Reply To: turn heat into electricity

[asymmetric_implosion]

Tulse wrote: Given that symmetry in the physical geometry of the electrodes appears to be important, is there any reason that the cathodes have to be separate rods? A solid piece, with projections to guide the plasma filaments, would mean that one never had to worry about individual cathode alignment. Is it necessary to have empty space between the individual cathode rods?

It’s not 100% clear why, but a plasma focus seems to work better with individual cathode rods. People speculate that some of the gas between the anode and the cathode needs to be pushed out while others cite debris as the reason. Groups have employed blades instead of rods that are mounted or welded to a single base piece that helps with alignment. The open area, rod diameter, etc seem to be able to cover a wide range of conditions and still achieve reasonable results. The cathode is not nearly as well studied in PF devices as the anode.