Nikola Tesla Books
CHAPTER VI. OSCILLATION TRANSFORMERS. The function of the oscillation transformer is to take the oscillatory current set up by the discharge of the condenser across the spark gap, and increase it from a potential of a few thousand volts to practically any desired potential. While the principle is exactly the same as that involved in the ordinary low frequency transformer, the high frequency type is possessed of a few characteristics peculiarly its own. For instance, the primary winding of the oscillation transformer may have from one to ten turns of very thick copper conductor in it; in this short and very low resistance winding, current oscillates at a potential of several thousand volts. The secondary of the oscillation transformer may contain but a single layer of wire, with a total number of turns running into hundreds instead of thousands or tens of thousands as is the case with the low frequency type; but in this short secondary, with its few turns, may be induced an immeasurably great potential a voltage running into the millions. The third, and perhaps the greatest, distinguishing feature of the oscillation transformer is the fact that it has no iron core; the presence of any iron whatever is detrimental to the action of the device. Various Types.-Considerations of voltage, current, weight, frequency, and the various factors of this nature enter into the design of the oscillation transformer. The 45
