The previous parts of this article explored the photomultiplier tube (Part 1 and Part 2), which is based on a simple, fairly clear physics principle, although building a high-performance PMT is an art and requires various skills, of course. This part looks at a microwave/mm-wave amplifier called the traveling wave tube (TWT – often pronounced […]

Part 2 of this article looked at the amazing engineering and construction of dual under-river tunnels that were constructed to connect NY’s Manhattan Island to New Jersey and the rest of the mainland US and the electric locomotives that made the project possible. This final part looks at the design, short life, and sad fate […]

Part 1 of this article established the context of the problem and why it had defied solution for so long. Once electric locomotives became a viable source of motive power, the tunnel project moved ahead with astonishing speed. The tunnel defies the critics Critics said it couldn’t be done, and they had reason to say […]

The development of powerful electric traction motors and locomotives was key to enabling visionaries to realize their dream of a mile-long tunnel under the Hudson River, linking New York to New Jersey and the rest of the mainland USA. Over the past few years, there’s been semi-serious talk about digging new tunnels under the Hudson […]