The determination of the resolution of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute electrostatic accelerator

Abstract

Though modifications and improvements continue on the Virginia Polytechnic Institute electrostatic accelerator, the basic machine has been completed and put into operation. The emphasis thus far has been on experiments at energies below 750 kev and no attempt has been made to determine the maximum operating potential. This work describes the author's contributions to the overall project through the design and construction of many of the electronic control and instrumentation circuits. Through a study of the inelastic collisions of protons with fluorinet, a resolution of 9:1 key was determined.