EXPERIMENTS WITH A SYMMETRICAL, GRADIENT-GRID THYRATRON,
Abstract
A study of the problems associated with the design of high-voltage thyratrons was conducted. The initial device selected for the study is an experimental gradient-grid thyratron that has a symmetrical stacking arrangement to achieve highvoltage holdoff. The design consists basically of a series of split, baffled, cavity grids. The purpose of the cavity is to permit sufficient length on the ceramic spacers to prevent external arcovers. Tests were performed on a 120-kv peak voltage modulator. The modulator consists of a 3.3-microsecond line with a characteristic impedance of 20 ohms, a matched load, and a resonance charging rate of 300 pps. Measurements obtained on a triple-gap structure are discussed. The two-cavity, three-gap geometry is a satisfactory high-voltage structure. Modulator characteristics, such as TAD, delta TAD, minimum E sub bb, and e sub py versus reservoir voltage, were measured. Minimum E sub bb was found to be high. Other characteristics were considered satisfactory. The double cavity permitted operation in air, provided corona from the anode was eliminated. Multiple-gap structures are feasible for operation at voltages in excess of 90 kilovolts. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0613216
Entities
People
- John E. Creedon
Organizations
- United States Army Communications-Electronics Command