Re: Any info available on Vacuum Gaps?

To: tesla-at-pupman-dot-com
Subject: Re: Any info available on Vacuum Gaps?
From: Ed Phillips <evp-at-pacbell-dot-net> (by way of Terry Fritz <terryf-at-verinet-dot-com>)
Date: Thu, 29 Oct 1998 21:51:31 -0700
Approved: terryf-at-verinet-dot-com

"Dan,

Vacuum gaps do quench well, because they can't unload heat for big
systems.
 To
make one would demand a good deal of effort and expense as most such
gaps work
way down in the 10E-9mm region.  Pre-built gaps are never suitable for
Tesla
systems as they usually are for protective service and rare firings.

You are correct in that a Tesla vacuum gap would have to be specially
constructed by the amateur.  Most amateurs have no concept of what
vacuum
technology demands.  (real read very big bucks)

Richard Hull, TCBOR"

Richard:

	Not to quibble, but please explain the breakdown mechanism in the gaps
which "quency well".  I believe that the pressure in commercial vacuum
capacitors is more nearly 1E-6 than 1E-9, so don't see how your gap (as
contrasted to a vacuum relay) could work in the same sense as a gap in
air.

Ed