Reply To: Scientists Say Dark Matter Doesn't Exist

[Brian H]

jamesr wrote:

The idea is using polar molecules to shorten the time of ionization. Molecules would align faster and the density of the plasma would be higher since electrons would have less time to scatter from the hot zone. Why not 6Li2H? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium_hydride

I wasn’t thinking about using heavy water to be an end of the research. Just to see if the idea is feasible, this is why I didn’t consider the Bremsstrahlung.

I’m not sure why you think this is an issue, but the polarity or lack of in the fill gas is really completely irrelevant. At the voltages involved any atom/molecule coming close to the edge at the base of the cathode where the breakdown first occurs is basically ripped apart by the strength of the E field.

I’m not sure exactly what the profile of the base of the cathode is on FF-1 but attached is a slide with an image from a different DPF showing the area where the breakdown (ionization) first happens. It is by changing the profile of this that you can adjust the nature of the breakdown.
That’s a very interesting image; the knife-edge is tapered down to a rounded one for about half the circumference. What’s the benefit? Is that for research/investigation only, or an actual `working’ design?