MILLIMICROSECOND PULSE STUDIES. PART 1. IONIZATION PROCESSES IN HIGH-SPEED THYRATRONS
Abstract
Investigations were made of the basic differences in ionization phenomena between H and Hg thyratrons. A study was undertaken of the dependence of commutation time (the interval between the plate-voltage drop and the steady-state full-conduction condition) on tube geometry and gas pressure. Short commutation time was shown to result from the special shielded construction of the H thyratron. Higher gas pressure increased the number of molecules to be ionized, but decreased the collision energy of electrons by reducing their free paths. These opposing effects result in a maximum ionization rate between the low and high pressure extremes. Gas pressure and electrode separation were considered dependent variables; changes in gas pressure had the same effects toward minimizing commutation time as changes in electrode separation for a given anode voltage. At 1750 v and 700-micro pressure, a minimum commutation time and a maximum ionization rate were observed for a 5C22 thyratron.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 1952
- Accession Number
- AD0015433
Entities
People
- William C. Dean
Organizations
- Carnegie Institute of Technology