An ionization gauge in which the passage of alpha particles through a near-vacuum generates an ionization current by means of which the pressure of the residual gas may be measured. Frequently attributive Now historical.
Origin
1940s (in an earlier sense). From alpha + -tron.
Definition of alphatron in US English:
alphatron
nounˈalfətrɒn
Physics
An ionization gauge in which the passage of alpha particles through a near-vacuum generates an ionization current by means of which the pressure of the residual gas may be measured. Frequently attributive Now historical.