From Franklin to Tesla Orchestra – an experiential lecture from 0 to 1 million volts!

This talk is 100% demonstration and amazement – no slides here.

Through incredible demonstrations, David Ricketts deploys high-voltage science to explain how spark generators, ion-powered motors and aircraft work. See the wonders of elusive plasma toroids and the magical Gassiot Fountain, often used as the grand finale of Victorian high-voltage science demonstrations. Of course no high-voltage talk would be complete without (several) Tesla coils! You’ll see metre-long sparks illuminating the Theatre, as they arc and dance to the musical beat of David’s Tesla coil orchestra.

Dr. Ricketts is a Professor of ECE at NCSU and the Innovator in Ressidence at the Royal Institution, London, where Michael Faraday conducted his entire work in engineering. Dr. Ricketts research is on analog and RF circuits and systems.

David Ricketts

Professor, NC State on April 5, 2024 at 10:15 AM in EB2 1231

Ricketts received his Ph.D. in engineering and applied sciences from Harvard University and his BS and MS degrees in electrical engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Prior to joining academia, he spent eight years in industry developing more than 40 integrated circuits in mixed-signal, RF and power management applications. Ricketts' research crosses the fields of physics, materials science and circuit design, investigating the ultimate capabilities of microelectronic devices and how these devices are harnessed by differing circuit topologies to produce the highest performing systems.

This lecture series features exciting and dynamic visiting and virtual speakers from across the range of ECE disciplines. Take some time every Friday morning to be inspired by these great scientists and engineers before heading into the weekend!