[TCML] Does AC become DC in a Quarter Wavelength Tesla Coil?

[Anthony Etersque <etersque26@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Everyone,

Somebody told me that at 1/4 wavelength, a Tesla Coil will produce pulsed DC instead of AC. In other words, at 1/4 wavelength, the AC will become rectified. They gave this quote from the book "The Electromagnetic Interaction" by Robin L. Armstrong (1973):

"Since electromagnetic effects are not transmitted instantly from point to point in space...there is a time lag between changes in charge and current distribution on the dipole," which "...allows some of the energy to continue flowing outward even though conditions at the dipole may have changed to indicate an inward flow of energy...as if some of the electric and magnetic field has become detached from the dipole or 'shaken off' by the oscillation."

I don't know whether or not they're interpreting this quote wrong. I would like to know what those who are experienced and knowledgeable on this subject think. Does a coil at 1/4 wavelength really produce DC instead of AC, or are they misinterpreting this quote? If they are misnterpreting it, could you please explain to me its true meaning?

They also gave a quote from Tesla's lecture to support what they were saying:

"This apparent continuity might be ascribed to the deficiency of the sense of touch, but there is evidence that in currents of such high frequencies one of the impulses preponderates over the 
other."

What do you think Tesla was saying here? Was he confirming that at high frequencies, AC becomes DC, or is this quote also misinterpreted?

Thank you for your help.

Sincerely,

Anthony Etersque
_______________________________________________
Tesla mailing list
Tesla@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
http://www.pupman.com/mailman/listinfo/tesla