Then he laughed, for the new art was so complex and so well developed and so far beyond the present science that there were a horde of little items that could be put to work. The generation of spiral magnetic fluxes, for instance, would far outdo the machinist's magnetic chuck. No plain magnetic attraction this, but a twin-screw of magnetic flux lines throughout the chuck-plate and the metal work, fastening them together. There were means of developing a type of superspeed radio communication along a tight beam that could not be tapped. A simple method of multi-circuit thyratron operation that had both an ionization and a deionization time of a fraction of microsecond or even less. A means of amplifying true square waves without distortion—permitting the paradox of the voltage assuming all values between zero and maximum instantaneously during the rise of the wave from zero to peak. A card-file sorting system capable of maintaining better than three million items and producing any given item with a distribution of near-items on either side—all contained in a desk-cabinet and operating silently within a three second interval. A magneto-physical means of exhausting vacuum tubes and removing occluded gases from the tube electrodes simultaneously. The latter could be kept in operation constantly during the life of the tube, if need arose.
He fastened on the latter. If it would generate the almost-perfect vacuum in a vacuum tube it would also de-air electron microscopes and all other kinds of equipment.
It was simple, too. It was not one of the direct results of the alien science, but it was an item used to develop the science from present technology. Doing it would not introduce anyone to Barden's technology any more than a thorough knowledge of small intricate mechanisms would introduce a mechanician to the field of electronics. But one cannot delve into basic electronic theory without hitting some of the principles of moving machinery.
Thomas Barden made his plans. When the plans were made, he bought tools and parts and went to work. Knowing every factor helped, and not many days passed before he had a working model of his magnetic vacuum pump.
He knew where to take it, luckily. He had worked for Terran Manufacturing, Incorporated and because of his connection there he was not unknown to the chief engineer of Solar Electric. Terran was a small outfit, and though Barden felt that he owed it some loyalty, he felt that the mighty Solar Electric could better afford the price he was prepared to ask. Terran would dig it up—but Solar was prepared at any time for that amount.
And the alien race might not wait—
He was ushered into the office of Hal Weston after an hour of painful waiting. The chief engineer of Solar Electric recognized him with a slight frown.
"You're the fellow who took off on Miss Ward, aren't you?"
"No," smiled Barden. "She happens to be the one that took off on me. I'm still right and I intend to prove it!"