Re: Spark-gap sparks vs. solid-state sparks

["Tesla list" <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>]

Original poster: "by way of Terry Fritz <twftesla-at-uswest-dot-net>" <FutureT-at-aol-dot-com>

In a message dated 4/21/01 4:47:17 PM Eastern Daylight Time, tesla-at-pupman-dot-com 
writes:

> John (& all)-
>  
>  No, no instrumentation--just the eyeball.  But I remain dubious of such
>  an ion cloud for this reason (& remember, it's not an expert who writes
>  this):  Once ion #1 forms, due to an addition of an electron from the
>  toroid, then the next electron in line, so to speak, is going to see an
>  easier path to "freedom" and it's going to take it.  That, in my view, is
>  when the spark-avalanche begins.

Ken, all,

I'm certainly not an expert on the ionization issue.  I know
that ionization can occur without spark breakout, and I would
think this happens whenever the voltage is too low for the spark
to break out, but high enough to form ionization.  I would think
therefore that the ionization would occur first, then the spark
would break out.
>  
>  I've observed, by looking at the e-field on the scope during my 7 ms
>  interrupted-sparking events, that the field increases very little after
>  each ~400 us cessation of energy.  So something is preventing that field
>  (electric potential) from increasing, during those off-times.  But, as
>  I've said, I'd think that that would be the heat of the air rather than
>  residual ionization, because of that relatively long time duration.

I don't see why the ionization would occur or increase during "off"
intervals.  I'm not suggesting that the ions that remain from bang
to bang are essential for what I'm suggesting (although they
are a factor).  I'm saying that even a TC that is turned on
after being turned off for a month, it will form some ionization around
the toroid before the spark first breaks out.  I just saying that maybe
CW coils with a slow energy buildup cause more of this ionization
than a spark gap TC with a fast voltage buildup.  Maybe simply
because the longer duration of build-up, gives more time for ionization to
occur.   Yes, it would be good to hear from experts.  I get the
impression this matter is considered "old hat" by some?

I look forward to the creation of your website.

John Freau

>  
>  --->Any light to be shed on this matter by experts??<---

>  Ken Herrick
>