Chapter 33: Searching for "Light"
Ernst returned to the Berlin Power Company after the completion ceremony of Hohenzollern Castle to check on the progress of the Berlin Electric Power Company. He found that they had been focusing on experimenting with the wick material for electric lamps.
Recalling Edison's work, Ernst and his team experimented with various materials for the lamp's wick and eventually settled on carbonized cotton fiber, later switching to bamboo fiber.
In the laboratory, Ernst observed Carl von Linde deeply engrossed in his work, drawing on blueprints. Not wanting to interrupt the genius at work, Ernst silently waited.
After some time, Carl von Linde finished his work and noticed Ernst's presence. He apologized for not noticing Ernst's arrival due to his intense concentration.
Ernst reassured him and inquired about the progress of the electric light project. Carl von Linde led Ernst to a laboratory on the first floor where a staff member demonstrated an electric light bulb. They explained that the technology was promising, but challenges remained, particularly in achieving the necessary vacuum environment.
Ernst offered support from the Berlin Energy Power Company, which had expertise in precision instruments. Carl von Linde welcomed the collaboration, as he had been struggling with the vacuum technology required for the electric light project.
Ernst and Carl von Linde then visited the headquarters of the Berlin Energy Power Company to discuss potential collaboration with Lenoir and his team. Ernst explained the situation, and Lenoir showed great interest in the project.
Lenoir quickly grasped the idea and made some suggestions. He requested access to Linde's research documents, and together with Linde, they discussed and modified the plans.
As they continued to work through the night, Benz and other experts joined in the discussions. They reached a breakthrough in materials research and devised an improved vacuum technology.
After extensive discussions and adjustments, Lenoir and Linde concluded that they needed three months of experiments to turn their improved vacuum technology into reality. They agreed to cooperate on this project, jointly applied for patents, and agreed to share a 20% ownership stake held by Hexingen Bank.
This collaboration marked significant progress in their quest to improve electric lighting.
(end of Chapter 33)