{
    "title": "Coherer Patents",
    "inventor_name": null,
    "publication_year": null,
    "device_name": "Coherer",
    "goal": "Detect electric/radio waves for wireless telegraphy and signaling",
    "problem_addressed": "Need for a reliable detector of electromagnetic oscillations (radio waves) in early wireless communication systems",
    "concept_summary": "A collection of early-20th-century patents describing various improvements to the coherer - a tube containing metal filings that changes its electrical resistance when exposed to electromagnetic waves - used as a detector in wireless telegraphy and related signalling apparatuses.",
    "detailed_description": null,
    "principles": [
        "Contact resistance change upon exposure to RF energy",
        "Electromagnetic wave detection",
        "Self-decohering mechanisms"
    ],
    "scientific_domains": [
        "Electromagnetism & Magnetism"
    ],
    "mechanisms_of_action": [
        "Metal filings form conductive bridges that collapse when struck by radiofrequency energy, altering tube resistance",
        "Mechanical tapping or heating to reset the filings (decoherence)"
    ],
    "materials": [
        "Metal filings (iron, steel, nickel)",
        "Glass tube",
        "Insulating end caps",
        "Contact electrodes (copper, brass)"
    ],
    "energy_sources": [
        "Radio-frequency electromagnetic waves"
    ],
    "inputs": [
        "Incoming radio or microwave signal",
        "Mechanical tap (for decoherence)"
    ],
    "outputs": [
        "Change in electrical resistance (conductance) indicating signal detection",
        "Electrical pulse to downstream circuit"
    ],
    "claimed_performance": null,
    "experimental_evidence": null,
    "replication_status": null,
    "keywords": [
        "coherer",
        "wireless telegraphy",
        "radio detector",
        "early radio",
        "electromagnetic wave detection"
    ],
    "related_technologies": [
        "Crystal detector",
        "Diode detector",
        "Mercury switch"
    ],
    "controversy_level": "low",
    "confidence_score": 0.85,
    "practicability_score": 0.2,
    "fringe_score": 0.1,
    "evidence_strength": 0.3,
    "risk_score": 0.1,
    "trl_estimate": 6,
    "source_urls": [
        "http://www.rexresearch.com/",
        "http://www.rexresearch1.com/"
    ],
    "organizations": [
        "RexResearch"
    ],
    "applications": [
        "Early wireless receivers",
        "Radio telegraphy",
        "Historical study of detection methods"
    ],
    "limitations": [
        "Low sensitivity to weak signals",
        "Requires manual or mechanical resetting",
        "Susceptible to moisture and corrosion"
    ],
    "open_questions": [],
    "red_flags": [],
    "evidence_quotes": [],
    "category": "Electromagnetism & Magnetism"
}