Part 3/7:
Paul emphasizes the necessity of precise adjustments in the device's configuration. One critical aspect he discusses is the gap between the corona wire and the "skirt," which is probably part of the electrostatic setup designed to generate ion flow. He admits to a previous mistake where he moved the corona wire too close, causing it to burn out or "drop off," likely due to excessive current or arcing.
To prevent this, he's carefully calibrated the gap and managed the voltage levels, ensuring the corona discharge remains stable without causing damage. His detailed approach highlights the sensitivity of such devices to small adjustments—a hallmark of experimental physics and engineering at this scale.