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'why a top toroid...?'




As Richard Hull said, for a multiplicity of reasons.

One key one is to reduce leakage due to ionization, until as late as possible,

A sharp electrode, indeed, any shape not rounded will start to ionize the air
at a lower voltage.  This will act as a load, reducing, indeed, limiting,
the maximum possible voltage achievable at the end of the 1/4 wave system.

By using the maximum size (maximum radius) achievable/practical, the onset of
discharge is postponed until the latest possible point (==highest voltage).

>From this perspective, a rounded spheroid sort of shape (eg common van de Graaf
Tesla Colodaro Springs, etc,) would work as well.  From practical construction
considerations, a toroid is more compact, and adds to other benefits:
shielding of coil, etc.

regards
	dwp