degaussoinnissa

Degaussoinnissa, often translated as "degaussing," is a process used to reduce or eliminate residual magnetism in electronic devices, particularly cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors and televisions. CRTs employ electron guns to fire beams of electrons at a phosphorescent screen, creating an image. These electron beams are directed by magnetic fields. Over time, or due to exposure to external magnetic fields, the internal components of the CRT can become magnetized, causing distortions in the image, such as color purity issues or geometric inaccuracies.

The degaussing process is typically initiated automatically by the device when it is first powered on, or it can be manually triggered by the user through a menu option or by pressing a specific button combination. When activated, a degaussing coil within the device generates a fluctuating magnetic field that rapidly sweeps across the screen. This field is designed to demagnetize the affected components by exposing them to a strong magnetic field that is then gradually reduced to zero. This process effectively randomizes the magnetic domains within the material, thereby reducing the overall residual magnetism.

The audible "thump" or "hum" often heard during degaussing is a characteristic sound of the coil energizing and de-energizing. While degaussing is primarily associated with older CRT technology, the concept of reducing unwanted magnetic interference can be applied in various electronic and scientific fields. Modern flat-panel displays like LCDs and OLEDs do not use electron beams and therefore do not require degaussing.