Study of Time Lag of the Needle Gap

Abstract

The study of high-voltage, steep-wave-front transients is difficult from the experimental standpoint because of the very short times involved. Due to the improvement which the cathode-ray oscillograph has enjoyed in recent years, a device is now available by the use of which transients occurring in times as short as one-millionth of a second or less may be photographed. In the paper, the authors used an oscillograph developed by Dufour in France, with which a brief study was made of the time lag of needle gaps and of a needle to a plane. A description of the oscillograph is given including a discussion of the method of operation. The photographic film is placed inside the tube so that the electrons impinge directly on the film. The wave is drawn out along a time axis by the combined action of a sweeping motion and a perpendicular oscillating motion imparteat to the electron stream by the action of proper electromagnetic fields. Tests were made with a wave which was nearly perpendicular, reaching its maximam in about one microsecond. Such a wave was obtained by the discharge of a condenser through a suitable circuit. An oscillogram which shows the wave front used is given, and attention is directed to the 20,800-kilocycle oscillation which appears superimposed on the wave front.