Determination of Rate of De-Ionisation of Electric Arc Vapor

After discussing the de-ionisation and consequent loss of conductivity of mercury vapor carrying a momentary arc, the author considers an arrangement of circuits for determining the rate of de-ionisation, and the effect of this rate on the voltage required for a subsequent re-ignition. The theory of the circuits shown is given, and illustrated by numerical examples. It is suggested that the arrangements shown be experimentally carried out because of possibly important practical applications.