NOT-Laser Triggered Spark Gap

To: tesla-at-pupman-dot-com
Subject: NOT-Laser Triggered Spark Gap
From: "Steve Young" <youngs-at-konnections-dot-com> (by way of Terry Fritz <terryf-at-verinet-dot-com>)
Date: Wed, 04 Nov 1998 20:02:20 -0700
Approved: terryf-at-verinet-dot-com

To all who responded to original post:

Thanks!  OK, I am convinced laser triggered TC spark gaps are not yet
practical (i.e. cheap enough) with today's technology.  I expected that
answer, but hoped otherwise.

However, three element triggered spark gaps (TSG) certainly are within our
budgets!  All it takes is a junkyard ignition coil and a few dollars worth
of parts to pulse it.  For those with multi-KVA systems with beefy spark
gaps, the trigger could be a two stage affair:  Ignition coil triggers the
gap for a very small TC coil which in turn produces a few inch arc which
initiates main TC gap breakdown.

I would think one should still put a Terry or RQ style multi-element spark
gap in series with the TSG for potentially improved quenching/heat
distribution.

I plan to experiment with TSGs on my future DC powered TC.  I won't have
the system built for many more months - too many other competing tasks.  I
am hoping some of you coilers can start plowing some new ground with TSG
experiments so the rest of us can benefit from the knowledge gained.   

--Steve

----------
> From: Tesla List <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>
> To: tesla-at-pupman-dot-com
> Subject: Re: Laser Triggered Spark Gap
> Date: Wednesday, November 04, 1998 6:47 AM
> 
> Original Poster: JFSTROM-at-aol-dot-com 
> 
> The lasers used for tattoo removal are "tunable excimer dye lasers," and
are
> VERY expensive. And huge, too.  My son had some birthmarks removed with
such a
> laser and the equipment was housed in a cart about 6-7 feet long, 5 feet
high
> and close to 3 feet wide!  It barely fit through the operating room door,
you
> know those standard extra-wide single hospital doors.
> Jon Strom
> 
>