One problem in the VIC is the tendency for the electrodes to have near equal charges. The result is that even though you are applying a large charge to the cell, the potential difference still remains low. The circuit needs to be tuned in a way to coax a larger potential difference between the electrodes. Take a close look at the last schematic I posted, I'll attach it again here. Notice in the scope the entry for wfc.1-wfc.2. It shows the potential difference across the electrodes. This is what we need to shoot for in my opinion. Here's why.
At resonance, or near resonance, the charge is bouncing back and forth the charge between the chokes. As such, there is little to no time for the charge to actually build on the capacitor. The inductance, capacitance and resonance must be tuned in such a way to induce a large potential difference between the electrodes. Otherwise, we just get stuck with a few volts on the cell. And the gated pulse is absolutely necessary to make it work. Take another look at my circuit. Notice that I put a switch to bypass the gate pulse. If you close that switch so that just the main pulse is operating, you will not get a charge higher than a few hundred volts. I will post an image of that also.
I have gotten significantly better voltage spikes with my new coil, but I believe I need to fine tune it still. I am going to try building a different gated pulse generator also. I having a feeling that the one I am using is dampening the charge in an undesirable way somehow.
TS