Francisl wrote: This may be premature because we don’t have the operating characteristics for a power producing DPF, but I have a suggestion for reducing the cost of the beryllium electrodes. It is similar to previous discussions about advanced manufacturing methods for the tungsten electrodes. Selective laser melting (SLM) can create the 98-100% beryllium center electrode that is exposed to the intense x-rays. Then there is an alloy transition zone that changes from beryllium to beryllium/copper alloy and then to 100% copper base that is outside of the vacuum chamber. This would be one continuous metal piece without any welds or ohmic connections that plagued earlier electrodes.
I don’t know the planned dimensions for the beryllium center electrode but this method could reduce the amount of beryllium required.
Sounds like a great question, and a good way to combat expense if it works.
As I understand it, so long as there’s no copper interfering with x-rays, it could be used. An interesting research project would be an SLM produced piece that faded from copper to beryllium as a test for how current is conducted, and how heat is conducted.
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