Text: The combination of a crstal rectifier with contact and supports, used to detect radio frequency oscillations. Detectors of this nature are made of a great variety of styles and use various kinds of crystals. In the more widespread form the crystal detector consists of a crystal with rectifying properties, held in a cup or spring grip and arranged with a contact wire as shown in the illustration Fig. 1. This may be elaborated upon by supplying a series of flat springs to obtain very fine adjustment of the contact. Fig. 2. shows a combination detector, using two crystals, in contact with each other. This form has several advantages over the wire or cat-whisker (as the contact wire is ealled) type, chief among them the fact that it will withstand severe shocks without losing its adjustment. Fig. 3 illustrates a popular form of fixed crystal detector, in which the contact seldom requires adjustment. This type is of advantage providing it can be made sufficiently sensitive. ( See Carborundum, Vacuum Tube, also Crystal Receivers.)

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Source: 190