TESLA Coil Research

High repetition rate Tesla type high average power resonance transformers are considered in detail. Issues of RF power processing and apparatus scalability are addressed both analytically and experimentally. It has been found that, by employing appropriate switching durations and trapping energy in transmission line resonators, it is possible to increase the output of Tesla type resonance transformers by more than an order of magnitude over the conventional k 0.6 optimum design . The voltage step-up phenomenon is attributed to standing waves, and has been demonstrated over a frequency range that varies by more than a factor of 1,000, from VLF through VHF. While some propose using resonance transformers, because of their high average power capability, to repetitively pulse relativistic electron beams REBs in open air, it appears that REBs are too unstable and REB diodes are presently too fragile for practical small arms weaponry. Our investigation and experiments have led to a focused plasma discharge alternative to beam composed of fundamental particles. The technique employs a particulated macroscopic beam. This appears to be a robust directable discharge mechanism which may overcome the fragility issue for REBs. Photographic documentation and a physical explanation for the directed discharge phenomena are presented.