The Development and Performance of an Electrostatic Generator Operating Under High Air Pressure

Abstract

A belt type electrostatic generator has been developed which operates in a steel tank, 5\textonehalf{} feet in diameter and 20 feet long, under an air pressure of 100 lb./${\mathrm{in}.}^{2}$. The generator is provided with a high potential electrode system of a new design which serves both to give a high breakdown potential and to furnish a satisfactory potential distribution along the charging belts and the accelerating tube. The maximum potential of the generator is about 2500 kv and the highest steady potential at which reliable data have been obtained is 2160 kv. An evacuated tube for acceleration of ions has been developed which withstands the highest generator potential. The apparatus has been successfully used in experiments on atomic disintegration.