Exciting water mist

[Login to see usernames]

Can you describe, in detail, the circuit used for the experiment? I am curious and would like to know if there was at least a ballast or choke used in the circuit. Without it, I could almost be certain, the current would kill the circuit.

[Login to see usernames]

The power supply is just a standard neon supply. The current is restricted by the water vapor. The tube was prepared specifically for 5kv.

[Login to see usernames]

Thank you Dave! A simple neon transformer you say? Then, yes there is a choke. But, now I am way more curious as to how they can calculate a tube filled with water vapor(less than one atmosphere) is regulated to have such an impedance. I wish I was there. I'm sure I would have been kicked out of class for so many questions. How do you think the tube is filled and how it is calculated to get the effect you saw?

[Login to see usernames]

Hahah I asked many questions as well but got few answers so far. In lab I asked about the property's of the gas. My lab professor had a book from the manufacturer but it didn't provide any useful information. I then approached my lecture professor who is much more accomplished. He gave a little for information but when I asked about the preparation of the tube he said he could only give me an educated guess and that my questions were getting to much into physics.

I'm on thanksgiving break till next week. Next Tuesday I will talk to my physics lab professor about it. He was a research chemist for many years and can hopefully shed some light on the subject. Sorry for all the delays in providing information and the lack of information. This seems to be a tricky subject. I'll post whatever I can get.

[Login to see usernames]

Thanks again for your time and answering my questions. Have a great Thanksgiving!

[Login to see usernames]

I talked to my physics lab professor today, he told me the tube was prepared by vacating the tube and then adding a small amount of water mist. The small amount is why it doesn't just arc across with a high current. he couldn't remember how to calculate it. This is the end of the line, I have no more professors to ask. I think I will put a small amount of mist in a tube under a vacuum and slowly turn up the voltage

[Login to see usernames]

Great observations! Thank you for sharing! This experiment should be rather easy to replicate.

[Login to see usernames]

Look familiar? See attached pic or the link someone else copied and uploaded to the cloud...
(http://i1025.photobucket.com/albums/y320/h2opower/EXAMPLEOFLASERSETUPOFMEYER.png)