to the development of the solion, the name given to a range of versatile detector and control devices that supplement both the thermionic valve and the transistor. Solions have special advantages at low potential owing to their extremely low power requirements and to the simplicity of the circuitry involved. This article outlines the principles underlying their design and development and the operating characteristics of a number of distinctly different types of solium. Generally, they comprise an electrolyte of iodine and potassium iodide, with platinum electrodes.