Unusual usage (hours) counter with mercury capillary

This is a usage counter that works by moving mercury in a capillary tube via electrochemistry.  As electricity flows through the device, mercury atoms are transferred across an electrolyte gap in the capillary. The position of the gap changes as mercury is transferred, and shows how much total charge has been passed through the device.


I realize that the divider network looks more like 20:1.  This might kill my theory that the mercury ions are in the 2+ state.  I'm really not sure.

Trigger circuit for large xenon flash tubes

I built a trigger circuit for very large xenon flash tubes, which will be used in my ruby laser project.

Electron beam control in a scanning electron microscope

I describe electron beam optics and deflection as they are employed in scanning electron microscopy.

http://web.jfet.org/vclk/ - Deflection amplifier

http://www.johngineer.com/blog/?p=648 - CRT Christmas tree

http://www.fei.com/ - FEI Company

Vacuum and pressure frying fruits and vegetables

I talk about the technique of varying the pressure in a fryer to change how it cooks food.  Lower temperatures and pressures allow the food to be dried, and infused with oil without scorching or browning it. Higher temperatures and pressures keep the interior of the food moist while darkening the exterior. Fruits and vegetables are generally more appealing when vacuum fried, and chicken is arguably better when pressure fried.

How a Mass Flow Controller works

I bought a couple mass flow controllers from eBay to improve the process control of my sputtering chamber.  These MFCs are much better suited than a needle valve and rotameter (manual flowmeter).